Longford got their campaign off to a winning start when they had five points to spare over Carlow in an entertaining clash at Pearse Park despite the extremely difficult underfoot conditions.
The same margin separated the sides at the break, Longford leading by 2-7 to 1-5. James Martin fired home Longford's opening goal with eight minutes gone and the second came from a penalty converted by Paul Barden in the 31st minute.
A goal by Willie Quinlan in the 16th minute kept the Carlow hopes alive, but there was no way back for the visitors when Alan Neilon finished a David Barden pass to the net 15 minutes into the second half.
LONGFORD: G Tonra; B Burke, D Ledwith, M Lennon; Martin Mulleady, D Blessington, Paul Jones; D Hannify, L Keenan (0-1); P Brady, P Bardon (1-3), P Ross (0-1); J Martin (1-3), D Barden, A Neilon (1-2). Subs: Michael Mulleady for Ledwith (57 mins), M Connor for Brady (62), C Sheridan for D Barden (70).
CARLOW: P McGrath; J Hughes, C Kelly, V Fleming; J Kavanagh, J Byrne, J McGrath; S Kavanagh, S O'Brien; D Donoghue (0-2), W Quinlan (1-0), P Nolan; C McDonald (1- 0), J Nevin (0-4), E Mcarry (0-2). Subs: B Farrell for McGrath (54 mins), D Byrne for Donohoe (63), P Dwyer for Nolan (70).
Referee: G Kinneavy (Roscommon).
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