Longford SFC: Who will make it through to the Connolly Cup decider?

In the aftermath of the major controversy surrounding the Carrickedmond case which is now at an end after causing quite a stir, the focus on the conclusion of the senior football championship is now firmly fixed on what is going to happen on the pitch. 

The semi-finals are down for decision at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park this weekend and first into action on Saturday evening (throw-in 5.15pm) are the clubs with the high profile outside managers - Luke Dempsey’s Killoe and Frankie Dolan’s Abbeylara. 

While the title holders Killoe cruised their way through the group stage, winning all five fixtures even without the injured Michael Quinn, it was considerably tougher against Dromard in the hotly disputed quarter-final slot amid all the controversy that was created with Carrickedmond’s exit.

Having said that, Emmet Og looked extremely sharp in the first half and but for a number of missed clear-cut goal chances (including a penalty) they could have been out of sight at the break.

Another couple of notable absentees on that occasion were resolute defender Darren Moffett and the lightning quick attacker Paddy Moran, both injured, and Killoe have a strong squad at their disposal who will take some stopping. 

But Abbeylara will be quietly confident of springing a surprise in their quest to reach the county SFC final for the first time since 2018 and the investment in installing former Roscommon star Frankie Dolan as the boss would appear to be a shrewd move.

Frankie is opting to playing it tight at the break with an experienced defence that will be strengthened by the return of Cian Brady who was suspended for the hard earned win over Rathcline in the previous round. 

The promising Ciaran Scanlon is well capable of making a big impact at midfield while Robbie Smyth is always a threat up front and Abbeylara will be very determined to give it their best shot to cause an upset.  

The second semi-final on Sunday is a repeat of the 2022 Connolly Cup decider when a stoppage time penalty converted by Ruairi Harkin clinched a dramatic win (1-7 to 0-8) for Colmcille against a stunned  Mullinalaghta side who let the  county title slip from their grasp.

In that same season Colmcille also came out on top against St Columba’s in the Senior League Division 1 final and the Aughnacliffe based club have enjoyed a good record against their neighbours in recent years.

Fierce rivalry, to say the least, and while a cracking contest is in prospect in a probable close encounter the absence of James McGivney is a big blow for Mullinalaghta.

While James was granted interim relief in a DRA ruling that permitted him to play against Granard in the quarter-final as he waited on the appeal to his lengthy suspension to be heard by the Leinster Council, the St Columba’s case was lost on Thursday night last.

Thus McGivney is ruled out of the showdown against Colmcille and that could prove to be a vital factor in the eventual outcome. 

Peter Hanley Motors SFC Semi-Finals

Saturday 28 September 

Glennon Brothers Pearse Park: Abbeylara v Killoe Emmet Og, 5.15pm 

Prediction: Killoe

Sunday 29 September

Glennon Brothers Pearse Park: Colmcille v Mullinalaghta St Columba’s, 4pm

 Prediction: Colmcille