Fermanagh power past Longford for opening day win

A power-packed first half from the impressive home side pushed Fermanagh to a deserved Division 3 victory over Longford in Ederney.

The physically powerful winners led 0-11 to 0-06 at the break inspired by big performances from the towering Darragh McGurn, Ultan Kelm and the accurate Sean Quigley, who finished with 0-07 from frees.

O'Byrne Cup winners Longford struggled with the sheer power and pace of the home side while experienced Erne full-back Ché Cullen nullified the threat of the opposing full-forward duo of David McGivney and Dessie Reynolds.

And the Erne side were on top at midfield where they used the breaking ball to great effect.

But they hit eight wides in a patchy second half where they had major possession. It mattered little in the end though, as Kieran Donnelly’s side made the ideal start to the league season.

Fermanagh had a bright start and eased into a two-point lead by the four minute, although that advantage was cancelled out by efforts from David McGivney and Dylan Farrell.

That set the scene for a high scoring first half where the sides were level on three occasions.

Marksman Sean Quigley and Ryan Lyons pushed Fermanagh to a 0-05 to 0-03 lead by the end of the first quarter as an outgunned Longford side relied mainly on McGivney to keep in touch.

But they spurned a great goal chance after 16 minutes when a bad Erne kick-out went straight to Longford wing-forward Mickey Quinn, but his shot shaved the post.

Fermanagh were dominating midfield and the Longford defence were struggling to cope with the power and pace of Kelm and the impressive McGurn, who hit the point of the half after a great solo.

Longford dangerman Reynolds sparked to life and set up the nippy Iarla O'Sullivan for a point in the 18th minute.

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