Roscommon, Mayo and Monaghan into minor football semi-finals

Roscommon 3-8 Kildare 0-12: Roscommon will meet Tyrone in the All-Ireland MFC semi-finals after a surprise win over Kildare in their last-eight clash in Tullamore this afternoon.

A bright start was lit up by an Ultan Harney goal and built upon by Diarmuid Murtagh, who hit the net nine minutes later as Roscommon move into a 2-2 to 0-0 lead. After Neil Flynn slotted Kildare’s 12th minute opener, Chris Healy endeavoured to drag his side back into it and ended the day with two points from play and his fingerprints on four other scores.

However, despite the dimissal of midfielder Tadhg O’Rourke, Roscommon surged into a 3-2 to 0-6 lead with another goal from Diarmuid McGann.

After the break, Kildare only got to within four points, with late points from Daly and Murtagh keeping them at safe distance. Tyrone await after their extra-time win over Kerry yesterday.

Mayo 2-13 Westmeath 0-8: Mayo will meet Monaghan after a comfortable win over Westmeath in the preceding game.

Two goals in a matter of minutes, early in the second half, ended Westmeath hopes, despite the best efforts of Luke Loughlin and Robert Hickey.

After Conor Loftus, Cian Hanley and Michael Plunkett all scored early points for Mayo, it looked grim for Westmeath, but they were within three at the break (0-9 to 0-6), thanks to Loughlin and Hickey, who accounted for all of their scores.

Mayo’s first goal came from a penalty when Cian Hanley converted a spot-kick he won. Darragh Doherty had a second moments later when he deftly flicked on Hanley’s lengthy delivery.

It was routine for Mayo after that, Westmeath only registering their first score of the half after 18 minutes.

Monaghan 0-12 Tipperary 0-9: It was a little closer for Monaghan against Tipperary at Pearse Park, but they remained on course for a first All-Ireland final appearance in 74 years.

Conor McCarthy and Ferghal McMahon hit four points apiece for Monaghan, who saw Michael O’Dowd sent off in injury-time for a second yellow card.

Tipp kicked four of their nine points in the first 10 minutes, but only managed one more by the break and Monaghan were down 0-5 to 0-4 despite facing a stiff breeze.

They began the second half well with the wind at their backs and three unanswered points saw them open up a two-point lead.

Tipperary drew level but Monaghan hit five of the next six points, as Adam Treanor ended the scoring with a fine effort from distance.