LEINSTER SFC FIRST ROUND
Longford v Offaly
Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Sunday, 3.30
It’s been a fairly miserable year to date for these counties, both of whom slid into Division Four of the league – Longford’s second successive relegation. But even within the ranks of the suffering there are hierarchies and Longford managed a couple of wins along the way, one of them against tomorrow’s opponents.
With that encouragement and home advantage, Jack Sheedy’s team deserve to be favourites. On top of that Offaly are stuck in an horrendous sequence that sees them have to go back to the 2007 win against Carlow for their last win in Leinster.
Offaly’s under-21s were a bright spot in the year to date and two of the stars of the side that beat defending champions Kildare to make the provincial semi-finals, debutant Joe Maher and Peter Cunningham are included in the full forward line with veteran Niall McNamee. Another of that team, Eoin Carroll, is also named at wing forward.
Attack is also a strong suit for Longford with Brian Kavanagh and Paul Barden back in harness and with Seán McCormack all capable of taking scores. Michael Quinn, the former AFL recruit, also lines out up front at wing forward having been re-deployed after a couple of impressive seasons at centre back.
There is still some spirit in Offaly and recent challenge matches have been encouraging. Manager Emmet McDonnell is in a position to welcome back some experienced defenders, notably Shane Sullivan, but Longford still look likely to make home advantage pay.
Last meeting: 1997 Leinster first round, Tullamore, Offaly 5-17, Longford 0-13.
Odds: Longford 2 to 5, Offaly 5 to 2 and 8 to 1 the draw.
Injuries: Apart from long-term absentee Declan Reilly, Longford manager Jack Sheedy has a clean bill of health. Offaly are missing Paul McConway with a calf injury and Ken Casey.
Suspension: None
Just the ticket: Available on the day, stand €20, terrace €10
LONGFORD: D Sheridan; D Brady, B Gilleran, F Battrim; CP Smyth, E Williams, S Mulligan; J Keegan, S Doyle; M Quinn, F McGee, P Barden; M Hughes, B Kavanagh, S McCormack.
OFFALY: A Mulhall; D Brady, D Hanlon, N Darby; B Darby, J Moloney, M Brazil; R Allen, N Smith; E Carroll, G Guilfoyle, A Sullivan; J Maher, N McNamee, P Cunningham.
Referee: Rory Hickey (Clare)
Verdict: Longford to win.
