Longford continued their defence of the O’Byrne Cup with a three point win over Meath in Ashbourne.
The victory see’s Longford advance to the O’Byrne Cup final in a dramatic victory.
Colm O’Rourke’s men started the strongest. Diamuid Moriarty and Cathal Finnegan (f) had Meath two points up on 12 minutes.
Longford responded brilliantly, the ball worked to Jayson Matthews who rattled in a goal on 14 minutes. Keelin McCann adding a point as Longford led by two.
The hosts responded with two Finnegan points and one each from Danny Dixon and Jack O'Connor. Leaving Meath lead seven points to 1-1 on 22 minutes.
In typical pre-season fair, Longford came back into the game in strength. Jayson Matthews, Darren Gallagher (2f), Joseph Hagan (f) had Longford level, 1-5 to 0-8.
Darren Gallagher blasted in a brilliant goal two minutes before half-time and added a free as the defending champions led 2-6 to eight points at the break.
Keelin McCann made it a five point game two minutes into the second-half. However, Meath responded as they do through Cathal Finnnegan 0-2 (1f) and a Diarmuid Moriarty goal levelled the game up on 45 minutes.
Longford comeback
Joe Hagan and Moriarty exchanged points. As did Gallagher and Frayne. However Longford moved ahead through two Jayson Matthews points and one from Cathal McCabe with five minutes remaining.
Keith Curtis and Moriarty sent over points to make it a one point game, 2-12 to 1-14.
Paddy Christie’s men sealed an impressive win in injury time through points from Mark Hughes and Bryn Peters to win out 2-14 to 1-14.
The defending champions go through to the O’Byrne Cup final where they will meet either Wexford or Dublin. The game is set for O'Moore Park, Portlaoise on Saturday January 20th, throw-in 4pm.
A big congratulations to Keelin McGann who is the Dioralyte Player of the Match 🏆#LeinsterGAA24 @OfficialLDGAA pic.twitter.com/XQL7dTxkJw
— Leinster GAA (@gaaleinster) January 12, 2024
