County Longford’s sporting history is a compelling mix of Gaelic games, soccer, rugby, and more, with clubs, facilities, and personalities shaping a proud tradition. Despite its small size, Longford’s passion for sport shines through its achievements and community spirit.
Gaelic Games: The Heart of Longford
Longford GAA oversees 22 clubs, the smallest number in Ireland, with Gaelic Football as the county’s core sport. Pearse Park in Longford town, with an 11,000 capacity, serves as the primary venue. The Longford senior football team won the Leinster Senior Football Championship in 1968, defeating Laois 3-9 to 1-4, and the National Football League in 1966, edging Galway by one point.
The county also secured Leinster Minor Football Championships in 2002 and 2010, and All-Ireland Vocational Schools Championships in 2003 at both A and B levels. Mullinalaghta St Columba’s leads club football with eight Longford Senior Football Championships and the 2018 Leinster Senior Club Football Championship, the county’s first. Longford Slashers won 16 county titles, including 2013, and Killoe Young Emmets claimed nine, including 2019.
In hurling, Longford won the Lory Meagher Cup in 2010 and 2014, and the All-Ireland Special Minor Hurling Championship in 1987. Clonguish Gaels, the 2023 Longford Senior Hurling champions, dominate the county’s three-club hurling scene. St Mel’s College, a powerhouse in schools’ Soccer, won 29 Leinster titles and four Hogan Cups (All-Ireland).
Longford is the only county to have won all four divisions of the National Football League at various stages in the county’s history. Standout figures include Eugene McGee, who managed Longford’s 1968 Leinster title, Jackie Devine, a 1960s star, and Seán Donnelly, a celebrated full-forward.
- Paul Barden (Clonguish): Often cited as one of Longford’s greatest modern players, a prolific forward over a long career.
- Jimmy Hannify (Fr. Manning Gaels): A key figure in the 1960s success, twice nominated for All-Star awards.
- Dessie Barry (Longford Slashers): A standout forward during the 1980s and early 90s, renowned for his scoring ability.
- Liam Tierney (Mostrim): A stalwart defender from the successful 1960s era.
- Mick Casey (Cashel): Renowned midfielder who played a crucial role in the 1966 NFL title win.
- John McCormack (Killoe Young Emmets): A prominent player in the 1960s.
- Pádraic Davis (Fr. Manning Gaels): A highly regarded forward and later manager.
- Michael Quinn (Killoe Young Emmets): A standout modern player with experience in AFL and captained the county.
- Brendan Barden (Clonguish): Captained the 1966 National League winning team.
- Seán Donnelly (Longford Slashers): A key contributor in the 1960s and 70s.
Soccer: Longford Town FC’s Rise
Longford Town FC, founded in 1924 and based at Bishopsgate (formerly Strokestown Road), joined the League of Ireland in 1984. The club won the FAI Cup in 2003, defeating St Patrick’s Athletic 2-0, and in 2004, beating Waterford United 2-1 with late goals from Alan Kirby and Paul Keegan. The club also secured the 2004 League of Ireland Cup, defeating Bohemians 2-1, and the 2014 First Division title under Tony Cousins. Earlier successes include five FAI Intermediate Cups (1937, 1950, 1956, 1960, 1968) and the 1930–31 Leinster Junior Cup. The club reached the 1954 Leinster Senior Cup final, losing 2-1 to Shamrock Rovers. Players like Mel Deane, capped for Ireland’s Junior International, and Alan Kirby, a 2003–04 hero, mark the club’s legacy.
Rugby: Community Roots
Longford RFC, formed in the 1960s and based at CPL Park, competes in the Leinster League Division 2A. The club won the 2017 Provincial Towns Cup and has fostered youth and women’s teams. Leinster Rugby, representing Longford and beyond, plays at the RDS and Aviva Stadium in Dublin, winning four European Rugby Champions Cups (2009, 2011, 2012, 2018). Willie Browne, an Ireland international Soccer player, also played rugby locally, showcasing Longford’s multi-sport talent.
Other Sports and Facilities
Golf thrives at Longford Golf Club, an 18-hole course founded in 1894. Athletics is supported by Longford AC, while boxing and swimming benefit from the Longford Sports & Leisure Centre at The Mall, which includes a pool, gym, and indoor-outdoor pitches. Lough Ree supports rowing and water sports. Pearse Park, Bishopsgate, and local grounds like Edgeworthstown’s Mall Complex ensure community access. The Backstage Theatre complements sport with cultural facilities.
A Lasting LegacyLongford’s sporting culture shines through clubs like Mullinalaghta, Longford Town FC, and Longford RFC, supported by venues like Pearse Park and Bishopsgate.
Sports in the county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Longford:
Ireland’s county Longford offers a peaceful blend of history and countryside, with the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre showcasing an ancient Iron Age road. The county’s St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford town provides architectural beauty, while the River Inny offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Other attractions include the rolling farmlands and historic Ardagh village. Longford is Ireland’s fourth smallest county by size and second smallest by population (46,751). Population peaked at 115,491 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 28,250 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Longford is Ireland’s 32nd most visited and Ireland’s least visited tourist county with around 22,000 international visitors per year.
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