The Longford senior championship group stage comes to a conclusion this weekend, with just two places remaining in the quarter-finals.
12 teams, two groups, 30 matches to remove four teams from a 12 team competition. With one round remaining, two teams are already eliminated.
Group one concludes on Saturday evening with all three games throwing-in at 7pm. Ballymahon are already out of the championship. No points from four games and a score difference of minus 101.
The question that needs not just to be asked, but answered, “Is this the correct format for the championship?” However, that is for another day.
Ballymahon face Dromard in Pairc Chiaran. Dromard, currently second in group one with six points from eight are through to the next round. A win here would give Dromard a chance of topping the group.
Whereas, there is some interest in the other two games. St Mary’s Granard top the group with seven points. Granard are through to the quarter-finals, no matter what happens against Clonguish.
However Clonguish, Mostrim or Longford Slashers will take the two final quarter-finals spots. Mostrim currently sit third in the group with four points the same as Clonguish. However, Mostrim are ahead on head-to-head.
Slashers sit in fifth place, effectively the Mostrim v Slashers game is the one to watch. A win for Slashers will see them into the quarter-finals with five points. Eyes would then turn to Clonguish and Granard to decide the last spot.
While a draw at worst would see Mostrim into the next stage. A draw won’t be enough for Slashers though. If Clonguish were to lose and finish on four points, level with Slashers. Clonguish would advance on head-to-head.
Whereas, Clonguish only need a draw with Granard to secure a quarter-final berth. A draw for Granard would see them win the group, as they have the head-to-head over Dromard.
Group two nearly solved
Group two is similarly limited for drama. Killoe have won the group, having scored a 100% record going into the last round.
Carrickedmond are eliminated having collected zero points from their four games.
Mullinalaghta and Colmcille have both qualified for the next round having already gathered five points each.
The last spot is between Abbeylara and Rathcline. Thus meaning Abbeylara must beat Killoe to have a chance of progressing. If that occurs radios and phones will be turned to Rathcline and Colmcille, where Abbeylara need a Colmcille win.
Anything other than a Ratchline defeat and Abbeylara are out!
Very straight forward and no need for an abacas this time round.
Fixtures: Saturday September 2, Group One: Dromard v Ballymahon - Pairc Chiaran, Mostrim v Longford Slashers - Emmet Park, Clonguish v Granard – Monaduff. All throw-in: 7pm.
Sunday September 3, Group Two: Mullinalaghta v Carrickedmond - Devine Park, Abbeylara v Killoe -Maguire Park, Rathcline v Colmcille - Allen Park. All throw-in: 3:30pm.
