Sligo hurlers run in this year's Christy Ring Cup competition ended at Markievicz Park on Saturday, as a gutsy performance against Division 2B league winners Meath came up just short as the Royal County ran out 0-24 to 0-18 winners.
The win sets up a Christy Ring decider for Meath against Derry next month after the Oak Leaf County beat Mayo in Owenbeg.
There was little between Sligo and Meath for much of the first half with Andy Kilcullen's accurate free-taking (0-12) keeping the home side well in touch throughout.
But Meath, led by the impressive Jack Regan and Eamonn O'Donnchadha in attack, always carried menace.
They led by 0-14 to 0-10 at half-time and when Sligo closed the gap in the closing quarter of the game to a single point, the visitors were able to find another gear and close out the game by six points.
While Sligo were relegated from the Division 2B after a play-off earlier in the year, the championship campaign will be viewed as a positive run as Sligo continue to edge closer to a first-ever appearance in a Christy Ring Cup decider.
Saturday's Christy Ring Cup results
Sligo 0-18 Meath 0-24
Derry 0-30 Mayo 1-11
Tyrone 4-17 London 2-28
