Return of experienced players a major boost for Longford

Mullinalaghta's David McGivney, one of a number of experienced players who have returned to the Longford senior football squad under the new manager Paddy Christie Photo: Syl Healy

placeholder image — Mullinalaghta's David McGivney, one of a number of experienced players who have returned to the Longford senior football squad under the new manager Paddy Christie Photo: Syl Healy

O’Byrne Cup Round 1 clash v Laois in Portarlington this Wednesday night

The McGivney brothers James and David are back in the squad, along with Daniel Mimnagh, Gary Rogers and Robbie Smyth, while another returnee Rian Brady is also part of the plan to revitalise Longford football.

There is also a recall for the former Cashel and Slashers player Peter Foy after making a big impact for St Loman’s, Mullingar in the 2022 Westmeath Championship.

Newcomers include a couple of promising prospects in Jack Macken (Colmcille) and Matt Duffy (Dromard) and the county seniors appear to be well equipped to make their presence felt in the difficult National League Division 3.

Longford’s first NFL fixture is against Fermanagh at Brewster Park in Enniskillen on Saturday January 28 (throw-in 6pm) but before that the action begins with a trip to Portarlington this Wednesday night to play Laois in the opening round of the O’Byrne Cup.

Next up are Carlow at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday and Longford will play their remaining group stage match against Colm O’Rourke’s Meath in Ashbourne on Wednesday night January 11.

O’Byrne Cup Senior Football Tournament 2023

Group B Fixtures

Round 1

Wednesday January 4

Portarlington: Laois v Longford, 8pm

Round 2

Saturday January 7

Glennon Brothers Pearse Park: Longford v Carlow, 2pm

Round 3

Wednesday January 11

Ashbourne: Meath v Longford, 8pm