Longford SFC: Who will reach the Connolly Cup semi-finals?

The battle for the Connolly Cup advances a stage further this weekend with the four quarter-finals down for decision at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.

The knockout games are generating a lot of interest as the 2026 senior football championship gradually comes to a conclusion and first in action on Saturday are the title holders KIlloe who can take absolutely nothing for granted against the emerging young Granard team.

Youthful St Mary’s, under the guidance of the former Offaly, Sligo and Westmeath senior manager Pat Flanagan, showed what they are capable of with a most emphatic 10-point win over Colmcille in the opening round of the group stage.

Their only defeat was suffered against Clonguish and there is a growing belief in the Granard camp that a surprise result could be achieved against Emmet Og with not as much dependence on inspirational midfielder Darren Gallagher.

Killoe will be very wary against St Mary’s and their manager Paul O’Hara will be hoping to be in a position to field his strongest possible side with the notable exception of the injured Mark Hughes.

Paddy Kiernan, Darren Moffett and Larry Moran were brought on during the course of the group phase of the championship and it remains to be seen whether any of that experienced trio will start in the most intriguing clash against Granard.

Next on the programme is the meeting of Longford Slashers and the unbeaten Group A table toppers Abbeylara who are still going well despite the absence of Colm P Smyth, Russell Brady and the long term injured PJ Masterson.

The return of Ciaran Scanlon this season is a big boost for Frankie Dolan’s side and with a couple of talented young players in Sean Fagan and Dylan Ledwith making their presence felt the general opinion is that Abbey will make it through to the last four.

With the exception of a fine win over Carrickedmond in the first round, which was good enough to get them through to the last 8, Slashers have endured a frustrating struggle in the current campaign.

Maybe there is another big performance in Conor Clarke’s charges but the odds are stacked against the sky-blues who will have to improve a lot overall in the hope of keeping their championship hopes alive

The most appealing of the quarter-final ties is unquestionably the clash of neighbouring rivals Colmcille and Dromard and a big attendance is expected for this attractive match.

While Ger Carberry has to do without the driving force of regular wing back Ruairi Harkin (in Australia), Colmcille are still a tough nut to crack in their determined bid to make amends for the bitter disappointment of losing the title deciders for the past two years.

The return of Matt Duffy from his AFL experience ‘down under’ is a major boost for Dromard manager Niall Vance in a strong attack that is spearheaded by county players Joseph Hagan and Aaron Farrell.

There will be a high intensity in this eagerly anticipated local that might well end in a draw with so little separating the sides going on current form.

Last but not least is the meeting of Clonguish, generally perceived to be the title favourites, and the surprise packet Ardagh Moydow who have performed remarkably well to retain their senior status after winning the Intermediate championship last year.

Liam Keenan’s side are backboned by a few talented young players, most notably Max Gallagher at midfield, but this is a significant step up in class against a strong Clonguish outfit who will be hard beaten in their fierce desire to bring the coveted Connolly Cup back to Newtownforbes for the first time since 2009 under the guidance of former Fermanagh manager Dom Corrigan.

Powered by Jack Duggan and Matthew Carey, it will be a major shock if they fail to get past Ardagh Moydow who are very much in bonus territory.

​​Peter Hanley Motors Senior Football Championship Quarter-Finals

​Saturday 12 Sept

Glennon Brothers Pearse Park

St Mary’s Granard v Killoe Emmet Og, 4pm

Prediction: Killoe

​Abbeylara v Longford Slashers, 6pm

Prediction: Abbeylara

​Sunday 13 September

​Glennon Brothers Pearse Park

​Dromard v Colmcille, 2.15pm

Prediction: Colmcille

​Clonguish v Ardagh Moydow, 4.15pm

Prediction: Clonguish

​Semi-Finals Pairings

​Clonguish or Ardagh Moydow v Colmcille or Dromard

​Abbeylara or Longford Slashers v Killoe Emmet Og or St Mary’s Granard