Royals Cruise Past Longford to Join Louth in Leinster Semi-Finals

Dalata Hotel Group Leinster U20 Championship | Round Up

With reigning champions Louth already safely through to the semi-finals following their back-to-back wins in Group 1, all eyes were on Clonguish to see who would join them. Meath left no room for doubt, delivering a clinical performance to maintain their unbeaten run.

Goals Secure Royal Progression

A powerful start from Cathal Ó Bric’s side laid the foundation for the win. Colin Scanlon’s 13th-minute goal sparked the momentum, helping Meath into an early 1-5 to 0-1 lead.

The pressure didn’t let up, as full-forward Cian Commons added a second goal just before half-time, leaving the 2025 finalists in a commanding 2-6 to 0-3 lead at the interval. Paul Hennessy and substitute Adam Ducie added further scores to seal the top spot in Group 2.

Westmeath Stun Dublin

The biggest shock of the night came in Group 1, where Westmeath secured a quarter-final berth with a 2-16 to 2-13 win over Dublin. The result means Dublin drop out of the championship proper and will move into the Andrew Corden Cup.

Westmeath, featuring Hogan Cup winners Criostóir Ormsby and Will Scahill, showed incredible composure. A penalty from James McHugh and a late Kealan Connell goal proved decisive in knocking out the young Sky Blues.

Quarter-Final Pairings Confirmed

With the group stages concluded, Westmeath, Longford, and Offaly have secured the three available quarter-final spots. The ties, scheduled for next Wednesday, are:

• Westmeath v Kildare
• Longford v Offaly

Offaly locked down their spot with a 0-18 to 2-5 win over Wicklow, utilizing the two-pointer rule to perfection with five scores from outside the arc.

Laois Stage Incredible Comeback

In the evening’s other big story, Laois staged a remarkable recovery from seven points down at half-time to beat Carlow 3-17 to 2-17. The win sees them join Dublin, Wexford, and Wicklow in the last four of the Andrew Corden Cup.