GAA - Round-up:Meath and Offaly were first into action for today's provincial SFC first round matches with the former getting the better of their opponents in Portlaoise, while Tyrone were convincing winners over Antrim at a packed Casement Park to book their place in the Ulster semi-final.
Over 18,000 descended on the Belfast venue to witness Mickey Harte’s men tested but ultimately display greater firepower in their 2-14 to 1-13 win.
Early goals from Kevin Hughes and Owen Mulligan settled things for the Red Hands, while the returning Stephen O’Neill was in good form to contribute several points.
It all added up to Tyrone opening a considerable 2-6 to 0-5 at the break. They went further ahead after the restart but Kevin Niblock scored Antrim’s goal to close the gap.
Antrim challenged but were always kept at arm's length and late points from Martin Penrose, Sean Cavanagh and Tommy McGuigan were enough to see Harte’s men advance.
In Leinster Cian Ward and Joe Sheridan were the chief protagonists with their respective 0-08 and 1-03 hauls in Meath’s 2-07 to 1-20 win as the Royals set up a Leinster SFC quarter-final with Laois next month.
By the break Meath had opened up a 0-11 to 2-03 lead after Brian Connor and Ken Casey scored the two Offaly goals.
Offaly’s challenge became more difficult in the second period as John Coughlan was shown a straight red in the 39th minute. Sheridan’s goal came in the 68th minute as Meath always looked in control.
Longford missed too many wides to remain competitive as Louth ran out 1-11 to 1-07 winners in their Leinster SFC first round game at O’Moore Park.
By the end Longford had an unenviable tally of 13 wides while Louth opened a 1-06 to 0-06 lead at the break, Shane Lennon’s goal the difference between the two sides.
Bernard McElvaney found the net for Longford but for the best of 30 minutes they unable to convert another score.
In the Munster quarter-final Waterford were thankful for a Gary Hurney goal to ensure their passage (1-10 to 0-09) to the semi-final where they will meet Limerick.
For large periods Waterford were second best to Clare in Dungarvan this afternoon, but the goal was a pivotal moment when it came in the 43rd minute.
The visitors held a narrow 0-07 to 0-06 lead at the break with David Tubridy (0-04) making a significant contribution.
Declan Callinan had an early bath after the wing back was given two yellow cards. Points from Tommy Prendergast, Hurney and Robert Ahearne ensured the win.
Sunday Results
Leinster SFC First Round
Meath 1-20 Offaly 2-07
Louth 1-11 Laois 1-07
Ulster SFC First Round
Antrim 1-13 Tyrone 2-14
Munster SFC Quarter-Final
Waterford 1-10 Clare 0-09
Saturday Results
Christy Ring Quarter-Final
Down 1-18 Westmeath 2-21
Meath 1-18 Wicklow 3-13
Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship - Preliminary Round
Carlow 0-10 Laois 1-13