Longford in the spotlight in quest for league glory

Following the pulsating promotion triumph in the remarkable comeback against gutted Wicklow at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday last, the delighted Longford senior footballers will be playing in Division 3 next year.
That did not seem possible in the aftermath of the bitterly disappointing defeat at home to London in the opening fixture but they produced a great recovery to end up second in the table and the added bonus of a crack at Carlow in the Division 4 league title decider.
The reward of gaining promotion against the odds in delivering a Croke Park appearance for the first time since 2018 is a major boost for Longford football and the supporters are looking forward to the big match on Saturday evening (throw-in 5pm, LIVE on TG4) with a renewed sense of hope for the future.
A positive factor is the recent record against Carlow who lost to Longford in the league this season on a 1-19 to 1-14 scoreline and who also had to settle for second best (1-20 to 1-15) when the counties clashed in the group stage of the Tailteann Cup last season.
Matthew Carey clocked up the tremendous total of 0-15 in a fine overall display, despite their exit from the Tier 2 championship prior to that game in Tullamore when there was nothing but pride at stake.
Hopefully, the young Longford team will show no fear when they enter the Croke Park arena in the curtain-raiser to the Division 3 decider, Down v Wexford.
Another win over Carlow could be achieved in the quest for some silverware on the National stage but Mike Solan’s side are well warned on the basis that the Division 4 table toppers steamrolled their way over Leitrim at Netwatch Cullen Park on Sunday last.
Despite conceding a couple of early goals, Carlow gradually got their act together to win with ease (4-22 to 2-5) with the physically strong midfield pairing of Conor Doyle and Eoghan Ruth particularly prominent.
The threat of Mikey Bambrick, Colm Hulton and Ross Dunphy in the attack is also a cause for concern and Carlow are generally regarded as the favourites to emerge victorious in the eagerly awaited league final at GAA headquarters.
Longford won consecutive league titles in 2011 and 2012, beating Roscommon (Division 4) and Wexford (Division 3) in the respective finals at Croke Park but suffered a heavy defeat against Offaly in the 2015 Division 4 decider.

It really is a super Saturday with the county senior hurlers in action against Sligo in the National League Division 4 final at Markievicz Park (throw-in 2pm) but the midlanders are facing a very tough task against strong opposition who are operating in the higher grade of the Nicky Rackard Cup championship.