The sending off of two key players for Tirconaill at a vital period in the second half as well as missing a penalty two minutes from the interval contributed to their defeat by Ulster champions, Crossmaglen Rangers, in yesterday's AIB All-Ireland football championship quarter-final before 900 spectators at Ruislip.

Three points ahead in the opening 10 minutes, the home side looked well on the way to creating an upset, but Crossmaglen Rangers, aided by the decisive shooting of half-forward, Oisin McConville, gradually fought their way back and once they took the lead midway through the first half, there was no looking back.

On this showing, it is evident that Crossmaglen Rangers are expected to issue a strong challenge for a title last won in 1996.

Crossmaglen Rangers: P Hearty, M Califf, D Murtagh, C Dooley, F Shields, F Bellew, J Fitzpatrick 0-1, J McEntee 0-1, A Cunningham 1-1, C Donnelly, T McEntee, O McConville 0-9, J McConville 0-2, G Comiskey 0-2, C O'Neill. Subs: C Short 0-2 for C Donnelly, M Moley for G Comiskey, O McEntee for J McConville.

Tirconaill Gaels: D Kelly, P Tinnelly, C Gilhooley, M Donoghue, B McDonagh, D Gordon, C McGovern, S McLaughlin, A Carr, K Hickey 0-1, T Maguire 0-4, J Grimes 0-1, G Burke, M Somers 0-1, P Coggins 0-1. Subs: J Murray for G Burke, T Connolly for K Hickey.

Referee: M Collins (Cork).