Westmeath, Roscommon and Louth became the first teams to book berths in the second round of the All-Ireland football qualifying series after respective victories in the today’s first round.
Westmeath, beaten by neighbours Meath last weekend, displayed the greater hunger and, ultimately, the greater skills against Antrim at Casement Park to run out 0-14 to 1-10 winners but were pushed all the way by the dogged Ulster side.
Leading by a solitary point at half-time, Westmeath were never allowed to settle and the lead changed hands several times until about 10 minutes from time when the visitors took a two point lead which Antrim were unable to overhaul.
In Clones, Louth, heavily favoured going into the tie, started brightly and had seemed well in control against Monaghon in the first period. However, a Paul Brennan goal for Monaghan just before the break reduced the deficit and two further scores on the stroke of half-time left nothing to choose between the teams going into the dressing rooms.
When the action resumed Monaghan proved just as determined, fighting tooth and nail for every ball, but a second David Reilly goal (his first came early in the game) reestablished Louth’s superiority and they ran out winners by 2-11 to 1-8.
In Dungarvon, Roscommon, without the suspended Francie Grehan, were never seriously threatened by a limited but game Waterford side.
Despite two first-half goals for the hosts, Roscommon still led by six points at the break and a second goal of their own minutes into the second-half, courtesy of Jonathon Donoghue, increased the lead.
Waterford did their utmost to get back on terms and notched another goal through Michael Walsh to set-up a nervy finish. But Stephen Lohan grabbed Roscommon’s third goal to apply the gloss to a 3-19 to 3-11 scoreline.
Results:
Monaghan 1-8 Louth 2-11
Waterford 3-11 Roscommon 3-19
Antrim 1-10 Westmeath 0-14
There are five other fixtures taking place this evening:
Wicklow v London, Aughrim 6 p.m.
Longford v Down, Pearse Park 6.15 p.m.
Limerick v Cavan, Gaelic Grounds 6.15 p.m.
Tyrone v Wexford, Wexford Park 6.15 p.m.
Carlow v Laois, Dr Cullen Park 6.15 p.m.