This Saturday, Longford welcome Fermanagh to Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in the first round of Tailteann Cup with the game throwing-in at 5.30pm.
This will be the first Championship meeting of the counties, however, the sides most recent clash was last February in the Allianz League Division 3 when Fermanagh scored three second-half goals to secure a seven-point win (3-11 to 1-10) over Longford who had been reduced to 14-men following the dismissal of Mickey Quinn just before half-time.
Fermanagh have some injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s clash with team captain Declan McCusker (hamstring) doubtful and talisman Sean Quigley (who scored two goals in the league meeting) having just returned to training this week.
Having bowed out of the Leinster championship at the hands of Westmeath four weeks ago, Longford are going into the Tailteann Cup fully focussed. Manager Billy O’Loughlin sees great value in the Tailteann Cup where the lesser counties can compete in a meaningful competition.
“Its a fantastic competition for the Division 3 and Division 4 counties, there’s a realistic chance of doing well where you are competing with teams that you have played against in the league and the players are really looking forward taking part in the Tailteann Cup”.
Home advantage could be a crucial factor in deciding this highly anticipated clash between two evenly matched sides, so Billy and the lads will be hoping for a big turnout of home supporters on Saturday.
The game is NOT being streamed live and there will be no ticket sales at the match venue. Tickets can be purchased online at https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/longfordfermanaghtc22
Tailteann Cup (preliminary round): Offaly 3-11 Wexford 2-13; Wicklow 3-16 Waterford 1-10
May 28/29: Round 1: Offaly v Wicklow; Carlow v Tipperary; Laois v Westmeath; Longford v Fermanagh; Leitrim v Antrim; Sligo v London; Cavan v Down
June 4/5: Quarter-finals
June 19: Semi-finals
July 9: Final.