Good evening everybody, you’re very welcome along to our minute-by-minute tracker of this evening’s championship football action from across Leinster, Connacht and Ulster.
As we speak Meath and Carlow are currently battling it out in the Leinster quarter-finals, with Tyrone and Antrim set to get underway in the Ulster SFC quarter-final very shortly at 6pm.
We will be bringing you all the latest scores from both those games, while focussing on the two other massive clashes in Castlebar and Portlaoise, as Mayo face Roscommon in the first Connacht semi-final and defending All-Ireland champions Dublin meet Louth.
Stick with us, it promises to be a busy evening of football action across the provinces as this year’s championship kicks into gear.
Today’s fixtures…
Leinster SFC
Meath v Carlow, Portlaoise, 5pm
Dublin v Louth, Portlaoise, 7pm
Connacht SFC
Mayo v Roscommon, Castlebar, 7pm
Ulster SFC
Tyrone v Antrim, Athletic Grounds, 6pm
The latest from O’Moore Park sees Meath 2-10 to 0-7 ahead against Carlow with 20 minutes left on the clock. Carlow have been reduced to 14 men, after Seán Murphy was dismissed for a straight red card. Mickey Newman and Padraic Harnan with first-half goals for Meath.
2019 @gaaleinster Senior 🏐 Championship Qtr-Final
— Meath GAA (@MeathGAA) May 25, 2019
15mins 2nd half@MeathGAA: 2-10(16)@Carlow_GAA: 0-7(7)@MeathGAA point from play 4. Shane Gallagher
Meanwhile in Ulster, Mattie Donnelly has knocked over another point for Tyrone to see his side take a 0-4 to 0-1 lead against Antrim with ten minutes on the clock. Peter Harte, Cathal McShane and Michael Cassidy with the other scores for Mickey Harte’s side.
Ulster Senior Championship QF:
— Tyrone GAA (@TyroneGAALive) May 25, 2019
10mins - 1st Half
Tyrone: 0-04
Antrim: 0-01
Super work from Ben McDonnell! The Errigal man rips through the Antrim defence and plays Mattie Donnelly through. Donnelly opts to fist the ball over the bar.#RivalryRenewed #Ulster2019
The Dubs have arrived in Portlaoise ahead of their Leinster quarter-final meeting with Louth at 7pm. Jim Gavin’s men are seeking a ninth consecutive provincial title this season, with Dublin failing to taste a single defeat in Leinster since the 2010 decider against Meath all those years ago at Croke Park.
Jim & the team have just arrived into Portlaoise. #UpTheDubs
— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) May 25, 2019
🔵🔵🔵 pic.twitter.com/5OgEQusq0Z
Mayo and Roscommon also get underway at 7pm this evening in Castlebar. Both teams have arrived at MacHale Park ahead of throw-in.
The lights are on & the rain has blown off here in Castlebar nearly all set for for this huge clash, best wishes to our big west mayo contingent this evening & all the @MayoGAA lads #red&green #thejourneycontinues
— West Mayo Gaa (@Westmayogaa) May 25, 2019
Meath are continuing to pull away against Carlow with a little over five minutes left to go. Andy McEntee’s men are closing in on a Leinster semi-final spot, with Michael Newman tacking on another score to bring his personal tally to 1-5.
2019 @gaaleinster Senior 🏐 Championship Qtr-Final
— Meath GAA (@MeathGAA) May 25, 2019
27mins 2nd half@MeathGAA: 2-13(19)@Carlow_GAA: 0-9(9)@MeathGAA point from free 14. Michael Newman
Mattie Donnelly with another score for Tyrone, who now lead 0-9 to 0-3 against Antrim. He drives through his opponent’s defence yet again before knocking the ball over Padraig Nugent’s crossbar from close range.
It’s all over at O’Moore Park as Meath overcome Carlow 2-18 to 0-9. A comfortable evening for the Royals, who can now look forward to a Leinster semi-final.
SCORERS
— Meath GAA (@MeathGAA) May 25, 2019
2019 @gaaleinster Senior 🏐 Championship Qtr-Final
Full time@MeathGAA: 2-18(24)@Carlow_GAA: 0-9(9) pic.twitter.com/GZAdvMgQfv
It’s half-time at the Athletic Grounds with Tyrone taking a hefty 1-16 to 0-5 lead into the break against Antrim. Tiernan McCann with the goal as Mickey Harte’s men lead by 14 points at the break. Impressively, there’s been 10 different scorers for the Red Hand so far.
