Longford IFC Final: Ballymore may just have the edge over St Brigid’s Gaels

The destination of the 2026 Leah Sheridan Cup will be decided at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park this Saturday when Ballymore face St Brigid’s Gaels Ardagh in the Ladies Intermediate Championship final, throw-in 1pm.

Ballymore, beaten finalists last year, will be determined to go one step further and reclaim the title they last won in 2020. That proved a memorable year for the club as they followed their county success by adding the Leinster Junior title to their honours list.

St Brigid’s Gaels won their only Intermediate title in 2023, and many members of that team remain at the heart of the current panel. Manager Gerard Evans has also introduced younger players who have added energy and depth to his squad.

Ballymore boss Shane Mahon can likewise call on a strong blend of experience and youth, with that experience potentially proving crucial if Saturday's contest remains in the balance during the final quarter.

The sides have already met this year, with Ballymore winning their group stage championship encounter 1-15 to 2-4.

However, that result needs to be viewed in context, as influential St Brigid Gaels player Sian Gallagher was absent. Her return will provide a significant boost to the Ardagh side and could make this a very different contest.

Ballymore have been impressive throughout the league and championship, winning all five league games and their four championship outings. Their only defeat came in the league semi-final against St Helen’s.

St Brigid Gaels had a more mixed league campaign, winning three and losing three, although they competed at a higher level in Division 1.

Their only championship defeat came against Ballymore. The Gaels were hugely impressive in their semi-final, defeating Dromard 3-18 to 0-7, while Ballymore had to work much harder against Mostrim. They led by just a point at half-time before pulling away to record a 2-13 to 0-6 victory.

Ballymore will look to Aisling Reynolds to dictate proceedings with Aoife Reilly and county minor Zara Drake providing further attacking options. At the other end, Sorcha Dawson and Eimear Heaney have been prominent in a tight defensive unit.

St Brigid’s Gaels main threat is their pace and ability to counter attack in numbers. Leanne Keegan provides a strong presence at full-back, while Sian Gallagher adds considerable attacking quality from her midfield role. Maria Hayden and the Gaels' other forwards will also pose a significant scoring threat.

Both managers will believe their side can lift the Leah Sheridan Cup. With attacking talent on both sides, a fast-paced and high-scoring final is anticipated.

Ballymore may have a slight edge based on their consistency and previous meeting, but St Brigid’s Gaels have plenty of weapons of their own. A close contest — and even a draw — would come as no surprise.

Prediction: Ballymore

Ladies Football Junior ‘B’ Championship Final

Sean Connolly’s chasing first title

Just a short few years in existence, the Sean Connolly’s ladies football squad are on the brink of winning their first Longford title in the Junior ‘B’ Championship final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday, throw-in 11am.

Standing in their way are the Clonguish second string, led by the vastly experienced Ali Magan, while another former county player Anna McDonnell can make a significant impact for the Ballinalee side.

Clonguish 2 lost out to Rathcline in the final of the Tier 4 competition last year and will probably have to settle for second best again with the Connolly’s first team given the vote to emerge victorious.

Prediction: Sean Connolly’s