Abbeylara boss Frankie Dolan believes the standard of Longford football is in its worst place for 20 years.
Speaking after his side’s 1-5 to eight point draw with Mullinalaghta in round one of the championship. Dolan admitted the age profile of some teams was unusual.
“I don’t think the standard of the Longford football is probably where it was maybe, 15 or 20 years ago” said Dolan. “I think the standard has probably dropped a bit.”
“Looking at a lot of clubs they seem to be struggling a lot with numbers” added Dolan. “I’ve seen a lot of older lads playing in their first teams”.
“Lads in their late 30’s, early 40’s, which sort of very unusual. I suppose from my own county Roscommon, you wouldn’t see that in Roscommon and its’ only across the water”.
Dolan managed Roscommon Gaels last year and is spearheading Abbeylara, who look to make a first Longford final since 2018.
“But the one thing about Longford football is it is always very competitive” Dolan went on. “That’s one think I like about it, there’s not a lot between a lot of the teams”.
“You would have Killoe and Clonguish and probably Mullinalaghta up there, the teams to beat at the later end of the year”.
“After that, to me, there’s a lot of teams with just a kick of the ball between them on any given day. I think it’s going to make out to be a competitive championship”.
Indeed, Jason Kelly landed Abbeylara’s goal mid-way through the second-half in Saturday’s drawn game with Mullinalaghta. Mullinalaghta scoring five unanswered points to claim a draw.
Dolan’s side face Longford Slashers in round two of the Longford SFC on Saturday August second in Devine Park at 7pm.