Official attendance here this evening in the Athletic Grounds for @AontroimGAA v @TyroneGAALive is 5,409 #Ulster2019 pic.twitter.com/hb1SOWvZ4z
— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) May 25, 2019
We’ve now just 15 minutes away in this evening’s two games in Connacht and Leinster. The All-Ireland champions have taken to the field in Portlaoise as Dublin prepare to face Louth shortly. The warm-ups are underway.
And they’re out 👊👊👊
— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) May 25, 2019
Match updates here from 7pm#UpTheDubs #DUBvLOU pic.twitter.com/HM0UehMUvj
Some pre-game reading material ahead of throw-in:
- ‘We had a few beers and Paul was crying on the tour bus. He kept saying: I cannot believe I’ve won an All-Ireland’
- ‘There’s an odd free pint’ – Mayo fans embracing ‘celebrity’ status after New York photo
- GAA to take part in next month’s Dublin Pride Parade for the first time
- James McCarthy: ’Everyone has their self-doubts…You’re the one getting chased all the time’
- Captain back as Mayo make 3 changes for Connacht clash with Roscommon
Meath absolutely breezed past Carlow this evening, with the Royals now set to face the winners of Westmeath and Laois in the semi-finals. You can read Kevin O’Brien’s on-the-whistle match report from Portlaoise here.
A strong travelling support from the capital this evening up in Laois.
The Hill’s made the trip 💪💪
— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) May 25, 2019
Who’s here in Portlaoise? Tweet us your pics showing your support for the Boys in Blue 💪#UpTheDubs pic.twitter.com/Guqk318ltI
Throw-in: We’re underway in Portlaoise and in Castlebar for this evening’s games!
Mayo 0-1 Roscommon 0-0
After Rob Hennelly initially missed the chance to break the deadlock from a close-range free, Mattie Ruane kicks over the bar to get Mayo up and running with a minute on the clock. A tidy finish in front of goal with his right boot.
Louth 0-1 Dublin 0-0
Louth take the lead against Dublin with an early score thanks to Ryan Burns, who was a late replacement shortly before throw-in in place of Sam Mulroy.
Mayo 0-2 Roscommon 0-0
A second successive score for Mayo, who appear very comfortable early on here. Darren Coen on target to double his side’s advantage.
Mayo 0-4 Roscommon 1-0
Another important score for Mayo, this time Paddy Durcan storms forward and pops an accurate point over the bar to re-gain the lead.
Mayo 0-4 Roscommon 2-1
It’s another goal for Roscommon! Ultan Harney palms the ball into the back of Rob Hennelly’s net from close range to give his side the lead following a dreadful short kick-out from the Mayo goalkeeper. The Rossies lead by three points.
Louth 0-1 Dublin 0-4
Cormac Costello with a free for Dublin to give Jim Gavin’s men a bit of breathing space on the scoreboard already. Four unanswered scores sees the Dubs three points ahead with eleven minutes played in Portlaoise.
Here’s that Cathal Cregg goal from earlier. A cracking finish.
Cathal Cregg opens up Roscommon's scoring with a terrific goal! pic.twitter.com/qqwwiFk2l4
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 25, 2019
Mayo 0-4 Roscommon 2-2
Conor Daly ventures forward from half-back and slips the ball over the crossbar. It’s been a really impressive start here by Roscommon, with Mayo struggling and under a little bit of pressure.
Mayo 0-6 Roscommon 2-2
Mayo respond just when it was needed with two scores in a row. Lee Keegan points to cut the deficit to three points, before Evan Regan kicks a free from close range to make it 0-6 to 2-2. A thrilling start here, it has to be said.
Louth 0-1 Dublin 0-6
Two more frees from the right boot of Cormac Costello sees Dublin go five points ahead against Laois. That early score from Ryan Burns must seem like an eternity ago now as Jim Gavin’s men begin to take a firm grip of this quarter-final.
And here is that Ultan Harney goal, too. A composed finish in front of goal to punish a really poor short kick-out from Rob Hennelly.
Ultan Harney with Roscommon's second goal! pic.twitter.com/8W35Ip0H7w
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 25, 2019
Mayo 0-6 Roscommon 2-3
Conor Cox with another brilliant score for Roscommon to put his side three points ahead.
Louth 0-3 Dublin 0-7
Louth finally find a response after a prolonged period of Dubs dominance. Andy McDonnell points, before Ryan Burns finds his second score of the game soon afterwards. Four points between the sides now with twenty minutes gone in the first half.
