Longford overcome Meath to keep hunt for back-to-back O’Byrne Cups on track

FINAL COUNTDOWN: Jayson Matthews of Longford scores a point past Meath goalkeeper Harry Hogan. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Dioralyte O’Byrne Cup semi-final

Longford 2-14

Meath 1-14

Longford’s bid for back-to-back O’Byrne Cup title successes remains on track after securing their final place with a powerful display in Ashbourne.

First-half goals from Jayson Matthews and Darren Gallagher laid the platform for victory, securing a final clash with Dublin or Wexford next weekend in Portlaoise.

Man of the Match Keelin McGann and ultra experienced Michael Quinn impressed too as Paddy Christie’s side, showing six changes from their previous outing, relied on strong finishes to both halves.

Tailteann Cup champions Meath, who are due to play Galway in a challenge this weekend, won’t be overly concerned with the defeat given the 13 changes made by manager Colm O’Rourke to his team.

Goalscorer Diarmuid Moriarty, in Sigerson Cup action during the week also, impressed for the Royals while Seneschalstown’s Cathal Finnegan, Jack O’Connor and Danny Dixon had their moments too.

Meath, who defeated Louth in the quarter-finals, will return to competitive action on January 27 against Fermanagh in the National League.

Quinn and Matthews were late additions to the Longford lineup and they played key roles.

Matthews’ 15th minute goal was Longford’s first score after a slow start and cancelled out points from Moriarty and Finnegan.

Wing-back McGann added a point for Longford though five Meath points in a row left them in a strong position.

Supporters watch on during the O'Byrne Cup Semi-Final match between Meath and Longford at Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA Club in Ashbourne, Meath. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Daire Rowe’s 20th minute point following a high catch from newcomer Conor Farrelly at midfield was the pick of those Meath points.

Another Finnegan score in the 27th minute left Meath 0-8 to 1-2 up and, apparently, in a strong position.

They were penned in for the remainder of the half though as Longford reeled off 1-4 without response to take a 2-6 to 0-8 half-time lead.

Gallagher struck their second goal following a terrific team move that began with their own goalkeeper, ending with the midfielder bursting onto a popped pass and converting.

The third quarter belonged to Meath but while Keith Curtis fed Moriarty for a 46th minute equalising goal, they should have raised another green flag.

Double saves from Meath duo Brian O’Halloran and Finnegan buoyed Longford and they finished strongly.

They outscored Meath by 0-6 to 0-3 in the final 15 minutes or so with late, late points from substitutes Dylan Farrell and Bryn Peters smoothing their passage to the decider.

Longford scorers: D Gallagher (3 frees), J Matthews (1 free) (1-3 each); K McGann, J Hagan (1 free), D Farrell (0-2 each); C McCabe & B Peters (0-1 each).

Meath scorers: D Moriarty (1-4); C Finnegan (0-6, 4f); K Curtis (1 free), D Rowe, D Dixon & J O’Connor (0-1 each).

Longford: P Collum; B O’Farrell, O O’Toole, B Masterson; K McGann, R Moffatt, I O’Sullivan; D Gallagher, D Duggan; D Reynolds, M Quinn, J Hagan; D Mimnagh, J Matthews, C McCabe.

Subs: D Farrell for Mimnagh (h/t); R Harkin for Quinn & C Keenan for Hagan (53); B Peters for McGann (58).

Meath: H Hogan; B O’Halloran, M Flood, B O’Reilly; J O’Regan, N Murphy, A McDonnell; C Farrelly, D Dixon; J O’Connor, D Moriarty, D McCabe; D Rowe, C Finnegan, K Curtis.

Subs: B McKeon for McDonnell & S Ryan for Flood (h/t); L Stafford for Farrelly (45); C Frayne for O'Connor (53); J Conlon for Finnegan (55).

Referee: C McCullough (Louth).