Longford JFC ‘A’ Final: Clonguish and Killoe battle it out for the Seamus Flynn Cup

Now known as the Seamus Flynn Cup, it would indeed be ironic if Clonguish were to become the first winners of the trophy now dedicated to the memory of one of their greatest ever footballers who won eight senior championships with the Newtownforbes club and who was also a Longford star in the golden era of the glorious sixties.

For some reason or another, the Junior Championship silverware was the cup with no name but that is about to change with the second strings from Clonguish and Killoe going to battle it out for the title in the intriguing decider at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday, throw-in 2pm.   

Just a couple of points separated the sides in the group stage and another close encounter is probably in prospect in the curtain-raiser to the senior football championship final, also involving Emmet Og who take on Colmcille in the quest for Connolly Cup glory.

On the basis of their unbeaten run on the path to the Junior final, winning all five fixtures, Clonguish will be a tough nut to crack under the driving force of their manager David Barden who will be hoping to make his presence felt at full-forward.

With other key players in Josh Sorohan, Niall O’Reilly, Packie Molloy, Darran Quinn and Darragh McLoughlin, Clonguish are strong at this level but will want to improve on their struggle to beat the solely Junior club Legan Sarsfields in the semi-final, 2-9 to 1-9. 

The same must be said about the Killoe team who were fortunate to snatch a draw in their last four clash against Carrickedmond  but made no mistake in the replay at Allen Park on Sunday evening last with a fairly emphatic 1-15 to 0-10 win.  

Former senior players Paddy Thompson at midfield and Eugene Clarke in the full-forward position will be determined to make a big impact and with other experienced men in defenders Shane Clarke and Gary Connell there is a good blend of experience and youth.

Emmet Og are bidding to win the Tier 3 championship for the first time since 2018 while Clonguish last claimed the county Junior title back in 2003.

Prediction: Clonguish