DERRY’S CHAMPIONSHIP CHALLENGE came to an end on Saturday evening, after they were beaten 0-17 to 2-08 by a strong Longford side.
Both of the Derry goals were scored by Barry McGoldrick, who was sent off late in the game as his side’s hopes faded.
Sean McCormack was particularly impressive for Longford, grabbing the majority of the scores for Glenn Ryan’s side, who move on to the next round of matches after the three point win.
Tipperary saw off the challenge of Offaly, with Peter Creedon’s side securing a five-point victory 1-12 to 0-10 in front of their own fans at Semple Stadium.
Michael Quinlivan was the Premier’s top man, bagging four points, although he did miss a first half penalty.
Tipp’s goal came from Peter Acheson in the first half.
Laois showed great composure to see off a determined Carlow side in Portlaoise, with the home side winning 1-10 to 0-9.
The two sides could not be separated at half-time in terms of scores or effort, with the game also assuming parity with barely 15 minutes remaining.
However, the superior kicking skills of MJ Tierney came to the fore late on. He scored three unanswered points to give Justin McNulty’s side some daylight, with David Conway kicking the insurance point late on.
It was announced after the game that Luke Dempsey had stepped down as Carlow boss.
Finally, Callum McCormack’s late goal sealed an impressive win for Westmeath over Louth in a game marked by ill-discipline.
Louth skipper Mark Brennan and free-taker Darren Clarke, along with Westmeath’s John Heslin, were all shown red cards.
Although the Wee County led by two points at the break, the fact that they were two men down told against them and McCormack’s late goal made sure that Westmeath would go further in this year’s Championship.
