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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Longford midfielder Fergal Sheridan pictured in action against Louth in the O'Byrne Cup Final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday last Photo: Syl Healy
While new Longford manager Paddy Christie and his squad were absolutely delighted with their O’Byrne Cup Final triumph over Louth - just reward for respecting the integrity of the competition - their attention hastily switched to focus on the start of their Allianz National Football Division 3 campaign.
Admitting that the 3-13 to 0-12 victory was ‘a big deal’ for unbeaten Longford, the former Dublin star stressed, “I’m aware it’s not the All Ireland or the Tailteann Cup or the National League title but it’s a big deal for people around here and it’s important to mark that.
“Of course we’ll be sure to get ready and to prepare to play Fermanagh and we’re all very eager to start with a win, but the best way to prepare was to win games, to get into good habits and to build up the confidence of the group. In that regard, I’m very happy with what we’ve done so far.”
St Joseph’s GAA club in Ederney will play host to Longford’s opening Division 3 league fixture this Saturday, throwing-in at 2pm.
Paddy Christie’s men will start as favourites, however, they will be fully aware of the serious challenge that Fermanagh pose.
Last May, Fermanagh came to Glennon Brothers Pearse Park and inflicted a 1-12 to 0-12 defeat on disappointing Longford in the inaugural Tailteann Cup. While in the Allianz NFL last February, Fermanagh came to Longford’s home patch and also went away with a big 3-11 to 1-10 win.
Longford will contend they have a stronger squad at their disposal now than they had 12 months ago but even so they can ill afford to take anything for granted.
Indeed, Division 3 is a serious minefield. Westmeath, Cavan, Tipperary, Offaly, Down and Antrim are the remaining counties so there is nothing easy there and it would appear a win against Fermanagh is vital for Longford.
Allianz National Football League Division 3 Fixtures
Round 1
Saturday January 28: Fermanagh v Longford, St Joseph’s GAA Club Ederney, 2pm
Round 2
Sunday February 5: Longford v Westmeath, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm
Round 3
Sunday February 19: Cavan v Longford, Kingspan Breffni Park, 2pm
Round 4
Sunday February 26: Longford v Tipperary, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm
Round 5
Sunday March 5: Longford v Offaly, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm
Round 6
Saturday March 18: Down v Longford, Pairc Esler, 6pm
Round 7
Sunday March 26: Longford v Antrim, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm
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