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Leinster SFC: Dublin cruise to victory

Paul Mannion netted a first half goal for Dublin at Croke Park.

Paul Mannion netted a first half goal for Dublin at Croke Park.

Leinster Senior Football Championship Semi-Final

DUBLIN 2-25 LONGFORD 0-12

By Cian O'Connell at Croke Park

Even though Longford summoned a spirited display, Dublin still cruised into a 13th provincial decider in 14 years

First half goals from Dean Rock and Paul Mannion ensured Jim Gavin’s outfit held a commanding 2-13 to 0-3 interval lead.

There was a blow in the opening period, though, for the All Ireland champions when Stephen Cluxton was forced off in the 23rd minute.

Cluxton’s departure arrived following a collision with James McGivney, who was red carded for the challenge on the Dublin custodian.

By that stage Dublin had already pulled 1-8 to 0-4 clear following an opportunistic 18th minute goal from Rock which was crafted by Michael Darragh MacAuley.

Robbie Smyth did carry a threat in attack for Longford, who mined some fine scores, but Dublin were dominant adding a second major in the 29th minute.

Dublin’s high press forced a turnover and Paul Mannion lashed a powerful shot into the back of the Longford net as the standard bearers led by 12 points at the turnaround.

Paul Mannion netted a first half goal for Dublin at Croke Park.

Paul Mannion netted a first half goal for Dublin at Croke Park.

After the restart there was plenty to admire in the manner Longford battle as the midlanders outscored Dublin by five points to three up until the 55th minute.

Smyth was sharp, while Dessie Reynolds and substitute Sean McCormack also rifled over neat points for the underdogs.

Despite Longford’s grit Dublin, boosted by the arrival of Colm Basquel, reeled off nine points without reply with Rock accurate from frees, while Kilkenny and Fenton also contributed handsomely in the closing stages.

Jack McCaffrey and Cian O'Sullivan's return to competitive action was a further source of positive news for Dublin, who will now face Laois in the Leinster Final.

**Scorers for Dublin: **Dean Rock 1-6 (5fs), Paul Mannion 1-2, Brian Fenton and Ciaran Kilkenny 0-4 each, Con O’Callaghan and Colm Basquel 0-2 each, Niall Scully, James McCarthy, Brian Howard, Philly McMahon, and Paddy Andrews 0-1 each.

Scorers for Longford: Robbie Smyth 0-5 (3fs), Dessie Reynolds, Donal McElligott, Michael Quinn, Rian Brady, Sean McCormack, Paddy Collum (45), and David McGivney (f) 0-1 each.

DUBLIN: Stephen Cluxton; Philly McMahon, Michael Fitzsimons, Eric Lowndes; Brian Howard, James McCarthy, Jonny Cooper; Brian Fenton, Michael Darragh MacAuley; Niall Scully, Con O’Callaghan, Ciaran Kilkenny; Paul Mannion, Dean Rock, Paddy Andrews.

Subs: Evan Comerford for Cluxton (23, blood), Darren Daly for Fitzsimons (HT), Jack McCaffrey for Cooper (HT), Colm Basquel for Mannion (49), Kevin McManamon for Andrews (49), Cian O’Sullivan for McCarthy (54), Paul Flynn for MacAuley (56).

LONGFORD: Paddy Collum; Patrick Fox, Padraig McCormack, Diarmuid Masterson; Michael Quinn, Donal McElligott, Daniel Mimnagh; Darren Gallagher, Conor Berry; Dessie Reynolds, David McGivney, Liam Connerton; Robbie Smyth, James McGivney, Rian Brady.

Subs: Sean McCormack for Connerton (27), Barry Gilleran for Quinn (55, BC), Mark Nally for David McGivney (64), Peter Foy for Reynolds (65), Darren Quinn for Masterson (65), Shane Donohoe for Mimnagh (70+2).

REFEREE: Maurice Deegan (Laois).