Nicky Rackard Cup Round-Up

All four Nicky Rackard Cup semi-final spots were decided on Saturday with Louth, Monaghan, Fingal and Sligo progressing from their quarter-final ties.

Non Ards 2-16 v Louth 4-13

Louth claimed an impressive three-point victory away to one of this year’s surprise packages in Newry.

Following their two-point loss to Longford last week, the Wee County’s attack sprung to life with full-forward Diarmuid Murphy leading the way.

Non Ards found themselves seven points down and an unlikely comeback began to look possible at one stage after Liam Morgan found the net.

However, the away side withstood the late pressure from the South Down contingent to progess to the last four.

Monaghan 1-11 Cavan 0-9

Monaghan booked their place in the semi-final of the Nicky Rackard Cup with a five-point win against their neighbours Cavan in Clones on Saturday.

The Farney men started strongly to assume a 1-8 to 0-6 lead at the interval, following a first-half goal from Stephen Lambe.

The second half was a much tighter affair with scores at a premium but in reality, Cavan never looked like challenging for the honours.

The game ended in a disappointing fashion with three players being sent to the line.

The victors had star man Bernard O’Brien sent off after an altercation with Cavan’s Sean O’Grady, whose participation in the game was also ended prematurely.

Monaghan also had Pat McConnell sent off for an off-the-ball incident only moments after coming on as a substitute.

Fingal 1-19 Leitrim 0-12

Fingal continued their excellent Nicky Rackard campaign with a seven-point win against Leitrim at Parnell Park.

Made up by a number of clubs from North Dublin, Fingal had Leitrim on the ropes from the offset as they stormed ahead to lead by 0-14 to 0-3 at half-time.

Leitrim lacked imagination from open play with free taker Clem Cunniffe their only answer to their opponents’ free scoring.

The Connacht side upped their performance in the second period but Fingal secured their place in the semi-finals with a goal from Emmet McCabe.

Sligo 2-15 Tyrone 2-11

Sligo overcame a dogged Tyrone challenge by four points in their Nicky Rackard Cup quarter-final clash at a gusty Markievicz Park.

Paul Seevers and Keith Raymond were both in inspiring form for the home side, as they bagged 1-11 of their side’s total.

They were met with firm resistance by Tyrone who refused to give in with Cormac McHugh and David Lavery both in impressive form.

However, it was second-half Sligo goals from Raymond and Joe Bannerton that ultimately put their challenge to bed.