Longford IFC Final: Michael Lynch hoping that Connolly's can end championship title jinx!

On Saturday, they have another good opportunity to be crowned champions when they face the beaten finalists of two years ago, Fr Manning Gaels at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park. 

The manager of the Connolly’s side is local Ballinalee resident Michael Lynch and he reflected back on the loss to Kenagh in last year’s decider.

“We were fairly hurt after last year’s final defeat to Kenagh, especially as we had a six-point lead and still failed to win the game. 

“The goals they scored either side of half-time were hammer blows and it just goes to show that six, seven, or even ten-point leads can be overhauled. 

“Kenagh did it to us last year and in this year’s Intermediate Final in Leitrim, Melvin Gaels came back from ten points down to snatch an incredible one-point win over Allen Gaels. 

“So, we know that when you are ahead by a comfortable margin, it only takes a goal to turn a game around.

“This year, we have just knuckled down and done the hard work taking it one game at a time and believing in ourselves. 

“We have won all six of our group games, but we got a real test against Ballymahon who really put it up to us before we won by just a point. 

“That result shows that we cannot be complacent against Fr Manning Gaels despite having beaten them in the group stages, but the way we beat Ballymahon demonstrates the resolve and hunger that our players have.

“We have come so close to winning the Hennessy Cup over the last two years. reaching the last four two years ago and the final last year, so it would be brilliant for the whole parish If we can get over the line on Saturday and be crowned champions. 

“There is a great camaraderie between the players and the management and it would be just reward for everyone involved if we can get the better of Fr Manning Gaels.

“They will not be easily beaten though, as they have a quality side especially in the forward line, and they have a huge tradition behind them as well, so they will be tough to beat. 

“I would just like to thank everyone who supported us this year including our valuable and generous sponsors who have backed us brilliantly and they have given us all tremendous support.”