Whilst Kerry were making short work of Cork in the Munster final this evening, Longford and Kildare played out an enthralling 2nd round qualifier in Pearse Park. Trailing for most of the game, it was Cian O'Neill and his Kildare side that eventually secured their place in Monday morning's draw.
Nip and tuck throughout, the game seemed to have turned in Longford's favour late on. Yet, after suffering a disappointing Leinster championship quarter-final defeat to Carlow, Kildare showed tremendous resilience late on to seal a 1-16 to 1-13 win.
Kicking, catching and passing every ball himself on the sideline, Cian O'Neill went through just about every conceivable emotion.
Cian O'Neill vs Longford:
Unable to take command of the tie, O'Neill cut a frustrated figure throughout much of the tie:
Relentless cajoling his players, it had all seemed in vain as Longford refused to buckle:
Yet, in the end, it was pure delight - O'Neill celebrates Chris Healy's decisive late goal:
Credit to Sportsfile for the selection of photographs.
