Carlow 2-7 Longford 1-19
Longford made short work of Carlow during a blistering first-half display at Dr Cullen Park yesterday.
Jack Sheedy's side dominated all over the field with forwards Brian Kavanagh, Francis McGee and Paul McKeon in top scoring form.
Centre forward McGee scored their fine goal in the 32nd minute and that put the visitors 1-12 to nil ahead.
The introduction of star midfielder Brendan Murphy at half time lifted Carlow and the Rathvilly clubman pointed from play within a minute of the restart to get his side off the mark. Carlow won that second half by 2-7 to 0-6 but it was simply a matter for damage limitation for Anthony Rainbow's men by that stage. Goals in the 44th and 52nd minutes from Carlow's Shane McGrath and Seamus Kinsella brought respectability to the scoreline but left the home support to reflect ruefully on an inept opening half display.
Two Carlow players Barry-John Molloy and Mark Curry received black cards.
LONGFORD: P Columb; D Keogh, F Battrim, A Rowan; G Farrell, F Reilly, G Smith; K Diffley (0-1), J Keegan; B Farrell (0-1), F McGee (1-4, 0-2 45s), D Cooney; P McKeon (0-5, 0-1 free), B Kavanagh (0-5, 0-2 frees), C Mimnagh (0-2). Subs: P Gill (0-1) for McGee (inj 40); C Smyth for G Smith (53); S Cox for Reilly (60); S Doyle for McKeon (67); E Williams for Farrell (68); P Brady for Keogh (68).
CARLOW: A O'Brien; B J Molloy, M Meaney, R Mahon; K Nolan, B Kavanagh, G Power; H Gahan, D Foley (0-1); R O'Brien, D St Ledger (0-2, 0-1 free), D Bambrick; S McGrath (1-0), J Kane, S Kinsella (1-3, 0-3 frees). Subs: J O'Donoghue for B J Molloy (black card) (6); M Curry for Meaney (22); B Murphy (0-1) for Kane (h/t); D Kinsella for Curry (black card) (55).
Referee: E Kinsella (Laois).
