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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Iarla O'Sullivan pictured in action for Longford against Fermanagh in the first round of the NFL Division 3 at St Joseph’s Park, Ederney on Saturday last Photo: Syl Healy
After suffering a first setback in his reign as the Longford senior football manager, Paddy Christie will be demanding a big overall improvement from the players in the bid to get back on track against Westmeath at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday next, throw-in 2pm.
On a high after winning the O’Byrne Cup final the previous weekend, lethargic Longford were brought crashing back down to earth by a physically stronger Fermanagh side in the opening round of the Allianz National Football League Division 3 at St Joseph’s Park in Ederney on Saturday last.
Maybe the demand of the workload from the four games in the O’Byrne Cup in a short space of time had a bearing on the disappointing defeat as Longford produced a flat performance against a better Fermanagh outfit who enjoyed the vast majority of the possession.
Christie’s charges have an immediate opportunity to redeem themselves against neighbouring rivals Westmeath who also lost their Round 1 fixture last weekend with Cavan coming out on top in Mullingar by a three points margin: 0-12 to 1-6.
Cavan led by six points at one stage in the second half and while Westmeath scored a goal to close the gap they were unable to salvage the situation in a bad start to the season for new manager Dessie Dolan.
Considered to be one of the prime contenders for promotion on the strength of their Tailteann Cup triumph last year, Westmeath will be difficult to beat with accurate attacker John Heslin still very much their dangerman.
While Longford sprang a big surprise to win the local derby in the National League fixture at TEG Cusack Park last year, Westmeath gained revenge with a comprehensive success when the counties clashed again in the Leinster Championship quarter-final.
Few can argue with the fact that Longford are facing a tough task on Sunday but home advantage is a vital factor in their favour in the hope that a positive result can be achieved.
Allianz National Football League Division 3
Round 1 Results
Fermanagh 0-15 Longford 0-8
Tipperary 1-11 Down 2-11
Westmeath 1-6 Cavan 0-12
Antrim 0-12 Offaly 2-12
Round 2 Fixtures
Saturday February 4
Pairc Esler, Newry: Down v Antrim, 6pm
Sunday, February 5
Glennon Brothers Pearse Park: Longford v Westmeath, 2pm
O’Connor Park, Tullamore: Offaly v Fermanagh, 2pm
Kingspan Breffni Park: Cavan v Tipperary, 2pm
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