Longford take on Meath with a place in the O’Byrne Cup Final at stake

Longford manager Paddy Christie (second right) pictured with his selectors James Glancy, Dessie Sloyan and former Mostrim player Michael Kenny (right) Photo: Syl Healy

placeholder image — Longford manager Paddy Christie (second right) pictured with his selectors James Glancy, Dessie Sloyan and former Mostrim player Michael Kenny (right) Photo: Syl Healy

Remaining group fixture in Ashbourne this Wednesday night, throw-in 8pm

Working with the strongest squad that the county have fielded in the recent past following the return of a number of experienced players, Christie also guided his charges to a big win (4-18 to 0-13) over a rather experimental Laois side in the midweek fixture in Portarlington.

After winning twice last week the mood is good in the Longford camp and next up are Meath in Round 3 of the O’Byrne Cup in Ashbourne this Wednesday night, throw-in 8pm.

Longford will qualify for the pre-season Leinster senior football tournament title decider against Louth, Dublin or Offaly should they win (or draw) against Colm O’Rourke’s side in the build-up to the National League Division 3 campaign which starts at the end of January away to Fermanagh.

The new Meath supremo O’Rourke experimented with a few newcomers in the win over Carlow (0-16 to 1-9) and the draw against Laois, the latter fielding a much stronger side in the Round 2 clash in Navan on Saturday last.

A win for Meath will clinch them a place in the O’Byrne Cup Final and a very interesting game is in prospect.

“We were keen to notch up a couple of wins and that has happened in two good performances.

“I’m happy with that but we are not getting carried away,” stated Christie when he spoke to the media after the Carlow game.

O’Byrne Cup 2023

Group B - Round 3

Wednesday January 11

Ashbourne: Meath v Longford, 8pm