DOWN 3-13 CARLOW 0-19
A 45th-minute Paul Braniff goal was the key score as Down edged Carlow by three points in a lively clash at Páirc Esler.
First-half goals from Gareth Johnson and Braniff ensured a 2-07 to 0-10 lead for the hosts, despite losing Kieran Courtney to a second yellow card after 22 minutes.
Carlow kept the gap at two points for most of the second half, with Colin Hughes (0-09) top-scoring.
However, Down's greater resolve saw them hold out for the win and a home draw in the quarter-finals.
KERRY 7-10 MEATH 4-13
Kerry's hurlers slammed home seven goals as they overcame 14-man Meath at Tralee.
A Michael Conway goal gave Kerry the lead at the end of a close opening quarter.
Michael Cole netted to cut the gap to a point, but Billy Brick and Liam Doyle goals gave Kerry a 3-05 to 1-05 23rd-minute lead.
Meath, who had Cole dismissed, battled on but Kerry's attack fired strongly in the second half and saw them home.
ARMAGH 0-13 KILDARE 5-16
A strong second-half display at Keady ensured Andy Comerford's Kildare claimed a home quarter-final draw next weekend.
Michael Divilly converted two excellent goals during a game in which the visitors always hold the upper hand.
An early brace ensured Kildare led by 2-02 to 0-05 at the end of the opening quarter.
However, a lifeless opening half was turned on its head on the restart, with Richie Hoban, Tony Murphy and Colm Buggy impressing. A David Harney penalty strike confirmed the Lilywhites' progress.
WICKLOW 1-18 WESTMEATH 1-15
Wicklow came good in the second half at Arklow as they surprised defending Christy Ring Cup champions Westmeath.
The hosts led by 1-09 to 0-09 at half-time and kept up the momentum in the second half to hold out for the win.
A goal from Portumna's Leo Smith, 26 minutes into the second half, gave Westmeath some hope but it was a poor first half display which cost Johnny Dooley's side.
Impressive performances from corner-forward Don Hyland, Eamon Furlong at full-forward and Jonathan O'Neill in midfield helped Wicklow take the spoils.
