By the time the Longford Football Semi-finals throw-in next Tuesday, it will have been over two weeks since the most recent quarter-finals. Furthermore, it will be exactly a month since the other two quarter-finals.
After such a long interval, Longford Slashers and Mullinalaghta St. Columba’s will be dusting off cobwebs. Meanwhile, Killoe Young Emmets and Mostrim are slightly less refreshed.
Initially, due to be played on September 27th, the semi-finals ties were postponed due to two Covid-19 cases that could have affected the county’s GAA community. Now, the championship resumes.
A repeat of last year’s final remains possible as holders Killoe Young Emmets and runners-up Longford Slashers are on different sides of the round. As there was just a point between them in the showdown last year, Longford Slashers will be keen to return to the final and right that wrong.
Longford Slashers came out on top in Group 3. Next, they had two points to spare of Fr. Manning Gaels in the quarter-final. Mullinalaghta St. Columba’s will be their semi-final opposition. Previously, Mullinalaghta won three championships in succession (2016, ’17, and ’18). After an absence from the decider last year, they are ready to return.
Mullinalaghta topped Group 1 in spite of having a draw on their record. By defeating Colmcille in the quarter-final round, they earned a shot at Longford Slashers in the semi.
Longford Slashers and Mullinalaghta have been awaiting the semis since the 6th of September. With so much time to prepare, they will be raring to go when the ball is thrown in.
On the other side, Mostrim and Killoe Young Emmets meet for the second time this year. Before, Killoe were one-point victors in the group stage. Yet, Mostrim still qualified via points difference.
Subsequently, Mostrim justified their place in the knockout stages by defeating Abbeylare with seven-points to spare. Meanwhile, Killoe overcame St. Mary’s Granard by 1-13 to 1-8. Killoe Young Emmets will be aiming to replicate their previous win over Mostrim to reach the final. Contrastingly, Mostrim know they must perform at their best to qualify.
Quick Turnaround
The two semi-final winners will have just five days to recover. The final is scheduled for the following Sunday, October 11 at 2.15pm. This showdown will be broadcast live on TG4.
After such a long absence for Mullinalaghta and Longford Slashers, the return to Championship football will be welcome. However, the winners will have little time to prepare for the final.
Otherwise, Killoe Young Emmets or Mostrim are not as out of practice in terms of playing intense games. The quick turnaround will be more suited to the winner of this semi-final.
Longfort TV are broadcasting both semi-finals on Tuesday night.
Longford Football Semi-Finals:
Longford Slashers vs Mullinalaghta St. Columba’s, Tuesday 6th October, 8pm (Monaduff).
Killoe Young Emmets vs Mostrim, Tuesday 6th October, 8pm (Allen Park).
A copy of the statement issued by Longford GAA tonight pic.twitter.com/HxrObsYnMc
— Longford GAA (@OfficialLDGAA) September 25, 2020
https://3.249.64.60/gaa/top-5-midfielders-in-gaelic-football/
https://twitter.com/OfficialLDGAA/status/1309621859915313152
