Coolavacoose Carbury
is the next port of call for Longford as they face Edenderry in their home
ground this coming Sunday.
Just a matter of weeks ago
Longfordâs 1st XV fell short of the mark when the visiting Edenderry side showed
a little more incisiveness to win out on a score line of 31-36 in a free flowing pre-season
encounter.
On that occasion the Offaly men managed to capitalise
on a few of the home teamâs errors. Longford
had fielded a set of players that consisted of old heads and young blood.
This time out Longford will see a number of players
returning and will be hoping that any early season jitters are well and truly
dispelled.
There is no doubt that the squad had benefited from
returning players, an influx of younger talent and established players becoming
more comfortable with their position.
Longford will be hoping that players like Shane Rodgers,
Cillian Bartley and Benny McManus all put in performances at least equal to the
last outing. Returnees Barry Steward and
Paul Gallogly have been making great contributions and it is hoped that Colm
Glynn will again be directing matters for the Demesne based team.
Dylan Quinn, who is playing dual status with Buccaneers,
will be expected to turn on the talent that has him competing in the higher
league, in the company of a very exciting front row.
Edenderry are coached by Neil Culleton who
previously held the reigns at Longford.
Culleton has an exciting batch of players under his tutelage and this is
going to be another stern test for Longford.
The men in black are well aware that their ability to win on the road is
the mark of their ambition.
Likewise the development team will be hoping to
return to winning ways after last weekâs blip.
This is one of the strongest second teams that Longford has fielded in
some time and the depth of the seconds team will undoubtedly be essential for
the firsts in the coming months.
As ever the traveling support is vital to cheering
on Longford.
Longford 1st XV kick off at 3 PM preceded by Longford Development XV at 1.30 PM.
