Round-up: Kildare and Westmeath reach O'Byrne Cup decider
Harry O'Neill, Kildare, and Cillian Dunne, Dublin, in Dioralyte O'Byrne Cup semi-final action. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Dioralyte O'Byrne Cup Semi-Finals
Kildare 1-22 Dublin 1-13
Westmeath 5-10 Offaly 2-8
A dynamic second half performance ensured Kildare overcame Dublin at Cedral St Conleth's Park.
Trailing 1-10 to 0-10 at the interval, Kildare restricted Dublin to three second half points as the Lilywhites seized control in Newbridge.
Harry O'Neill supplied a goal for Kildare, who were inspired by some splendid shooting from Alex Beirne.
The accurate Beirne finished with seven points for Kildare with James Harris, Darragh Swords, and Eoin Cully also clipping important efforts.
Dublin enjoyed some encouraging moments early with Jamie McCarville scoring a goal for Ger Brennan's charges.
Kildare, though, responded in excellent fashion, dominating the second period to earn a place in the decider.
It was a satisfactory Saturday afternoon in Mullingar for Westmeath, who enjoyed a convincing win over neighbours Offaly.
Solid and resourceful in the opening period, the home team departed at the break armed with a 2-7 to 1-3 advantage.
Danny McCartan netted a fifth minute major for Westmeath, who clipped 1-5 without reply initially.
Westmeath senior football team manager Mark McHugh. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
A second Westmeath goal was added in the 28th minute courtesy of Brandon Kelly.
Ciaran Murphy replied with an Offaly goal before the break, but Westmeath still led by seven points at the turnaround.
After the restart Offaly narrowed the gap with Ciaran Murphy pinching a goal, while Jack Bryant and Cormac Egan contributed points.
Westmeath, though, summoned a response as Senan Baker, McCartan, and Kelly netted further goals for Mark McHugh's outfit.
Dioralyte O'Byrne Shield Semi-Finals
Wicklow 3-15 Longford 1-11
Carlow 2-15 Laois 3-9
Wicklow and Carlow will contest the Dioralyte O'Brien Shield Final.
Eoin D'arcy, Sean Murphy, and Darragh Fee grabbed goals as Wicklow beat Longford in impressive fashion.
A second half Cathal McCabe goal gave the midlanders' some hope, but Wicklow ran out comfortable victors.
Colm Hulton's 58th minute goal was the key score as Carlow edged out Laois in Rathvilly.
Alan Kinsella (two) and Paul Kingston were Laois' goalscorers in an entertaining encounter.
Ross Dunphy and Hulton contributed goals for Carlow, while Conor Doyle supplied a couple of excellent two pointers.
