Sweeney sparkles to claim Premier points

CONOR Sweeney sizzled as Tipperary moved second in Division 3 of the Allianz Football League – two points behind pace-setters Louth.

A third win from four outings boosted Tipp’s promotion hopes – as 2016 All-Star nominee Sweeney helped himself to 2-7, 2-4 of that haul from play.

Tipp led by 2-10 to 0-12 at the break, a four-point lead but it could have been better for the hosts, who led by nine on three separate occasions.

The hosts got off to a whirlwind start, Josh Keane landing a free before Sweeney, all alone and in oceans of space, was left one-onone with Paddy Collum and duly converted the opening goal of the game in the third minute.

Three minutes later, Tipp were in again and Longford were punished for more slack defending as Jimmy Feehan pounced for the home side’s second goal.

Michael Quinn, operating in the half-forward line, was a beacon of hope for the visitors, who gradually worked their way back into contention as the half wore on.

But in the 22nd minute, Tipp were nine points clear, 2-9 to 0-6, before Longford reeled off six unanswered points.

Tipp closed out the half with a point from Liam Casey, but were facing into a battle after the interval.

So it proved as Longford provided dogged opposition and were within three points of Tipp on as many occasions.

That was before Tipp pulled away with a run of 1-4 without reply, Sweeney palming home from close range eight minutes from time to reward the approach play of Michael Quinlivan and Robbie Kiely. TIppERARy: E Comerford; A Campbell, P Codd, W Connors (S O’Connell 49); E Moloney (K Fahey 60), R Kiely (J Hennessy 70+3), J Feehan; L Casey (A Moloney 64), G Hannigan (L Boland 46); J Keane, K O’Halloran (L McGrath 66), B Fox; C Sweeney, M Quinlivan, P Austin. Scorers: C Sweeney 2-7 (0-3f), J Feehan 1-0, K O’Halloran 0-3 2f), P Austin 0-2, L Casey, J Keane (f), B Fox, M Quinlivan (f ), L Boland 0-1. yellow Cards: W Connors (40), K Fahey (70). LOngFORd: P Collum; D McGelligott (A Farrell 21, b/c), D Brady, P McCormack; B O’Farrell (L Moran 26), B Gilleran, B McKeon; D Gallagher (R McEntire 57), J Keegan; J McGivney (B Farrell ht), D Masterson (D Mimnagh 51), M Quinn; L Connerton, S McCormack, R Smyth. Scorers: R Smyth 0-7 (6f), M Quinn, S McCormack (2f) 0-3, J Keegan, D Masterson, L Moran, R McEntire, B Farrell 0-1. Black Card: D McGelligott (21). Booked: D Masterson (2). REFEREE: M McNally (Monaghan).