Cian Ward scored four goals as Louth’s hopes of ending 12 months of torment were dashed by old foes Meath at Kingspan Breffni Park on Saturday evening.
Football highlights
Meath 5-08 2-08 Louth
In the grudge match of the championship so far, after the controversial Leinster Final last year, Meath crushed Louth’s hopes for revenge as the Royals reached the second round of the football qualifiers with a 5-08 to 2-08 win.
Cian Ward was the star man with four goals as Seamus McEnaney’s team powered to a nine-point win over their fierce rivals
Ward fired home two goals, while Darren Clarke scored Louth’s entire first-half tally as they went in at half time trailing by 2-04 to 1-04.
Ward unbelievably scored two more as Meath closed out the game, with Paddy Keenan pulling back a consolation goal from a penalty, before Paddy Gilsenan drilled in a fifth crushing Royal goal.
London 0-15 0-09 Fermanagh
London registered their first GAA Championship win since 1977 as they claimed am famous victory against Fermanagh in the first round of the All-Ireland football qualifiers at Ruislip.
The Exiles’ first-ever victory in the qualifiers was founded on a strong first-half display, during which they showed plenty of endeavour and desire to win.
Fermanagh, trying to recover from a heavy defeat to Derry, looked out of it at times and were second best for most of this historic win for London
Down 1-13 Clare 1-12
Down, last year’s All-Ireland finalists were pushed hard by Clare in this first round qualifier of the day in Ennis in a tense encounter.
Down had ended the first half one point up, 1-06 to 1-05, with Conor Laverty (1-04) and Timmy Ryan swapping goals.
The Banner scored five successive points – David Tubridy, substitute Joe Dowling and John Hayes were all on target – to make it 1-12 apiece with a few minutes to go after a tense game.
Paul McComiskey edged Down in front again, and Clare missed a glorious late goal opportunity as the northerners slipped through.
Wicklow 1-18 Sligo 0-16
Wicklow knocked Sligo out of this years Championship with a determined display in Aughrim this evening.
Conor McGraynor, a substitute, scored an inspired individual goal, with eight minutes left to play, to send Wicklow into the second round of the qualifiers.
The hosts led 0-10 to 0-07 at the interval, courtesy of a late scoring run of points instigated by Tony Hannon and Leighton Glynn.
David Kelly and Johnny Davey were brought in to the action by Sligo in the second half, but not even Adrian Marren’s nine-point scoring haul could topple Mick O’Dwyer’s men today.
Hurling highlights
Cork 2-17 2-16 Offaly
With only 14 Cork overcame a fierce challenge from Offaly in this All-Ireland qualifier at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
The Rebels had early goals from Cian McCarthy and Luke O’Farrell before midfielder Pa Cronin was shown a red card for a striking offence.
Colin Egan hit the back of the net for Offaly who hit a big number of misses as they failed to utilise the advantage of the wind behind them. Cork led by 2-07 to 1-07 at half-time.
With a number of stoppages during the second period for injuries and substitutes, referee Michael Wadding was obliged to play one minute of additional time.
Offaly, who seemed to have the momentum to push on for an equalising score, were understandably annoyed when the final whistle was blown shortly after the goal. But the 16 wides they posted were really what the will be left to dwell on.
Saturday’s All-Ireland qualifier results:
Football:
London 0-15 Fermanagh 0-9
Antrim 0-16 Westmeath 1-07
Down 1-13 Clare 1-12
Longford 2-16 Cavan 0-11
Wicklow 1-18 Sligo 0-16
Laois 2-16 Tipperary 0-11
Meath 5-8 Louth 2-8
Offaly 1-18 Monaghan 1-10
Hurling:
Cork 2-17 Offaly 2-16
Antrim 0-23 Carlow 1-12
Michael Cunningham
