After a three year lapse Ballygalget regained the Democrat Media Down SHC title with this most impressive victory over Portaferry in McKenna Park Ballycran yesterday.

The winners were always in control. They showed greater intent, commitment, hunger and above all they had superior skills and teamwork.

Portaferry never looked like they would really extend the winners.

One of the largest crowds at a Down hurling final in years saw Ballygalget lift their 16th title and move one ahead of Portaferry in the title race.

Portaferry opened with a point from Paul Braniff after four minutes. But that was the only time they led during the hour.

With six minutes gone Martin Coulter raced through the static Ports defence and sent to the net. Niall Magee pointed a Portaferry free but the winners came back with two points from Stephen Clarke and one each from Martin Coulter and Eoin Clarke. Nearing half time, points were exchanged twice as Ballygalget led by 1-6 to 0-4 at the interval.

Ballygalget restarted with two Martin Coulter points and with 10 minutes gone Barry Coulter crossed for Shane Bailie to send to the net and at that stage the McVeagh Cup was on its way back to Ballygalget. With 10 minutes left to play they led by 2-10 to 0-6 and although Paul Braniff pointed three Portaferry frees the winners finished with two point from substitute Johnny McGrattan and one from Paddy Coulter to run out deserved and convincing winners.

Ballygalget: Gabriel Clarke; L. Clarke, A. Dynes, C. Braniff; S. Roddy (0-1), Gabriel Clarke, S. Johnson; P. Monan, D. Flynn; S. Bailie (1-0), G. Flynn, S. Clarke (0-3); M. Coulter (1-4), B. Coulter, E. Clarke (0-1).

Subs: P. Coulter (0-2) for E. Clarke' J. McGrattan (0-2) for S. Bailie; C. Doran for G. Flynn.

Portaferry: C. Keating; C. O'Prey, J. Trainor, R. Conlon; E. Adair, B. Coleman, B. Milligan; C. Coulter, R. McGrattan; J. Convery (0-1), D. Coffey, G. Adair; N. Magee (0-3), P. Braniff (0-5), A. Savage.

Subs: K. McGarry for G. Adair; N. Kelly fort N. Magee R. Magee fort R. McGrattan; E. Trainor for D. Coffey.

Referee: H. Torney (Ballycran).