Tipperary defeated Longford by 2-17 to 0-6 in Round 2 of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Qualifiers on Saturday July 5th at Semple Stadium Thurles.
Tipperary 2-17 Longford 0-06
Report from the RTE web site
Peter Creedon’s Tipperary gave Longford a 17-point thrashing at Semple Stadium this afternoon with 2-17 to 0-06 victory to book their place in the next phase of the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers. Michael Quinlivan and Peter Acheson scored the goals for the Premier County as they ran out convincing winners over Jack Sheedy’s disappointing Midlanders.
Longford had shocked Derry last time out but this lacklustre display fell well below those levels as they bowed out with barely a whimper. Quinlivan netted in the second minute before limping off 11 minutes later but not even that injury setback could hamper Tipp as they went on to lead by 1-08 to 0-04 at half-time.
Longford had two second half goals disallowed but Tipp raised another green flag in the 44th minute, when the impressive Peter Acheson fisted home Conor Sweeney’s centre. Acheson had moved from the half-back line to centre forward from the start, with John Coghlan replacing Ian Fahey in Creedon’s line-up.
This was a clinical display from Tipp as they bounced back from last month’s crushing two-point loss to Cork in the Munster semi-final. Longford, in contrast, came into this tie full of confidence having beaten Derry away from home last time out.But Jack Sheedy’s visitors never raised a gallop as Tipp cruised to an unexpectedly big win.
Conor Sweeney led the way in the scoring stakes for Tipp with a haul of 0-08 – including five frees. Acheson bagged 1-02 from play and that just one point shy of Longford’s entire tally.The Midlanders managed to register just three points from play during the entire game and bowed tamely out of the championship. The writing was on the wall for Longford from the moment Quinlivan finished well for his goal.
George Hannigan and Philip Austin were heavily involved in the approach play before Commercials clubman Quinlivan kept his nerve to slot home at the Killinan End.
Tipperary: P Fitzgerald; G Mulhair, P Codd (0-01), C McDonald; C O’Riordan, R Kiely, J Coghlan; S O’Brien, G Hannigan; P Austin, P Acheson (1-02), B Fox; C Sweeney (0-08, 5f), M Quinlivan (1-00), B Grogan (0-04, 3f).
Subs: B Mulvihill (0-01) for Quinlivan (13), C Kennedy (0-01) for Austin (53), S Flynn for Grogan (64), I Fahey for Acheson (66), A Campbell for Mulhair (69)
Longford: D Sheridan; D Brady, B Gilleran, F Battrim; C.P. Smyth, E Williams (0-01), S Mulligan; K Diffley, B O’Farrell; M Quinn (0-01), F McGee, P Barden (0-01); S McCormack (0-01f), B Kavanagh (0-02f), A Rowan.
Subs: S Doyle for McCormack (40), N Mulligan for Diffley (48), M Hughes for Rowan (48), R McEntire for McGee (60), P Brady for Battrim (69), P Gill for Williams (70+2).
Referee: P O’Sullivan (Kerry)
Team News
The Tipperary team to play Longford is unchanged from the side which lost to Cork in the Munster semi-final.
1. Paul Fitzgerald Fethard Pól Mac Gearailt
2. Ger Mulhair Aravale Rovers Ger Ó’Maoilchéire
3. Paddy Codd (Capt) Killenaule Páid Mac Óda
4. Ciarán McDonald Aherlow Ciarán Mac Dónaill
5. Colin O’Riordan J K Brackens Coilín Ó’Riordáin
6. Robbie Kiely Arravale Rovers Roibeard Ó’Cadhla
7. Peter Acheson Moyle Rovers Peadar Acheson
8. Steven O’Brien Ballina Stiofán Ó’Briain
9. George Hannigan Shannon Rovers Seoirse Ó’hAnnagáin
10. Philip Austin Borrisokane Pilib Mac Aibhistín
11. Ian Fahey Commercials Iáin Ó’Fathaigh
12. Brian Fox Eire Óg Anacarty Briain Ó’Sionnaigh
13. Conor Sweeney Ballyporeen Conchúr Mac Suibhne
14. Michael Quinlivan Commercials Micheál Ó’Caoinnealbháin
15. Barry Grogan Aherlow
Ticket Information
The Double Header in Semple Stadium this Saturday is an all ticket fixture with reserved seating and tickets are now on sale from Lár na Pairce, via stores & on-line with prices as follows;
€15 for adults
€10 students/OAPs (€5 concession given on the day)
€5 juveniles
The Juvenile group pass rate will also apply, €3 per child & 1 free adult with every 10 juveniles
Season Ticket holders from Competing Counties will be charged in advance for this fixture (€5 discount). The cut-off for Opt-Out is midnight Tues prior to the fixture. Opt-outs must be completed via their Online Accounts. All Season Ticket holders have been advised of details.
By Jonathan Cullen Sat 5th Jul
