When Longford last won the O’Byrne Cup 20 years ago thanks to a 2-6 to 0-7 win over Westmeath at Mullingar, current manager Padraic Davis and selector Paul Barden started in the forward line, kicking 0-3 between them.

Qualifier specialists Tyrone are up and running again, and while a four points margin at Pearse Park will not inspire supreme confidence, they are set to gain momentum along the back door route.

Two counties with their championship season on the line but only one that seemed in any way interested in extending their campaign as Longford cruised to victory over an insipid Carlow side

One week after the width of the goalpost saved Kildare from Leinster championship elimination at the hands of Longford in Tullamore, the two sides returned to Bord na Móna O’Connor Park and played out a game that couldn’t have been any more of a contrast.

Louth 1-14 Longford 1-8