Meath hosted Mayo in the opening round of the Christy Ring Cup this afternoon. Photo: Mayo GAA

Mayo run Meath close in Christy Ring Cup opener

Mayo ran Meath very close before losing by two points in their opening Christy Ring Cup encounter this afternoon.

Finalists last year, Mayo were always in contention against their hosts in Páirc Tailteann, Navan, despite the concession of two first-half goals.

The prolific Cormac Philips kept the Green and Red in the hunt, although Meath had a five-point advantage at the break (2-11 to 0-12).

With eight minutes to go there was just a point between the teams (2-17 to 0-22) after Mayo substitute Michael Farrell had split the posts, but Meath steadied the ship with some late scores and were able to keep Mayo at arm's length to win by 2-20 to 0-24 in the end.

Next up for Mayo is a clash with Tyrone next Saturday (April 22) in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, with games to follow against Derry, London and Sligo.