The hosts then added fine scores through Foley (two), JM Sheridan, Kevin Larkin and Paddy Sheridan, and although Eoin Donnellan contributed a 0-3 salvo for Longford, a second goal by JM Sheridan on 33 minutes provided Fingal with a 2-7 to 0-10 mid-way cushion.

Points by John Newman and Donnellan kept Longford within touching distance, but the loss of ‘keeper Luke Kelly through injury on 53 minutes deflated their challenge.

With outfield player Ciaran Corcoran having to take Kelly’s place between the sticks, Fingal were able to take full advantage, and when JM Sheridan, who finished with an outstanding tally of 2-7, Richardson and Smyth all raised green flags between the 59th and 62th minutes, Fingal were able to cruise to a commanding triumph.

SCORERS — Fingal: JM Sheridan 2-7 (0-1f, 0-1 ’65’), C Foley 1-3, A Richardson, D Smyth 1-1 each, K O’Flynn 0-3, D Hattie, P Sheridan, K Larkin, B Kelly 0-1 each. Longford: E Donnellan 0-6 (4f), C Mullane 0-3, P Corcoran 0-2, C Flanagan, J Newman 0-1 each.

FINGAL — A McGrane; P Coyne, N Feeney, D Butterley; A Kirwan, N Ring, A Morris; D Hattie, P Sheridan; K Larkin, K O’Flynn, R McGarry; C Foley, JM Sheridan, A Richardson. Subs: N Connolly for McGrane (h-t), D Smyth for P Sheridan (39), B Kelly for Morris (54), K Foley for Coyne (56), K McLoughlin for McGarry (59).

LONGFORD — L Kelly; R Breslin, B Stakem, G Moore; C Egan, D Tanner, C Flanagan; P Barden, K Murray; E Donnellan, K Cox, C Mullane; J Gaffney, J Newman, P Corcoran. Subs: C Corcoran for Gaffney (h-t), C Regan for Kelly (53), C McLoughlin for Murray (63).

REF — A Lagrue (Kildare).