A comprehensive 12-point win for The Mourne County brings an end to the 2026 Longford campaign.
Matthew Flynn was quick to reply for the home side opening their own account before Shane Annett restored the lead for Down.
The Down lead was extended when Eamon Brown played the advantage and found the back of the Longford net after six minutes.
Peter Lynn and Eamonn Brown traded scores before Joseph Hagan landed the opening two-pointer of the contest after 15 minutes. Down led by two points, 1-3 to 0-4.
An eight minute scoring draught ensued following Longford’s opening two-pointer. That was brought to an end when Patrick Brooks raised the green flag again for Down after 23 minutes.
Two quick points from Shane Annett and Odhran Murdock only strengthened Downs grip on the first-half. Paddy Moran reduced the deficit by one with a point after 26 minutes.
Down hit the next two scores when Eamonn Brown and Ronan Burns both raised a white flag, moving the visitors into an eight point lead.
Longford finished the half with two points from the boot of Dylan Farrell, opening his account on 31 minutes with a free. Joseph Hagan grabbed the final score of the half.
Down leading by seven points at the break, 2-08 to 0-7.
Goals seal the deal for Down
Down got their third goal with the opening attack of the half. Ryan McGill palmed the ball to the Longford net. Oran Kenny offered the response for Longford with two points inside the space of a minute.
However, Down came storming back, firing 1-4 without reply in four minutes. Patrick Havern and Michael Rooney scored a point each before Jamie Dolan got his side’s fourth goal of the afternoon.
The four minute blitz was complete in the 46th minute when Ronan Burns landed a two-pointer.
The next two Longford scores came from two-pointers through Oran Kenny and Dessie Reynolds 50 minutes.
Odhran Murdock and Michael Rooney both scored points ensuring Down’s healthy lead stayed intact. Down led by 16 points after 53 minutes, 4:15 to 0:13.
The next score was 10 minutes in the making, Dessie Reynolds found the back of the Down net.
Jamie Doran and Aaron Farrell traded scores as Down held out for a comfortable win. Down running out 12 point winners, 4-18 to 1-15.
