New Kildare manager Pauric Nolan got his season off to a perfect start with a win over Longford in the O'Byrne Cup final today.
The Lilywhites trailed to an early goal but hauled themselves back into contention and closed within a point of Longford at half-time.
Kildare played more direct football after the break and stretched ahead through the boot of Eddie McCormack and Pauric Brennan.
Longford's game plan fell apart in the second period and bar a number of Pauric Davis frees there was little in their arsenal to rattle Kildare.
Kildare half forward John Doyle blasted over a monster point late on and followed that up with a tidy brace to confirm the result and gift boss Nolan with an early season lift.
Tipperary needed extra time to beat Clare in the McGrath Cup final at Miltown Malbay.
Martin Daly found the net for Clare after 22 minutes but an injury time goal from Tipperary midfielder Aidan Fitzgerald forced the tie into extra-time.
Benny Hickey and Tony Doyle combined well in that period to edge Tipperary in front - a lead which they did not relinquish.
O'Byrne Cup SF Final
Kildare 0-12 Longford 1-6
Connacht FBD SFL
Mayo 2-14 Galway 0-7
Leitrim 0-13 Sligo 0-9
Roscommon 1-12 GMIT 2-9
McGrath Cup SF Final
Tipperary 1-9 Clare 1-8
Dr McKenna Cup SF Semi-finals
Tyrone 2-11 Cavan 0-10
Monaghan 1-10 Armagh 1-6
Walsh Cup SH Quarter-finals
Laois 1-12 Wexford 0-9
Offaly 0-14 Westmeath 0-8
Dublin 2-16 Meath 0-10