Longford take on Meath in the O’Byrne Cup
Semi-final clash in Ashbourne this Friday night, throw-in 7.30pm
Availing of the opportunity to experiment with a number of newcomers in the O’Byrne Cup, Longford manager Paddy Christie also selected a few regulars in the hard earned 0-9 to 0-7 win over Westmeath who fielded what was basically their U-20 team in what was nothing more than a challenge game with a competitive edge.
None of the players who lined-out for Westmeath in the draw against Tyrone in Round 3 of the All-Ireland SFC group stage last year were in action in the pre-season warm up exercise at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday last.
Starting without defenders Liam Hughes and Iarla O’Sullivan who were listed in the programme, Michael Quinn was rested while another notable absentee on the Longford team last weekend was the injured Andrew Farrell along with DCU Sigerson Cup duo Joseph Hagan and Keelin McGann.
It will be interesting to see what sort of team will start against Meath in the O’Byrne Cup semi-final in Ashbourne this Friday night (throw-in 7.30pm) but further experiment is expected in the build up to the crucial clash against Laois in the opening round of the National League Division 4 at O’Moore Park on Saturday January 27.