Monaghan and Roscommon advance to Nicky Rackard semis

Monaghan and Roscommon booked semi-final places in the Nicky Rackard Cup, with goals key in their quarter-final wins over Sligo and Louth respectively this afternoon.

Tadhg Campbell bagged a hat-trick of goals as Monaghan claimed a 5-12 to 2-7 victory over Sligo in Inniskeen.

Sligo came into this game with key player Keith Raymond unavailable due to cycling commitments. Monaghan led by 3-5 to 1-3 at the break, with Campbell and Sean Leonard netting the goals.

The Farney men started brightly and led by 2-1 to 0-0 after eight minutes, with Campbell netting both of their early goals.

Leonard extended Monaghan's lead on a 3-3 to 0-2 scoreline as he completed the hosts' hat-trick.

However, Sligo responded before the break with an Aidan Morrison goal, but the Connacht outfit were living dangerously with a Michael McHugh penalty shot blocked before the break.

Monaghan failed to ease up on the restart, but Sligo worked hard with Kevin Gilmartin netting their goal.

Yet Monaghan were in superb form, with goals from Conor McKenna and Campbell paving the way for a 14-point win.

A brace of goals helped Roscommon run out 2-14 to 0-13 winners over Louth at the Connacht Centre of Excellence.

This game was moved from Athleague due to an unplayable pitch and when it eventually got underway at the Ballyhaunis venue, an excellent 70 minutes of hurling was produced.

Three points separated the sides with 14 minutes remaining, but Roscommon added four unanswered points to confirm their victory.

Roscommon led by 1-6 to 0-7 at half-time, with their goal coming in the opening minutes of this contest.

The westerners added their second major inside eight minutes of the restart and despite Louth's best efforts, they were unable to push on and reach the last-four.