Substitute Chris Blake supplied the vital extra-time scores as Carlow capped promotion from Division 4 with a historic title success at Croke Park. Not since 1944, when Carlow won the Leinster SFC, had the county claimed a league or championship title and, fittingly, they won this one the hardest way possible. Leading by five points with 14 minutes of normal time to go, Joe Murphy's side was reeled in by a determined Longford who forced extra time at 2-14 to 1-17. Oran Kenny's 52nd minute goal and points from Liam Glennon, Daniel Reynolds and Matthew Carey secured the stalemate after 70 minutes for resurgent Longford. The teams were still tied at half time of extra time after splitting eight...
