Tipperary 2-17

Longford 0-6

MICHAEL QUINLIVAN AND and Peter Acheson scored the goals as Tipperary demolished Longford by 17 points in this afternoon’s one-sided All-Ireland SFC round 2A qualifier.

Quinlivan netted in the second minute before limping off 11 minutes later. But not even that injury setback could hamper Tipperary as they went on to lead by 1-8 to 0-4 at half-time.

Longford had two second half goals disallowed but Tipp raised another green flag in the 44th minute, when the impressive Acheson fisted home Conor Sweeney’s centre. Acheson had moved from the half-back line to centre forward from the start, with John Coghlan replacing Ian Fahey in Peter Creedon’s line-up.

This was a clinical display from Tipp as they bounced back from last month’s crushing two-point loss to Cork in the Munster semi-final. Longford, in contrast, came into this tie full of confidence having beaten Derry away from home last time out.

Jack Sheedy’s visitors never raised a gallop as Tipp cruised to an unexpectedly big win. Conor Sweeney led the way in the scoring stakes for Tipp with a haul of 0-8 – including five frees. Acheson bagged 1-2 from play and that just one point shy of Longford’s entire tally.

The Midlanders managed to register just three points from play during the entire game and bowed tamely out of the championship. The writing was on the wall for Longford from the moment Quinlivan finished well for his goal.

George Hannigan and Philip Austin were heavily involved in the approach play before Commercials clubman Quinlivan kept his nerve to slot home at the Killinan End.

Scorers for Tipperary: C Sweeney 0-8 (5f), P Acheson 1-2, B Grogan 0-4 (3f), M Quinlivan 1-0, P Codd, B Mulvihill and C Kennedy 0-1 each.

Scorers for Longford: B Kavanagh 0-2f, E Williams, M Quinn, P Barden and S McCormack (f) 0-1 each.

Tipperary's John Coghlan and Francis McGee of Longford battle for possession. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

TIPPERARY

1 Paul Fitzgerald (Fethard)

2 Ger Mulhair (Arravale Rovers)

3. Paddy Codd (Killenaule)

4. Ciaran McDonald (Aherlow)

5. Colin O’Riordan (JK Brackens)

6. Robbie Kiely (Arravale Rovers)

19. John Coghlan (Moyne-Templetuohy)

8. Steven O’Brien (Ballina)

9. George Hannigan (Shannon Rovers)

10. Philip Austin (Borrisokane)

7. Peter Acheson (Moyle Rovers)

12. Brian Fox (Eire Og Annacarty)

13. Conor Sweeney (Ballyporeen)

14. Michael Quinlivan (Clonmel Commercials)

15. Barry Grogan (Aherlow)

Subs

25. Brian Mulvihill (Moyle Rovers) for Quinlivan (inj, ’13)

23. Colman Kennedy (Commercials) for Austin (’53)

21. Sean Flynn (Fr Sheehy’s) for Grogan (’64)

11. Ian Fahey (Commercials) for Acheson (’66).

17. Alan Campbell (Moyle Rovers) for Mulhair (’69)

LONGFORD

1. Damien Sheridan (Dromard).

2. Dermot Brady (Longford Slashers)

3. Barry Gilleran (Longford Slashers)

4. Fergal Battrim (Mainistir Leathrata)

5. Colm P. Smyth (Mainistir Leathrata)

6. Enda Williams (Cluain Gheis)

7. Shane Mulligan (Naomh Columba)

8. Kevin Diffley (Baile Ui Mhathain)

9. Barry O’Farrell (Carraig Eamon)

10. Michael Quinn (Emmet Og)

11. Francis McGee (Dromard)

12. Paul Barden (Cluain Gheis)

13. Sean McCormack (Emmet Og)

14. Brian Kavanagh (Croic Cill Mhocuda)

15. Adrian Rowan (Caiseal)

Subs

21. Shane Doyle (Caonach) for McCormack (40)

19. Niall Mulligan (Longford Slashers) for Diffley (48)

23. Mark Hughes (Emmet Og) for Rowan (48)

20. Ronan McEntire (Dromard) for McGee (60)

17. Peter Brady (Longford Slashers) for Battrim (69)

25. Pauric Gill (Gaeil an tAthair Mainnin) for Williams (70+2)

Referee: Padraig O’Sullivan (Kerry)

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