Longford triumphant against Kildare in O'Byrne Cup clash

Kieran McGeeney's career as an inter-county manager got off to losing start at St. Conleth's Park, in Newbridge today as a resilient Longford side sent Kildare into the O'Byrne Cup Shield following a 0-9 to 0-7 victory.

A 3,000-strong crowd watched a closely-contested battle with the sides level at 0-4 apiece at the interval with both Francis McGee and Brian Kavanagh on target for the visitors.

The deployment of former midfielder Dermot Earley at full-forward for the Lilywhites failed to reap dividends as Longford pulled away at the finish thanks to three points from Kavanagh.

Longford now face the winners of Meath and UCD who meet in Navan on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, the Carlow footballers gave a very convincing performance for new manager Paul Bealin in their 3-13 to 1-6 win over Kilkenny at Dr. Cullen Park.

The home side held a 0-9 to 0-3 half-time lead mainly thanks to the efforts of Simon Rea, although the corner forward failed to convert a penalty kick midway through the half.

Carlow upped the ante on the restart with goals from Eric McCormack and Rea with Kilkenny's lone goal coming from the penalty spot - Kilkenny All-Star hurler Eddie Brennan was the scorer.

Substitute John Almond sealed victory for Carlow with a well-taken goal to complete their 13-points success.

It was a good day for midlands teams against college opposition as Offaly trounced Athlone IT at O'Connor Park, Tullamore.

Pat Roe's charges had no trouble in disposing of the students by 5-24 to 0-9 with John O'Brien the hat-trick hero, while Niall McNamee finished top scorer for the hosts with 2-7.

Meanwhile, Westmeath withstood a late rally by DIT to emerge as 2-8 to 0-12 winners at Mullingar.