Longford champions Fr Manning Gaels produced a sparkling display of fast, open football to brush aside Stradbally in the Leinster club football championship first round tie at Pearse Park yesterday.

Stradbally had won the Laois title only 24 hours earlier - their first in 56 years - and the effects of the celebrations showed.

However, the Gaels had to wait until the 17th minute for their first score, a point from wing forward Michael Mulleady, and their goalkeeper, David Roughan, made a marvellous save from Tony Maher in the 22nd minute. The Longford champions led 0-5 to 0-2 at the break.

Stradbally were thrown a lifeline in the 38th minute when Gaels' defender, Paul McCormack, deflected the ball into his own net after Roughan had made a great save from Damien Delaney.

The Gaels then hit 1-4 on the trot, their goal coming from their outstanding full forward, Padraig Davis.

Stradbally's Larry Keenan and Padraig Brady of the Gaels were sent off following a mass brawl in the closing stages.

Fr Manning Gaels: D Roughan; Pete McWade, G Brady, P McCormack (1-0, own goal); S Gallagher, F McNamee, Martin Mulleady (0-1); J Tully (0-3, one 45), D Hannify (0-1, free); J Breslin, C Hannify (0-1), Michael Mulleady (0-4); P Brady, P Davis (1-4, one free), Pat McWade. Subs: D Gallagher for Pat McWade, 35 mins; N Mulleady for Michael Mulleady, 63 mins.

Stradbally: B Delaney; Donal Donohue, E Delaney, J Delaney; J Kavanagh, J Larkin, J Buggy; T Maher, L Keenan; P Molloy, T Bowe, Diarmuid Donoghue; B Larkin (0-1), D Delaney (0-2, one free), G Ramsbottom (0-1). Sub: E Kinsella for Diarmuid Donoghue, 42 mins.

Referee: J Harlin (Meath).