While Na Fianna made a successful first defence of their Leinster crown, they had to withstand a fine second-half comeback by Longford champions Abbeylara in extremely wet conditions at Pearse Park, Longford.

The Dublin side appeared to be coasting to their expected victory when they led by 15 to 0-0 at half-time with Armagh man Des Mackin firing home a wonderful goal in the 13th minute after receiving a great ball from Jason Sherlock.

It could have been worse for Abbeylara, who were outplayed in almost every position on the field in the first half, particularly at centrefield. Armagh star Kieran McGeeney had an outstanding game in this sector and he received the man of the match award for his dynamic efforts.

Na Fianna were almost gifted a goal with just two minutes gone when a mistake by Abbeylara goalkeeper John Joe Reilly presented Ian Foley with a glorious chance, but his shot from point-blank range was blocked by opposing corner back Seamus Higgins.

With the strong wind in their favour, the visitors (who lost the services of Mick Galvin through injury in the early stages) eventually opened the scoring when Ian Foley shot over in the 11th minute, and their other points in the first half came from Ian Foley (two frees), Mackin and Dermot Lynch.

However, Abbeylara had the advantage of the elements on the change-over and after Gearoid Fay fired over a well struck point within a minute, they were thrown a lifeline with an opportunist goal from Maurice O'Connor three minutes into the second half, after a dipping shot from John O'Brien came back off the crossbar.

Three minutes later, the home side had a great chance of finding the back of Na Fianna's net again when full forward Niall Sheridan gained possession in front of the post, only to blast the ball over the bar - a lucky escape for the visitors.

However, Na Fianna regained their composure and crucial points by Karl Donnelly and Ian Foley in the 37th and 42nd minutes eased the pressure.

Abbeylara never gave up the fight in making last season's beaten All-Ireland finalists sweat it out until the final whistle. But the only reward for their gutsy efforts were points from frees converted by Peter Lynch and Terry Drake.

Na Fianna will play the Offaly representatives Rhode in the semi-finals on Sunday week, November 19th.

Na Fianna: S Gray; N O Murchu, B McManus, T Lynch; S Connell, N Clancy, S McGlinchy; K Donnelly (0-1), K McGeeney; M Galvin, D Farrell, D Lynch (0-1); I Foley (0-4, two frees), J Sherlock, D Mackin (1-1). Subs: M Foley for Galvin (inj, 10 mins), R O'Hagan for McManus (inj, 41 mins), P McCarthy for D Lynch (57 mins).

Abbeylara: J J Reilly; S Higgins, D Ledwith, C Drake; J McEntire, E Ledwith, K Brady; A O'Connor, T Drake (0-1, a free); E Farrell, P Lynch (0-1, a free), J O'Brien; G Fay (0-1), N Sheridan (0-1), M O'Connor (1-0). Sub: B Cunningham for Farrell (47 mins).

Referee: E Whelan (Laois).