As the Tailteann Cup competition intensifies, Kildare, Sligo, Fermanagh, and Down emerged as the leaders of their groups, earning themselves the advantage of home quarter-finals. The victory of Kildare against Leitrim was marked by Daragh Kirwan’s impressive seven-point performance, leading to a 1-16 to 0-12 result. Despite a comeback effort from Leitrim in the second half, Kildare prevailed by securing the last six points of the match.
Limerick’s triumph over London in the preliminary quarter-finals, with a score of 2-14 to 0-10 at Parnell Park, saw contributions from Danny Neville and Paul Maher, both of whom netted goals in the first half. Jimmy Lee’s Limerick team maintained control in the second half, limiting London to only four points.
Stephen Curry of Waterford led his team to a noteworthy victory against Longford in Portlaoise, landing two vital goals in the 4-12 to 1-16 win, thereby eliminating Longford from the Tailteann Cup.
In Carlow, Tipperary narrowly defeated Wexford 3-5 to 0-12, thanks to a last-gasp goal from Stephen Grogan at the 75th minute. Despite Wexford controlling the ball and Sean Nolan’s stellar performance, they missed numerous opportunities, allowing an effectively-depleted Tipperary side to snatch a thrilling victory.
Fermanagh also secured a place in the quarter-finals after just managing to overcome Laois 3-11 to 2-13. Two vital goals from Callum Jones and one from Conor McShea proved to be enough, even as Laois nearly caused upset with a penalty from Mark Barry. Despite the pressure, Fermanagh held their nerve to win the contest.
Wicklow’s Oisin McConville inspired a resolute performance as they rallied to secure a 0-15 to 1-9 victory against a depleated Carlow side, who were down to 14 players. Mark Jackson, an NFL trialist, rejoined the team and was first to score, yet Carlow held a slim 0-6 to 0-5 lead at the half. Despite Eric Molloy netting a goal for Carlow, a key performance from Christopher O’Brien and Padraig O’Toole, each scoring 0-2, ushered Wicklow to triumph.
Meanwhile, Down confidently handled Offaly with a 2-22 to 3-13 result at Kingspan Breffni. This inevitable victory witnessed contributions from 15 individual scorers, highlighting a team effort. Down were impressive, kicking 0-16 in the first half and only sending one shot wide, against an Offaly team which endured the second half with just 14 players after Eoin Carroll saw a red card.
Elsewhere, the match ended in a 0-20 deadlock between Antrim and Sligo, thanks to last-minute scores from Antrim’s Ryan McQuillan, Conor Hand, and Michael Byrne. The draw, however, could not stop Sligo from leading the group table after a superior score differential.
In the preliminary quarter-finals’ draw, Leitrim will face Wicklow, Laois will play against New York, Limerick are pitted against Tipperary, and Antrim will square off with London.