All-Ireland Camogie: Saffrons qualify for knockout stages as Down lose to Cork

Caitrin Dobbin scored a first-half goal for Antrim against Offaly

Antrim beat Offaly to qualify for the knockout stages of the All-Ireland Camogie Championship, while Down were easily beaten by Cork.

The Saffrons led 2-10 to 1-7 at Portglenone before going on to secure a 3-16 to 1-12 Group One victory on Saturday afternoon.

Down lost their Group Three opener and there was a further blow to their Group Three hopes at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Cork were favourites and they duly delivered with a 3-19 to 1-10 win.

Down moved 1-3 to 0-3 in front on 18 minutes after Olivia Boyle found the Cork net from a free.

Cork responded with a goal four minutes later as Katrina Mackey fired home from close range.

The hosts finished the first half strongly with further goals from Amy O'Connor and Mackey helping them to a 3-6 to 1-5 lead at the break.

There were no further goals in the second half as Cork eased clear for a comfortable victory while Down's Niamh Mallon finished with a 10-point haul.

McCormick shines for Saffrons

Antrim saw off the challenge of Offaly for their second successive win in the competition with Aine Magill, Caitrin Dobbin and Roisin McCormick netting for the Ulster hosts.

It follows their opening group victory a fortnight ago when they defeated Limerick by four points in Dunloy.

McCormick was the Saffrons' star performer scoring a goal and ten points in an entertaining encounter.

Offlay raced into an early lead with scores from Sarah Harding, Siobhan Flannery and Orlagh Phelan establishing a three-point advantage.

McCormick spearheaded Antrim's fight-back, hauling them level with three consecutive points before setting up Magill for the Saffrons' first goal.

The duo continued their fine partnership, recording the next three points between them before Becky Bryant and Labhaoise Glynn drew Offlay to within a goal of Antrim.

The Ulster county's lead was wiped out when Glynn scored after 22 minutes.

Antrim finished the half strongly, with Dobbin scoring a goal and McCormick firing home two more points to send Elaine Dowds' side in at break leading 2-10 to 1-7.

Bryant replied with a few points for Offaly in the second half, but McCormick continued to torment their defence.

She took one touch to control Dobbin's delivery on the stick before a second helped her to smash home a third goal for Antrim.

There was no way back for Offaly, with the Saffrons qualifying for the knockout rounds with a game to spare.