Louth 0-3 Dublin 1-7
Goal! Con O’Callaghan with a deft finish following some neat exchanges of passes in the Dublin forward line to put Jim Gavin’s back in the driving seat. They now lead by seven thanks to the Cuala man’s strike.
Meanwhile in Ulster, Tyrone are still firmly on track against Antrim despite a second-half comeback. Ryan Murray with the latest score for Antrim, two frees in a row for him, but his side still trail by 13 points with just a couple of minutes left to go.
Ulster Senior Championship QF:
— Tyrone GAA (@TyroneGAALive) May 25, 2019
33mins - 2nd Half
Tyrone: 2-22
Antrim: 2-09
Ryan Murray converts a 30m free kick for Antrim.#RivalryRenewed #Ulster2019
Mayo 0-7 Roscommon 2-5
Evan Regan and Darren Coen points has seen Mayo begin to close the gap in Castlebar. The rain is really beginning to poor down at MacHale Park, though, creating greasy conditions for both sides. Four points in it.
Louth 0-4 Dublin 1-9
Cormac Costello has been precise from frees for Dublin so far this evening. He converts another just moments after Jim McEneaney found the target for Louth. Dublin now lead by eight with five minutes to go before half-time.
Mayo 0-8 Roscommon 2-5
Evan Regan with another score for Mayo to cut the deficit to three points approaching the break. The soaking conditions means this game could turn into a very physical affair in the second half. Players are slipping left and right as the rain continues to poor.
Louth 0-4 Dublin 1-10
Niall Scully draws the foul, earning Dublin another free. Costello takes command and has no trouble kicking over the bar yet again to extend Dublin’s lead to nine points. Very comfortable for the All-Ireland champions at the moment.
Evan Regan curls over a fantastic score for Mayo! pic.twitter.com/9hhAs5ynFW
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 25, 2019
Mayo 0-9 Roscommon 2-6
Darren O’Malley shows heaps of confidence, kicking over from distance for the Rossies. Lee Keegan provides an immediate response. The four-time All-Star dashes forward to the edge of the D and kicks over the bar. An energetic run capped off with a fine score. Four minutes of stoppage time to come.
Mayo 0-10 Roscommon 2-6
Matthew Ruane gets in on the scoring action to cut Roscommon’s lead to just two points. The led by five points not so long ago, but Mayo have absolutely rallied just before half-time. A lot better from James Horan’s men here.
Louth 0-4 Dublin 1-12
Two more frees are kicked over from the right boot of Cormac Costello. He has been absolutely clinical this evening.
HALF-TIME:
Mayo 0-10 Roscommon 2-6
Louth 0-4 Dublin 1-12
Half-way there and it’s Roscommon and Dublin who lead at the break. It’s been a relatively straightforward affair for the defending Leinster and All-Ireland champions in Portlaoise, with Cormac Costello’s incredibly accurate free-taking the key difference so far against Louth.
Jim Gavin’s men will have to play the second period a man down, however, after Paul Mannion was sent off following a red card for the Kilmacud Crokes forward late on in the first half.
Over in Castlebar it’s been a bit of a thriller so far. Two quick-fire goals from Cathal Cregg and Ultan Harney saw Roscommon stun Mayo early doors, before James Horan’s men slowly ate away at the Rossies’ lead to cut the deficit to two points as things stand.
Over in Ulster, Tyrone have prevailed against Antrim. A 2-23 to 2-9 victory for Mickey Harte’s men sees his side advance to the semi-finals of the Ulster SFC where they will now face either Fermanagh or Donegal.
More action to come shortly!
Dublin in command but down to 14 men, after Paul Mannion’s red card. #UpTheDubs #DUBvLOU pic.twitter.com/0lctZCin1v
— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) May 25, 2019
Second-half: We’re back underway in both games!
Louth 0-4 Dublin 1-13
Cormac Costello picks up where he left off in the first period, knocking over an early free just one minute after the throw-in here. Dublin now lead by 12 points, with Louth facing a massive challenge ahead.
Louth 0-4 Dublin 1-14
Another score for Costello. His latest free hits the post, but the Whitehall Colmcille’s man follows up, regains possession of the ball and converts for his second score in as many minutes.
Mayo 0-11 Roscommon 2-6
Evan Regan pops over his third score of the evening. Mayo have now scored five of the game’s last six scores, now cutting the deficit to just a single point. James Horan’s men have been forced to dig deep, but now have a serious amount of momentum behind them.
