Longford IFC Final: Kenagh and Sean Connolly's battle it out for the Gerry Hennessy Cup

After making amends for the bitter disappointment of defeat at the penultimate stage last year in making it through to the 2023 county final, Sean Connolly’s or Kenagh will bridge a frustrating long gap in the always interesting second tier championship.

Second best in 2014 (v Carrickedmond) and 2017 (v Rathcline), the Ballinalee club are back in the title decider in a determined bid to be crowned Intermediate champions for the first since 1989.

Kenagh’s last Intermediate triumph was 40 years ago and their previous final appearance in this grade was back in 2007 when they lost out to Mullinalaghta after a replay. 

Despite the absence of their top player Dessie Reynolds (travelling abroad), Connolly’s cruised to a very easy win over St Brigid’s Killashee and the impressive manner in which they finished top of the group stage table suggests that they are capable of crossing the final hurdle.

Particularly significant was the most emphatic 3-11 to 0-8 victory over Kenagh in Round 2 but county attacker Keelin McGann was missing on that occasion and his return from a summer stint in the United States has been a big boost for Eugene McCormack’s much improved side. 

It should be a much closer affair in the match that really matters and it remains to be seen whether Connolly’s will have  Dessie Reynolds back in their quest for championship glory?

There was a lot to admire about the clinical manner in which Kenagh blew Fr Manning Gaels away in the semi-final (3-14 to 0-9) in gaining sweet revenge for the so unlucky loss against the Drumlish/Ballinamuck side at the same stage last year.

Corner-forward Darren Carberry caused havoc in clocking up the terrific total of 2-6 (2 frees) and there is plenty of scoring power in the sharp Kenagh attack with other dangermen in Shane Farrell and the McGann brothers Thomas and Keelin.

Much the same can be said about  the Ballinalee attack with Daniel Reynolds, Joe Heaney and Dylan Lynch (son of the Connolly’s manager Michael Lynch) all posing a serious threat if they can receive a proper supply of the ball.

 Daire Duggan and John Doris are a physically strong midfield duo who may well give Connolly’s the edge in this vital sector in direct opposition against the Kenagh pairing of Andrew Dalton and Alan Jones.

The competent Connolly’s half-back-line of Sean Kenny, Sean O’Sullivan and Ronan McGreal have the ability to play a leading role in the destination of the title and this effective trio will be going all out to stop the Kenagh forwards clicking into top gear.

Lee Ross Gill, Shea Carberry and John Gill are the backbone of the gritty Kenagh defence who will give nothing easy away and the final could go right down to the wire.

On the basis that Connolly’s gained valuable experience against senior opposition in Division 1 of the senior league this season and who were competitive in some of the games despite their eventual relegation, the Ballinalee boys are given a hesitant vote to emerge victorious in a probable close encounter. 

Prediction: Sean Connolly’s