The much-anticipated 2026 Longford Senior Football Championship got underway over the weekend with the opening round of group fixtures.
Longford Slashers faced Carrickedmond on Saturday evening in warm, sunny conditions at Dunbeggan. The lads made the perfect start, racing into an early lead with goals from Ronan Sheehan and Robbie Clarke. Carrickedmond responded well to settle into the contest, but Slashers maintained a three-point advantage at the interval.
The second half began in similar fashion, with Sean Clarke and Robbie Clarke once again finding the net to put Slashers firmly in control. A disciplined all-round team performance saw the lads finish strongly and record an impressive 4-12 to 1-9 victory.
Congratulations to the players and management on an excellent start to the championship campaign. Attention now turns to Round 2, where Slashers take on Colmcille on Sunday, August 9th, at 6.00pm in Allen Park.
The Junior A side continue their preparations for their opening championship fixture against Clonguish on Monday, August 3rd.
Hurling
Our Senior Hurlers now turn their attention to Round 2 of the Senior Hurling Championship, where they face Wolfe Tones on Friday, July 31st, in Newtownforbes. Best of luck to the players and management.
Our U16 hurlers continued their winning ways with another win away to Roscommon opposition in Rnd2 of the Táin Óg League last Wednesday. This Wednesday they welcome Tooreen of Mayo to Slashers for Rnd3.
Congratulations to our Senior Ladies and management on an excellent Division 1 League victory over Clonguish on Friday evening.
After producing a strong first-half performance, Clonguish fought back to level the game during the second period. However, the Slashers ladies showed tremendous determination and character to regain control and finish strongly, running out ten-point winners.
Scorers:
Grace Shannon – 2-04
Jessica Barry – 1-07
Aisling Cosgrove – 1-00
Sarah Connolly – 0-02
Orla Nevin – 0-01
Lara O'Connor – 0-01
Caoimhe Lohan – 0-01
It was the perfect way for club legend Aisling Cosgrove to begin a very special weekend as she celebrated her hen party. Everyone at Longford Slashers wishes Aisling every happiness in the lead-up to her wedding!
Underage Football
Our Minor boys continued their league campaign on Monday evening with an away fixture against Drumlish. Short several players through injury, illness and holidays, they battled hard but came up short against a strong Drumlish side.
A depleted Under 14 boys team travelled to Granard on Tuesday evening, where they were defeated by a strong home side. Despite missing a number of players, the boys worked hard throughout and can take plenty of positives from their performance.
Meanwhile in Michael Fay Park on Tuesday, our Under 14 girls were at home for the second round of their championship campaign, taking on a very strong Ballinaless side. After a difficult opening half, the girls produced a tremendous second-half comeback but were ultimately left just short at the final whistle.
Our Under 12 boys were due to host Grattans on Friday evening, but the fixture was postponed as a mark of respect following the sad passing of Frank Cullen, father of our Under 12 coach Joe Cullen. The club extends its deepest sympathies to Joe and Cullen family.
Our Under 10 girls hosted their first home blitz of the season on Saturday morning in Longford, welcoming an enthusiastic Ballinalee side. It was a fantastic morning of football, with great skill, teamwork and enjoyment on display. Well done to all the girls for their excellent efforts and parents for the snacks and hospitality!!
Fundraisers
All Ireland Tickets Draw
The minor football club are running a draw for 2 All Ireland tickets. This is a key annual fundraiser for the minor club and all support is very much appreciated. For details, see Clubzap:
The weekly Club Lotto draw took place on Sunday evening at 8pm. There was no jackpot winner this week, but congratulations to lucky dip winners Carol Ann Tolan and Ciaran O'Neill.