Louth 0-4 Dublin 2-14
Goal! It’s a second goal of the evening for Dublin and this time it’s 2018 Footballer of the Year Brian Fenton. Some lovely exchange of passes between Niall Scully and Ciaran Kilkenny, before Fenton takes possession and provides a close-range finish.
Mayo 0-11 Roscommon 2-7
A fine free from Darren O’Malley restores a little bit of breathing room for Roscommon. It’s been a considerable amount of time since the Rossies scored from open play. Regardless, they remain two points to the good.
Louth 0-4 Dublin 2-14
Two changes for the Dubs. After making his championship debut today, Lucan Sarsfields’ midfielder Darren Galvin is replaced by Michael Darragh MacAuley. Philly McMahon is also sprung from the bench, coming on for Cian O’Sullivan at the back.
Mayo 0-11 Roscommon 2-8
What a score! Conor Cox takes on his man and fires a stunning long-range effort off his right boot. He needed plenty of power to make up the distance, but he manages to get enough behind his strike and watches as it sails over the crossbar. It’s his second score of the evening to make it a one-score game. Three points in it.
Mayo 0-13 Roscommon 2-8
Darren Coen responds down the other end, his fourth and fifth scores of the evening from just seven attempts on target. He has been very clinical, taking full responsibility after coming back into the inter-county panel this year. Two crucial scores one after the other from the Hollymount/Carramore man.
Mayo 0-13 Roscommon 2-9
Wow, oh wow. It’s turning into a right shoot-out in Castlebar now! Conor Cox with a brilliant left-footed score from distance to keep Roscommon ahead. Two points in it now as we approach the final quarter. This has been a cracking game, it has to be said.
Louth 0-5 Dublin 3-15
Goal! It’s a third goal of the evening for Dublin and it’s an immediate impact off the bench from former Footballer of the Year Michael Darragh MacAuley. Jim McEneaney had found a first score of the half for Louth, but the Dubs have pulled away again. 19 points between the sides now.
Mayo 0-15 Roscommon 2-9
Andy Moran brings a deafening cheer from the home supporters with a cracking point from close range. Paddy Durcan follows that up with a score of his own, punishing a poor kick-out from Darren O’Malley. We’re all level again!
Louth 0-5 Dublin 3-16
Cormac Costello with another free for Dublin. Niall Scully’s day is done as he is replaced by Kevin McManamon off the bench for the defending Leinster champions. Just a little over 15 minutes remaining as Jim Gavin’s veer towards a semi-final spot.
Louth 0-5 Dublin 4-16
Goal! It’s a fourth goal for Dublin, and this time it’s Cormac Costello. The 24-year-old has been clinical from frees all throughout this evening and he finds a score on the other of the crossbar to add to his impressive tally. Some good work by Michael Darragh MacAuley to set him up there.
Mayo 0-15 Roscommon 2-10
Roscommon regain the lead! Enda Smith delivers a crucial score from distance, with the captain really and truly leading from the front as his side seek to cause a big upset this evening at MacHale Park.
Louth 0-7 Dublin 4-16
Louth find a response down the other end after another lengthy period of Dublin dominance. Ryan Burns’ free is followed up by another point from the boot of Robert McDaid.
Mayo 0-16 Roscommon 2-10
Fergal Boland with a crucial score for Mayo from play. We’re level again with just a little over ten minutes to go in Castlebar. This has been a thriller, but will there be more late drama to come?
Louth 0-8 Dublin 4-17
Eoghan Callaghan kicks over the bar for Louth, a third score in quick succession. That point came after Ciaran Kilkenny found the target for Dublin shortly beforehand. 21 points between the sides now.
Mayo 0-17 Roscommon 2-10
Fergal Boland gives Mayo the lead! It’s the half-forwards second score of the game from four attempts on goal. Can James Horan’s side hang on here?
Louth 0-8 Dublin 5-18
Goal! It’s going from bad to worse for Louth here. Philly McMahon, only on the pitch 20 odd minutes, finds the back of the net. The Ballymun Kickhams’ man loves to get forward when the opportunity arises and he finds the back of the net with a tidy finish into the bottom corner. Paddy Small adds another point for good measure.
Mayo 0-17 Roscommon 2-11
Conor Cox levels proceedings yet again! He strikes a pinpoint free high and over the crossbar, his fifth score of the evening. There’s just nothing to separate these sides, who have been slogging it out with all they have in the second half. What a game.
