Longford SFC: Tense finish to the group stage in the championship

Just two places remain in the composition of the last eight in the 2023 Connolly Cup and the only games that really matter are the meeting of Mostrim and Longford Slashers along with the clash of Clonguish and Granard.

Slashers showed a lot of character in coming from five points down to draw with Dromard and are now facing a must win match against Mostrim in the Round 5 fixture at Emmet Park on Saturday, throw-in 7pm. 

A draw will be good enough to get the Edgeworthstown side into the quarter-finals but the absence of their vastly experienced defender Shane Kiernan is a significant setback.

Shane is suspended after receiving a straight red card in the defeat against Granard and he will be sorely missed while Slashers have also suffered a big blow with county player Tadhg McNevin forced to retire injured in the first half against Dromard.

A very intriguing game is in prospect as the clubs battle it out for championship survival and there is also a lot at stake  in the other crucial Group 1 game between Clonguish and Granard at Monaduff Park in Drumlish at the same time on Saturday evening.

Unbeaten St. Mary’s are the Group 1 table toppers going into the final round of fixtures in the league stage of the championship and are safely through to the quarter-finals but Clonguish require at least a draw in order to make further progress.

The head-to-head regulation could come into play and it is that scenario that has ended Abbeylara’s interest in the 2023 championship regardless of the result in their rather meaningless match against the Group 2 winners Killoe on Sunday. 

Abbeylara crashed to a disappointing defeat against the title holders Colmcille last weekend  and with the surprise-packets Rathcline making no mistake in their resounding win over Carrickedmond there is now little at stake (apart from the seedings) in Group 2 with the four quarter-final slots already  confirmed.  

Joining Abbeylara and Carrickedmond in the relegation play-offs will be Ballymahon along with whoever misses out in the extremely tense Group 1 showdown on Saturday.

Peter Hanley Motors SFC

Round 5

Mostrim v Longford Slashers

Prediction: Slashers

Clonguish v St Mary’s Granard

Prediction: Clonguish  

Round 6 fixtures in the Intermediate Football Championship are also down for decision this weekend and through to the semi-finals are Sean Connolly’s and Fr Manning Gaels. 

Mulleady Group IFC

Round 6

Ardagh Moydow v St Brigid’s Killashee

Prediction: Ardagh Moydow

Cashel v Young Grattans

Prediction: Cashel

Kenagh v Fr Manning Gaels

Prediction: Fr Manning Gaels