"We weren't happy at half time, it was a sub-standard first half performance. Basically, we won the game in a 15-minute second half display," was how Dublin manager Tom Carr saw it.

"In fairness to our players they took full responsibility for the type of play they had produced in the opening 35 minutes and then turned it on with the type of football we should be playing more consistently."

Carr continued: "From an attacking point of view we did very well in the second half, Ciaran Whelan got forward more often and scored a few inspiring points. Asked what he took from the match, Carr said: "Not being glib about it, the result and happy we are in the semi-final".

Carr reckoned Dublin needed to improve. "We were a little nervous going into today's game. No matter how much we tried to relax fellows were uptight about the situation. So much was written about last year and starting the championship again we were going to be a little bit nervy."

Carr confirmed he expected Ian Robinson would be back in training next week. "He had a scan last week and all going well, we wouldn't rule him out for a return."

Shane Ryan, forced to retire with a suspected hamstring injury in the second half, surprised the Hill by his reintroduction. Carr explained: "We were told we had used the five subs and I didn't realise you have got to keep to the five already used, so we had to use Shane again."

Longford manager Mick McCormack said, "We started the second half the way we played the first half against Louth. The difference was Dublin punished us, Louth couldn't. It's a big step up for our lads but they have to learn. This is the place where you can learn if we are to come back. The big thing for us is we are still in the championship.

"They will be disappointed with that 15-minute spell in the second half but if you're going to do that against Dublin or Kerry you are going to be blown away," he said.