Mayo 0-17 Roscommon 2-11
Black card! David Murray is penalised for a deliberate pull-down on Paddy Durkin with just two minutes left on the clock. Roscommon need to bring on a substitute quick now. Will we be heading for extra-time, or will someone find a winner in stoppage time?
Louth 0-9 Dublin 5-20
There’s a sixth goal for Dublin… but it won’t count. Paddy Small finds the back of the net in the 69th minute, but he is deemed to have been in the square illegally. Michael Fitzsimons points, though, as Dublin quickly regain possession in attack.
Mayo 0-17 Roscommon 2-11
Roscommon have used up all their substitutes and can’t bring another player on. Anthony Cunningham’s side will have to play the remainder of stoppage time a man down here. The drama!
Mayo 0-17 Roscommon 2-11
There will be five minutes of stoppage time to come in Castlebar, and you really do feel that the next score will potentially win this game. It’s frantic out there as both sides try and find an opening.
Mayo 0-17 Roscommon 2-12
What a score! Roscommon regain the lead with a stunning score from distance. Cathal Cregg finds himself in possession outside the D, and composes himself before firing an almighty effort between the sticks. Incredible kick from distance.
Mayo 0-17 Roscommon 2-12
Black card! Andy Moran’s evening is over with one minute to go as the veteran forward is shown a black card. Mayo scramble to get a replacement on and try and find a late equaliser here. Everyone’s nerves are shot.
Mayo 0-17 Roscommon 2-12
Mayo have a last-ditch free to try and level. Kevin McLaughlin is the man to take it… but he fails to convert as his strike curls just wide of the post agonisingly. That should be the last kick of the game with Roscommon a point ahead.
FULL-TIME:
Mayo 0-17 Roscommon 2-12
Louth 0-10 Dublin 5-21
It’s all over in Castlebar and in Portlaoise too. Kevin McLaughlin had to chance to level with a late free for Mayo, but he fails to convert and Roscommon secure their first victory at MacHale Park in 18 years.
Dublin had a straightforward affair against Louth and have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Leinster SFC with a dominant 0-10 to 5-21 victory. Jim Gavin’s men were reduced to 14 men shortly before half-time when Paul Mannion was shown a red card.
But a handful of goals from Cormac Costello, Michael Darragh MacAuley and Philly McMahon after the interval saw the Dubs go from strength-to-strength and book their place in the final four.
Over at MacHale Park, it was nothing short of a thriller. Quick-fire goals from Cathal Cregg and Ultan Harney saw Roscommon go ahead early doors. James Horan’s men slowly cut the deficit back to level and actually go ahead.
But Anthony Cunningham’s Rossies held firm, with Fintan Cregg ultimately firing over an almighty score from distance on his leg peg to book his side’s place in this year’s Connacht final.
Thanks a million for joining us this evening. Cya soon!
All over in Portlaoise & Dublin are into the Leinster SFC Semi-final, after a comfortable win over Louth. #UpTheDubs #DUBvLOU pic.twitter.com/Un0cNGy6kZ
— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) May 25, 2019
#ConnachtGAA Senior Championship Semi-Final
— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) May 25, 2019
Full time#MayoGAA:0-17(17)#RoscommonGAA:2-12(18).
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A good manager. Great season Aston villa are having.
A great ebening for Villa fans. Manager of the year in my opinion.
@Ronnie Pickering: he has brought Villa back to the big guys table. Without the laundering.
@Ronnie Pickering: see what you did there
Funny how he was made a scapegoat and laughed out of it at Arsenal and made to look like an absolute fool… Most of the people who slagged him off and said he was useless then are probably saying he’s manager if the year now. A really good proven coach before and now after Arsenal. Just because it doesn’t work at a certain club doesn’t make you you bad manager. Movyes at Utd rings a bell too. Uefa conference winner. Ironic how Utd will most likely be in that competition next season.
@robert kelly: Another article that has nothing to do with Man Utd but someone manages to shoehorn them into the conversation. They are just never far from peoples thoughts.
@David Staed: because they make everyone laugh
@David Staed: I was making a point comparing managerial appointments and the similar situations of Unai Emery and David Moyes that were treated terribly and used as scapegoats which ultimately nearly ended each of their careers but in turn went on to be successful elsewhere… No more no less. Thanks Dave good man
A brilliant manager. A real tactician.
I was thinking of putting on a Spanish accent while giving my team talk Sunday morning, I wonder would it work?