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Down they have advanced to the Christy Ring Cup final after beating Offaly 3-2 in the first penalty shootout of the inter-county hurling championship at Páirc Esler in Newry.
The teams were tied at the end of regulation at 1-16 each, but a second goal from Down by Daíthí Sands seemed to have done enough to seal it in extra time.
Liam Langton appeared with two late points to make a tying game – 2-20 to 1-23 – after 90 minutes plus stoppage time and penalties.
Offaly took a 2-0 lead on penalties after scoring his first and two down misses, but then the Mornemen converted three in a row when Offaly’s goalkeeper Stephen Corcoran, who had saved Down’s first, launched his fourth wide penalty and Cillian Kiely’s effort was stopped. .
Down will play Kildare in the final after the Lilywhites defeated Roscommon 3-24 to 1-09 in the day’s other semi-final.
At Nicky Rackard CupDonegal and Mayo booked their places in the final with resounding victories.
Donegal beat neighboring Tyrone 3-25 to 1-16 after losing by one point at halftime (1-13 to 1-12) at Letterkenny.
Gerard Gilmore’s two goals after the restart were decisive for Donegal.
Colm Moreton scored an early goal for Leitrim against Mayo at Castlebar, but a Brian Moley goal helped Mayo draw, 1-08 apiece, in the interval.
The green flags of Cathal Freeman and Shane Boland in the second half facilitated the victory of the Greens and Reds 3-23 to 1-11.
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