An inspirational all-round team display saw Longford come from behind in a fine semi-final win in front of over 4,000 people at Pearse Park yesterday.
Paul Barden and Padraic Davis helped Longford into a 0-7 to 0-4 half-time lead, but two points each from Vinny Claffey and Ciaran McManus saw Offaly move ahead.
Longford replied with points from Davis (2), Barden and Liam Keenan. Offaly rallied, and twice narrowed the gap to a single point, only for Trevor Smullen to twice push Longford clear by two points.
LONGFORD: G Tonra; P McWade, D Ledwith, B Burke; M Mulleady, D Blessington (0-1), C Conefrey; L Keenan (0-1), E Barden (0-1); P Brady, P Barden (0-4), P Ross; T Smullen (0-2), N Sheridan, P Davis (0-5, two frees). Subs: P Jones for McWade (50 mins); S Hagan for Ross (57 mins).
OFFALY: K Furlong; C Daly, E Egan, J Brady; J Mitchell, S Grennan, F Cullen; F Dunne, J Greene; R Malone, C Quinn (0-1, free), C McManus (0-2, one free); D Ryan, M Keenaghan (0-1), V Claffey (0-4, three frees). Subs: J Ryan (0-1) for D Ryan (25 mins); J Grennan (0-2) for Dunne (27 mins); P Kelly for Furlong (half-time); B Mooney (0-1) for Keenaghan (56 mins).
Referee: P Fox (Westmeath).
