Longford began the defence of their O’Byrne cup title with a 0-9 to 0-7 victory over Westmeath at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.
Paddy Christie’s men were four points clear 16 minutes from time and held off a late resurgence from Westmeath to claim a narrow victory.
Darren Gallagher opened Longford’s account with a pointed free three minutes in. Eoghan McCabe restored parity four minutes later.
Kevin O’Sullivan edged Westmeath in front six minutes later before Longford replied with four successive scores.
Gallagher, Dylan Farrell, Paddy Fox and Daniel Mimnagh were all on target as the hosts moved three points clear one minute from the break.
Westmeath finished the opening half strongly. O’Sullivan and Shane Corcoran slotted over a score each but Longford still led 0-5 to 0-4 at the interval.
Longford started the second half impressively. A brace of points from Gallagher restored their three-point cushion eight minutes into the second half.
Daniel Reynolds pushed Longford four points clear on 54 minutes. However, Paddy Christie’s men failed to score thereafter.
The Lake County replied with late points from McCabe and Danny McCartan but still fell short. Meath or Louth await the defending champions in the semi-final. Whereas, Westmeath enter the shield competiton.
