Down 3-16 0-10 St Mary's

Cathal Magee scored two goals in the second half for dominant Down

Down began the defence of their Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup title with a thumping 15-point win over St Mary's at Pairc Esler in Newry.

The students had led 0-8 to 0-7 at half-time with Barry McGoldrick landing five of their points, but Ross Carr's Down dominated in the second half.

Cathal Magee scored from a penalty in the first minute after the restart after he had been fouled.

Magee scored another goal 10 minutes later with John Fagan adding the third.

St Mary's did not score in the second half until 10 minutes from time when CJ McCourty pointed.

Down had two players yellow-carded and they had to be replaced under the new rules.

Aidan Carr came on for John Boyle while Stephen Kearney was replaced by Michael Magee.