Gaelic Games: The last-gasp goal which Longford supporters had been awaiting against Kerry since the closing minutes of the counties' All-Ireland semi-final 36 years ago finally arrived in Pearse Park yesterday. In the fifth minute of injury time newcomer Stephen Lynch punched home a rebound to snatch an unexpected victory, 3-7 to 1-12.
It was the result of the day on the weekend that the National Football League got under way in dismal conditions around the country.
"Tight finishes have usually gone against us in the past," said Longford manager Dennis Connerton. "It was a huge effort by our team. They worked so hard that they deserved it."
His Kerry counterpart, Jack O'Connor, acknowledged the "spirited" challenge from Longford, but was unhappy about the extent of injury-time. "It was a little on the ridiculous side, three minutes, yes, but four-and-a-half was not on," he said.
Overall it was a good start for the four promoted sides. Westmeath drew in Cork on Saturday night and Limerick had a big win over Leinster champions Laois.
Only Wexford lost and that was an honourable defeat, by just a point against Armagh in Crossmaglen and despite missing their three best forwards, Scott Doran, Mattie Forde and John Hegarty.
Elsewhere it was a rare losing experience for double holders Tyrone. The League holders and All-Ireland champions emerged from a claustrophobic encounter with Dublin with a one-point defeat. The margin was surely insufficient to contain winning manager Tommy Lyons's relief at such a positive start to the year.
"I thought we applied ourselves well and deserved to win," was his reaction. "We're not carried away because Tyrone have been eating and drinking for the past four months. I'd no doubt that that spirit was always there in the players."
Had he felt under pressure to win?
"You're under pressure all the time to win games."
Also in the spotlight was Dublin dual player Conal Keaney, who opted for the footballers yesterday rather than the hurlers, who lost narrowly in extra time to Kilkenny in the Walsh Cup semi-final. Keaney made a difference at Parnell Park, with his two points crucial contributions to a 0-9 to 0-8 win.
It was a rough and tumble sort of match and Dublin's Senan Connell was carted off after only four minutes because of what was later revealed to be concussion. Referee Paddy Russell showed 10 yellow cards, two of which led to the dismissal of the visitors' Stephen O'Neill.
Tyrone manager Mickey Harte had the consolation of knowing that his team's annus mirabilis in 2003 had unfolded after a similar setback at Parnell Park.
"It was a very intense game and I'm not surprised at that. We had a great game here last year and Dublin won by a point. But we didn't lose once after that, which might be an omen. But omens don't win titles.
"There is a magnetism about champions. Teams want to measure themselves against champions, and as champions we don't want to lose games."
In Navan, Meath refused to lose to Galway, despite trailing by 1-6 to no score after 15 minutes. Inspired by goals from new forward finds Brian Farrell and Joe Sheridan, Meath won a rollercoaster game 2-12 to 1-12.
"What I liked was the way the lads dug into it, battled hard, and tried so hard to get back on level terms. And whether we won or last didn't matter as much as not giving in," said manager Sean Boylan.
