Killoe Emmet Óg vs Rathcline

Killoe Emmet Óg begin the defence of their Connolly Cup title in round 2 of the 2026 Longford Senior Football Championship, away to Rathcline in Group A. Killoe opened their campaign against Mullinalaghta in round 1, while Rathcline played Abbeylara, so both sides arrive at this Saturday fixture with a result already banked. As reigning champions, Killoe carry the weight of expectation into every group game, and Rathcline, the Lanesborough club on the Lough Ree shore, will see a game against the champions as the kind of scalp that defines a season.

What to expect

Killoe Emmet Óg’s status as defending champions makes this the standout fixture of round 2 in Group A - every side in the county wants to be the one that beats the champions, and Rathcline are no exception. A 7pm throw-in on a Saturday points to a bigger crowd than the midweek group games, drawing Longford football followers well beyond the two clubs involved, curious to see how Killoe are shaping up in defence of the title. Expect a physical, cagey opening spell as Rathcline try to disrupt Killoe’s rhythm, before the champions’ greater strength in depth is likely to tell. Group A also contains Mullinalaghta, Ardagh Moydow and Dromard, with the top four progressing, so neither side can afford to treat this as anything less than a full test.

Getting there

Longford town sits on the N4 Dublin to Sligo road, with Irish Rail services running direct from Dublin Connolly to Longford station in about 1 hour 45 minutes. Bus Éireann also connects the town to Dublin and neighbouring counties. As this is a Saturday-evening fixture involving the reigning champions, arrive with extra time in hand, since parking around the county grounds fills faster than for a midweek game.

While you’re in Longford

A Saturday game is worth building an afternoon around. Longford’s Main Street runs up to St Mel’s Cathedral, gutted by fire in 2009 and fully restored by 2014, and the town’s pubs and cafés along the way are well used to a match-day crowd. There is more to see in Longford and across Co. Longford.

Good to know

• Date: Saturday, 25 July 2026
• Throw-in: 19:00
• Admission: Free
• Competition: Longford Senior Football Championship, Group A - Round 2
• Check for updates: longfordgaa.ie