Rathnew go through as Kilmurry retain Clare title

AIB LEINSTER SFC RATHNEW 2-6 NEWTOWN BLUES 0-9

FORMER Wicklow midfielder James Stafford fisted a goal in the third minute of stoppagetime to ensure Rathnew advanced to the quarter-final of the Leinster SFC at the expense of Newtown Blues. With Ross Nally in fine scoring form, the Louth champions led by 0-4 to 0-1 at the break. Mark Doyle’s goal just after the restart levelled matters. It looked like the Blues would prevail courtesy of two late points from Nally but Stafford pounced in inury-time before a Doyle free ensured their passage into the last eight. Scorers — Rathnew: M Doyle 1-2 (0-2f), J Stafford 1-0, J Merrigan 0-2 (1 45), R O’Brien 0-1, E Doyle 0-1 (1f). Newtown Blues: R Nally 0-7 (4f), J Kermode 0-1, R Carr 0-1. Referee: D Hickey (Carlow). JAMES ROGERS

AIB LEINSTER SFC MULLINALAGHTA 1-14 ÉIRE ÓG 1-7

HAVING become the first Longford side to reach the Leinster decider last year, Mullinalaghta kept on course for a return by easing past Carlow’s Éire Óg in impressive fashion. They were 0-8 to 0-1 ahead at the break here, with Longford senior James McGivney shooting three points from play, while younger brother David landed four frees. Éire Óg, who got their first point in first-half stoppage time, rallied in the third quarter and a goal from Darragh O’Brien near the end left just three between them. However, Gary Rogers sealed a decisive win for Mullinalaghta with a late goal. Scorers: Mullinalaghta – D McGivney 0-5 (5f), J McGivney 0-4, G Rogers 1-0, R Brady 0-3, J Matthews 0-2 (1f). Éire Óg – D O’Brien 1-2 (1f), S Gannon 0-2, C Mullins, R Dunphy, C Blake 0-1. Referee: S Mulhare (Laois). JOHN FALLON

AIB LEINSTER SFC PORTLAOISE 1-10 RHODE 0-10

PORTLAOISE held off a late surge from Rhode in Tullamore in a contest where referee Barry Tiernan angered both sets of supporters at various stages. He disallowed what looked like a legitimate Brian McCormack goal in the first minute, though Portlaoise played better ball for the next 40 minutes to lead 1-9 to 0-6, with Ciarán McEvoy netting. However, Rhode rallied to come within two points, despite a straight red card for Brian Darby, and were clearly livid at the lack of a penalty when Conor McNamee was pushed over in injury time. SCORERS — Rhode: N McNamee 0-5 (3f), N Darby 0-2 (2f), P McPadden, A McNamee (f), C Heavey 0-1. P’laoise: B McCormack, G Dillon, P Cahillane (3f) 0-3, C McEvoy 1-0, C Boyle 0-1. Referee: B Tiernan (Dublin) KEVIN EGAN

AIB ULSTER SFC CAVAN GAELS 1-19 LÁMH DHEARG 0-19

IT WAS a case of ‘a stroll in the sunshine’ for Cavan Gaels in a lopsided Ulster club SFC quarter-final joust at Kingspan Breffni. Despite missing a hatful of goal chances, the Gaels won pulling up, with a Micheál Lyng goal (14) spiriting them to victory. Despite some classy free-taking by Patrick Cunningham for the Belfast boys, the Gaels eased their way to a 1-11 to 0-5 interval lead. Lámh Dhearg goalkeeper John Finucane was arguably the man of the match as he denied the Gaels a second goal with a string of saves which seems through to play Derrygonnelly. SCORERS — Cavan Gaels: M Dunne 0-6 (1f), S Johnston 0-5 (1f), M Lyng 1-2, R MaloneyDerham 0-3, L Murphy, B Fortune, D Graham 0-1. Lámh Dhearg: P Cunningham 0-6 (5f), R Murray 0-3, E McKeown 0-1. Referee: B Cassidy (Derry) KEVIN CARNEY

CLARE SFC FINAL KILMURRY IBR 1-14 CLONDEGAD 0-14

KILMURRY Ibrickane have retained their Clare SFC title. The defending champions led by 0-6 to 0-4 at the break and the turning point of the game came in the 55th minute when substitute Peter O’Dwyer rifled into the Clondegad net with his first touch of the game. This goal left Kilmurry 1-13 to 010 in front and despite nine minutes of additional time, the West Clare club held out for victory. Tempers boiled over, too, as Kilmurry’s Peter O’Dwyer and Clondegad’s Joe Neylon were shown straight red cards. SCORERS – Kilmurry Ibrickane: K Sexton 0-5 (2f), I McInerney 0-4 (4f), P O’Dwyer 1-0, S Moloney 0-2, N Downes, D Sexton, D Coughlan 0-1. Clondegad: P McMahon 0-4 (3f), T Kelly 0-3, E Donnellan 0-2, G Brennan 0-2 (1f), T Lynch, S Brennan, G O’Connell 0-1. Referee: P Cosgrave (Corofin). GERRY QUINN