Killoe Emmet Og and Clonguish meet for Longford senior title

The big day arrives in Longford this Sunday when Killoe and Clonguish meet in the Longford final.

Killoe have arguably been the strongest team in the Longford championship this season. Winning group two and showing resilience in their performances.

Clonguish started very well, before falling off slightly. Although strong knock-out performances sees them line-up in the county final.

Whereas, Clonguish make their first appearance since 2011 and Killoe since 2020, this year’s line-up is a refreshing change of opponents.

In the 12-years since Clonguish last made a final appearance, just seven teams have made the county final. Three of those making just one appearance.

While, over the same period, Killoe have made five appearances, with a 100% win record. An ominous position for Clonguish to find themselves in.

Whereas, of the three teams who have made just one final appearance since 2012, just Colmcille have recorded a victory. The other two defeats for Dromard and Mostrim.

Superstitions aside, it’s very much billed as the up and coming young guns of Clonguish against the experienced Killoe.

County players the difference?

Killoe’s county players have stood up and been counted throughout the championship. Daniel Mimnagh, Mickey Quinn and Mark Hughes lead by example.

Hughes is pivotal in attack to Killoe. The ability of the old school full-forward turn and run, can never be over looked. With Ryan Moffett is midfield this team are potent going forward.

Niall Farrelly and Ronan Keogh have been solid throughout the championship in the full-back line. A line that was rarely tested in the group stage.

The victory over Colmcille in the semi-final was a telling performance. When called upon, the big names stood-up. Colmcille had no answer.

Bookies Favourites?

While, many including the bookies have Killoe ahead, this will suit Clonguish. The Newtownforbes men have been a small surprise in this year’s championship.

A young team, where, six of the senior team played in last week’s county minor final, there’s an aura of arriving ahead of time for this one.

That may not be a bad thing! The semi-final victory after extra-time over Dromard showed steel and built character.

Dromard are a strong intelligent team, who can use the ball and their own limitations to the maximum. That Clonguish managed to edge past Dromard shows where this young team can go.

Matthew Carey is their main scoring threat. Converting six frees in the semi-finals shows Killoe, any mistakes will be punished.

Young at heart David Barden leads the line well. One of those players who has lost a yard in the legs, but gained a yard in his head. Barden will influence the game. The experience of his influence is what this Clonguish team need.

There is no doubt the underdogs can pull off a victory. Although standing in their way is Killoe boss Luke Dempsey.

Dempsey is a wise fox, when it comes to using the bench, Killoe may just edge this both in terms of depth and calls been made.

Liam Belton’s time will come, but it may be 12-24 months away.

Prediction: Killoe