Longford 0-16
Offaly 0-13
LONGFORD WILL PLAY reigning champions Dublin in the Leinster SFC quarter-finals after a brilliant second-half comeback to beat Offaly.
Michael Quinn missed a first-half penalty as Longford fell seven points behind in front of 4,959 in O’Connor Park.
But with the wind at their back, they reeled off 11 of the last 12 scores to stun the home crowd.
Offaly ran out 13-point winners when these sides met in the Division 4 league final last month but the visitors turned that form on its head in Tullamore.
Their reward is a trip to Croke Park on 31 May where they will be massive underdogs against a Dublin team seeking a 10th provincial title in 11 years.
It was Longford who started the strongest and they led by 0-5 to 0-4 after 26 minutes.
But some resolute defending from Offaly held them scoreless for 20 minutes from that point, including a save by goalkeeper Alan Mulhall to deny Quinn from the spot.
Offaly led by 0-9 to 0-5 at the break, and when they built on that advantage after the restart to lead 0-12 to 0-5, they looked to have one foot in the next round.
But it was Longford who dominated the final 25 minutes with Brian Kavanagh leading the way with three second-half points from full-forward.
A point from Colm P Smyth drew them level at 0-13 apiece with five minutes to play before Dessie Reynolds, Kavanagh and Ross McNerney clinched the win.
Longford
1. Paddy Collum (Fr. Manning Gaels)
2. Dermot Brady (Longford Slashers)
3. Barry O’Farrell (Carrickedmond)
19. Cian Farrelly (Emmet Óg)
5. Colm P. Smyth (Abbeylara)
6. Diarmuid Masterson (Dromard)
21. Barry McKeon (Colmcille)
8. Barry Gilleran (Longford Slashers)
9. Kevin Diffley (Ballymahon)
10. Ronan McEntire (Dromard)
11. Michael Quinn (Killoe Young Emmets)
12. Shane Doyle (Kenagh)
24. Rory Connor (Kenagh)
14. Brian Kavanagh (Kilmacud Crokes)
15. Francis McGee (Dromard)
Offaly (named)
1. Alan Mulhall (Walsh Island)
2. Brian Darby (Rhode)
3. Paul McConway (Tullamore)
4. Daithí Brady (Ballyfore)
5. Niall Darby (Rhode)
6. Johnny Moloney (Tullamore)
7. Joseph O’Connor (St Rynagh’s)
8. Graham Guilfoyle (Clara)
9. Niall Smith (Gracefield)
10. Eoin Carroll (Cappincur)
11. Niall McNamee (Rhode)
12. Anton Sullivan (Rhode)
13. Bernard Allen (Tubber)
14. Nigel Dunne (Shamrocks)
15. William Mulhall (Walsh Island)
In the door after a fruitful trip to Tullamore. Great comeback. Totally unexpected to be honest. Can’t see Dubs causing us any concern really.
Longford v Dublin in Pearse park would have been a great occasion.Dubs fans would have had a great weekend in Longford.Shame on the Leinster council.
Jacks always have it their own way
Leinster council decides venues. Went with getting a few extra euros into the coffers.
Would have given Longford a fighting chance against the favourites for the All Ireland. Not to mention a nice little boost for the town.
A lot of friends I have from Dublin would love a away trip. Longford is just down the road and would have been a great day. Pity.
Leinster council pick venue enjoyed great early pints and banter in 06…..were gonna stay Sunday night except yis tried to rip us off by charging 125 euro for a nights b&b
Unfortunately due to ground maintenance pearse park wouldn’t be in position to host game in any case but no reason why it couldn’t be staged in mullingar or tullamore
What a result! The first upset of the year!
Nice headline :)
It is Anton’s time to shine. Can’t wait for the Championship to start.
Ah 42, you moved my Comment and now it looks out of place.
BUT ….
How the Hell did we lose this game?
Anton did not shine but he was obviously targeted by the Slashers for plenty of rough stuff. And the ref let them away with it. I’m baffled
Gwan Lofo!
Offally got rhode
Black card a disaster for Offaly – big decision
really shows up the league for what it is !! a training session…..micko had it right all those years ago…Im actually starting to fear for my own county now…Roscommon…too much hype around them….we shall see !?!?