Wicklow v Longford - LSFC Aughrim 26 May 2013 at 3.30 pm

[Shamrock Shore]

Ah - it's that time of the year when we get a day out in the sun/less cold.

Both teams had a torrid League - with both getting relegated. Longford had a bad run of luck in the League and lost more than one game that they really should have won. Confidence may be low having only won one competitive game in 2013 (agin UCD IN O'Byrne Cup) so management will have their work cut out in getting the minds focussed.

On paper Longford should have enough to get through this. There will be a few U21s coming into the side and there is a strong backbone of experience. However full back Barry Gilleran will be missing as he has a one match suspension to serve (picked up a straight red in the last league game aganst Louth). Brian Kavanagh is unavailable and Paul Barden may not have recovered full fitness from a series of injuries.

Many a team has gone to Aughrim and come home with the tail between the legs so all is not certain.

Winners play Meath at home so if that is not incentive enough I don't know what is.

Stay tuned for challenge results and team news ahead of this clash of Leinster titans!

[thejuice]

We'll be in the long grass.

[Shamrock Shore]

I'd luv it, luv it if we get a chance to give Meath a rattle.

Longford last played Meath in 1994 or thereabouts and got beaten out the gate in Longford. 4-15 to 0-09 or something like that. I think Dessie Barry was player-manager that day.

Prior to that Longford beat Meath in 1981 which caused such consternation in The Royal County that they got some "hurling fella" to manage the side.

[muppet]

We'll be in the long grass.

Practicing your scything no doubt! 

[The Insider]

Longford play Carlow next Sunday as part of their contribution to the Gathering scam, they then play Offaly the following Sunday at the opening of Grattens new pitch , due back from training camp today. at least 2 more rounds of the league to be played before the 26th May. No word yet on Paul Barden's injury troubles. Also no word on Robbie Smyth's collar bone. Only Mark Hughes called up from the U-21's since the Leinster final ,felt there should have been 3 or 4 more.

[Shamrock Shore]

Only Mark Hughes called up from the U-21's since the Leinster final ,felt there should have been 3 or 4 more.

Now that sounds like madness to me. I suppose the question would be who would you drop to make way.....but still......only one!

Where is the game agin Carlow?

[Syferus]

Was there few of them on the panel throughout the league? That sounds very strange, especially with two key forwards not available.

We usually use the league to bed players in while they're still U21s, if they're good enough. Three of our best players this season are U21s and from the look of Longford's U21 team they're very much on the same level as our lads.

[rodney trotter]

A few U21's had been on the panel like Padraigh McCormack, Robbie Smith who is now Injured. 
Mark Hughes looks a very handy forward

Leighton Glynn didn't kick a ball in the League and has been ruled out of the Championship. He would be a massive loss for Wicklow.

[The Insider]

Meant that Mark Hughes was the only additional U-21 added to the panel that was there for the National league . 1 other lad asked but has gone to the USA. Paddy Collum, Barry O Farrell Padraig Mc Cormack , Barry Mc Keon and Robbie Smyth all were part of the league squad

[Qwerty28]

You know Summer time is just arund the corner when the individual Champioship match threads appear! Just over 3 weeks to go at this stage! 

Never been the Aughrim so will be another venue  ticked off and hopefully we come away with a win. As pointed out confidence cant be too high after a very poor league but the first four/five defeats were all by very slim margains so its not as if we were completely outclassed at any stage. Few U-21s should be pushing for a start and at least add a bit of strength to the subs bench as seemed to rarely use  many subs during league or even championship last year.

Hopefully Paul will be back to at least make an appearance form the bench, even the last 15 minutes would be a big boost to the side

[North Longford]

James mcgivney not involved with seniors this year?

[Shamrock Shore]

Longford tore Carlow a new ringpiece in the challenge game over the weekend. Not sure of the score.

Anyone have it to post?

Longford website is never bang on up-to-date

[seafoid]

Longford should win this handy. D2 was a bit much for them but they are a good bit better than Wickla.

[Shamrock Shore]

but they are a good bit better than Wickla.

They should be for sure but it's never that simple with Longford!

[Shamrock Shore]

Longford 2-15
Carlow 0-11

was the result of the recent challenge