Longford ladies back in Leinster action at home to Kilkenny

Barring a total collapse, Longford are expected to win with ease against Kilkenny in Round 2 of the TG4 Leinster Ladies Football Championship at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday next, throw-in 2pm.

Unlucky losers (0-11 to 1-7) against the title holders Louth at the same venue on Sunday last, Longford will keep alive their hopes of reaching the provincial title decider with the usual one-sided clash against Kilkenny the probable outcome.

 The return of DCU star Clodagh Lohan was a big boost for the manager Brian Farrell and it will all come down to the final fixture in the group stage away to Carlow who cruised to a comprehensive 2-15 to 0-2 victory over Kilkenny last weekend. 

The eventual top two teams will contest the Leinster final but the main target is clearly the All-Ireland Junior Championship with the games in the group stage against Antrim, Carlow and away to London.

If Longford can build on their fine performance in the first half against last year’s beaten All-Ireland finalists Louth, the chance of a Croke Park appearance might become a reality but that remains to be seen.

Hurlers draw with Leitrim

Also in championship action last weekend were the Longford senior hurlers who were fortunate to get away with a draw against Leitrim at Pearse Park and are now facing a tougher task at home against Cavan in the next round on Saturday May 10.

The local derby could be switched to Sunday, depending on the date for the Longford footballers Round 1 fixture away to Wexford in the Tailteann Cup, and the hurlers travel to Monaghan in the remaining group game in the Lory Meagher Cup the following weekend.