Carlow defeated Longford yesterday at Dr Cullen Park to advance to the semi-finals where they will meet Wicklow.

After Paul Barden converted a 45th-minute penalty to put Longford 3-8 to 1-13 ahead, Carlow hit back to score four points without reply, and even though they conceded a late goal they held on.

CARLOW: P McGarth; J Hickey, B Farrell, S Myers (0-1); K Walker, A Corcoran, J Byrne; P Kiernan, P Nolan (0-1); A Kelly (0-4), M Carpenter (0-2), J McGrath (0-1); B Carbery (0-2), J Nevin, B Kelly (1-4). Subs: T Walsh (0-3) for Nolan (inj); S O'Brien (0-1) for Kiernan; G Walker (0-1) for J McGrath, C Hayden (0-1) for Carbery, M Drea for Byrne.

LONGFORD: E Crowe; M Mulleady, D Ledwith, D Brady; R Clyne, B Burke, J Murray; D Hanniffy, L Keenan; T Smullen (0-1), P Barden (2-3), P Ross (0-1); M Kenny (0-1), N Sheridan, P Davis (1-4). Subs: I Browne for Keenan; P Farrell (1-0) for Murray.

Referee: J Sheridan (Westmeath).