Nicky Rackard Cup Group 1

Monaghan 1-17 Longford 2-17                                                18/5/19

Monaghan are out of contention for the semi-finals of the Nicky Rackard Cup after they were on the wrong end of a stunning second-half turnaround from Longford in Inniskeen.

Fergal Rafter, Stephen Lambe and Brian McGuigan were on form as Monaghan put themselves in the driving seat and the hosts led by nine points at half-time (0-14 to 0-5), but Longford wiped out that gap with a storming start to the second half. David Buckley hit both goals for Longford and although Taidhg Campbell responded for Monaghan, the visitors gained the upper hand again in the closing stages, with Buckley and Cathal Mullane firing them to a three-point win.

Monaghan welcome Warwickshire to Inniskeen this Saturday.

Monaghan: N Butler; C Merrick, E Leonard, J Guinan; C McKenna, C Gernon, M Murphy (0-2); T Campbell (1-0), P Treanor; C Boyle, M Treanor (0-1), P McKenna; F Rafter (Capt., (0-8, 6f, 1 ’65), S Lambe (0-3), B McGuigan (0-3).

Subs: L McKenna for Murphy (inj., H-T), P McGahon for Boyle (48 mins), C Flynn for P McKenna (63), C Power for L McKenna (68).

Longford: É Daly; G Moore, K Murray, P Corcoran; D Connell (0-1), C Mullane (0-3, 1f), C McLoughlin; B Hanley (0-2), P Barden; J Casey, D Buckley (2-9, 0-6f), M O’Donohoe; R Murray (0-2), C Kavanagh, D Duggan.

Subs: E Tully for K Murray (inj., 51), S O’Brien for O’Donohoe (70).

Referee: T Gleeson (Dublin).