Kildare have a perfect Deay in Ring decider

KILDARE celebrated a Christy Ring success at Croke Park – just weeks after League relegation.

Trailing by a point (2-10 to 2-9) at the break, wingforward Bernard Deay shot 1-3 including the golden goal that clinched a maiden Ring Cup title with a 4-18 to 2-22 victory over Kerry.

Goalkeeper Paul Dermody, Gerry Keegan and Ray McLoughney also found the net.

It was a shock victory for Brian Lawlor’s Lilies who were relegated from Division 2A in tame fashion.

They can now prepare for a play-off with Westmeath on Saturday to see who plays in the 2015 Leinster Championship.

Meanwhile, captain Damien Casey was the inspiration behind Tyrone’s Rackard Cup breakthrough. The centre-forward shot eight points as they held off a Fingal rally for a 117 to 1-16 win.

Tyrone led 1-8 to 0-10 at half-time thanks to Christopher Cross’ 25th minute goal. But despite a 71st minute Dave Smyth goal, Fingal just couldn’t close the gap.

Earlier, Joe O’Brien shot 2-2 to help secure Longford’s second Lory Meagher Cup title over Fermanagh 3-18 to 3-16.

Free-taker Eoin Donnellan hit 1-9 for the winners and his 58th minute goal put them six clear.

They were pushed all the way though as Declan McGarry scored his and Fermanagh’s third goal late on. Both sides finished with 14 men.