LGFA County Story

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Longford's LGFA County Story

LGFA County Story

🗓️ 1980

Ladies Gaelic football started in Longford with the formation of the first Ladies club in Dromard in May 1980.

On 18th August 1980 the Longford Ladies County Board met for the first time in the Europa Tavern in Longford with delegates in attendance from Killoe, Dromard and Colmcille clubs (delegates were absent from Abbeylara and Legan). The first County Board executive was elected as follows:

  • Chairperson: Terry McCormack (Killoe)
  • Vice-Chairperson: Seán McCabe (Dromard)
  • Secretary: Anne McGuire (Killoe)
  • Treasurer: Ann Brady (Colmcille)
  • PRO: Ann McGoldrick (Killoe)
  • Registrar: Mary Masterson (Legan)

🗓️ 1981

In 1981 Longford formed a Senior team for the first time following county trials in June and July to select the following panel:

  • Ardagh: Maura Keenan, Rose Reynolds, Mary Farrell
  • Colmcille: Lil Rudden
  • Cashel: Mary Hanley
  • Dromard: Connie Healy, Elizabeth McLoughlin
  • Éire Óg: Una O’Hara
  • Killoe: Mary Bratten
  • Legan: Mary Masterson, Bernadette Kenny, Veronica Kenny
  • Sean Connollys: Mary Brady
  • Shroid Slashers: Fiona Quinn, Therese McKiernan
  • Longford Slashers: Edel McGuire, Paula Fitzpatrick, Rita Kilemade, Geraldine McGreevy, Geraldine Gray, Anne Kilemade

The Senior team entered the Leinster Senior Football Championship, making it to the final and losing out to Offaly in Moate in August 1981. Longford had beaten Wexford in the semi-final by 4-5 to 0-5, and their opposition in the final had not lost a game in the Leinster Championship in the previous seven years. Offaly led by three points at the interval (1-5 to 1-2) after a flying start, and held the upper hand throughout the second half to run out winners. This was an 8th Leinster title in a row for Offaly, having won all the Leinster titles since the competitions inception. Longford scorers on the day included team captain Mary Bratten (Killoe, 1-3), Patricia Reynolds (Ardagh, 0-1) and Edel McGuire (Longford Slashers, 0-1). It was noted in the match report how displeasing it was that the grass at Hogan Park in Moate had not been cut for some time and players had difficulty gaining possession.

The County Board officials for 1981 were as follows:

  • Chairperson: Anthony Curren (Dromard)
  • Vice-Chairperson: Anne Flanagan (Kenagh)
  • Secretary: Seán McCabe (Dromard)
  • Assistant Secretary: Anne Flanagan (Kenagh)
  • Treasurer: Anne Brady (Colmcille)
  • PRO: Ann McGoldrick (Killoe)
  • Registrar: Alice Greene (Legan)
  • County Team Trainer: Jude McGrath (Longford Slashers)

🗓️ 1982

The Ladies Board Convention was held on 14th January 1982 with the following officials elected for 1982:

  • Chairperson: Anthony Curren (Dromard)
  • Vice-Chairperson: Anne Flanagan (Kenagh)
  • Secretary: Seán McCabe (Dromard)
  • Assistant Secretary: Anne Flanagan (Kenagh)
  • Treasurer: Anne Brady (Colmcille)
  • PRO: Ann McGoldrick (Killoe)
  • Registrar: Alice Greene (Legan)
  • County Team Trainer: Jude McGrath (Longford Slashers)

In 1982 the Longford Senior team were back in the Leinster Senior Championship final after getting a bye to the decider due to Dublin being unable to field in the semi-final. The Leinster final took place in Rochfortbridge in August 1982 against reigning All-Ireland and Leinster champions Offaly and the Longford team was trained by Jude McGrath. Offaly emerged winners by 2-7 to 1-5 to capture their 8th consecutive Leisnter title. Scorers for Longford were Alison Green (1-1), Edel Maguire (0-2), Patricia Reynolds (0-1) and Pauline Breslin (0-1).

The Longford Seniors did enjoy some success in 1982, becoming the first Leinster side to win the Connacht Senior League with a two-point victory over Leitrim on 5th September 1982 at Farneyhoogan. Longford had beaten Cavan, Roscommon, Leitrim, Galway and Mayo en-route to the final and finished top of the table. Patricia Monaghan (from Clonguish, playing with Killoe) notched up two goals on the day as Longford ran out winners by 3-3 to 0-10. The team was: Berni Drake (Abbeylara), Carmel Smyth (Abbeylara), Maire Keenan (Ardagh), Paula Keegan (Ardagh), Ann Kilemade (Longford Slashers), Ann Bratton (Killoe), Denise Keegan (Forgney), Edel Maguire (Longford Slashers, 0-1), Pauline Breslin (Éire Óg, 0-1), Patricia Reynolds (Ardagh), Alison Greene (Legan), Mary Bratton (Killoe, 0-1), Patricia Monaghan (Killoe, 2-0), Christina Jordan (Éire Óg, 1-0), Ann Keegan (Ardagh, 0-1). Other Panelists: Gemma Carroll (Legan), Evelyn Bannon (Ardagh), Rita Kilemade (Longford Slashers), Ann McGoldrick (Killoe), Angela Macken (Abbeylara), Lil Rudden (Colmcille), Elizabeth McLoughlin (Dromard).

Longford Minor’s played in the Leinster Championship for the first time in 1982, and reached the Leinster final only to be beaten by a better Wexford side in Graigecullen on Saturday 14th August 1982. The team that day was: G McGreevy (Longford Slashers), Lil Rudden (Colmcille), J Sheridan (Longford Slashers), P Fitzpatrick (Longford Slashers), A Hawkins (Colmcille), P Keegan (Ardagh), P Donohoe (Dromard), E McLoughlin (Dromard), M Deely (Longford Slashers), A Greene (Legan), G Carroll (Legan), G Gray (Longford Slashers), R Kilemade (Longford Slashers), N Maguire (Carrickedmond), S Carroll (Legan). Sub: C Hourican (Dromard) for S Carroll. The Longford Minors would reach another Leinster Championship later in the decade, but with no success.

Dromard’s Seán McCabe was elected Vice-Chair of the Leinster Ladies Council in 1982.

🗓️ 1983-1989

The 1982 Ladies Board Convention was held on 20th December with the following officials elected for 1983:

  • Chairperson: Anthony Curren (Dromard)
  • Vice-Chairperson: Barney Leavy (Ardagh)
  • Secretary: John Kilemade (Longford Slashers)
  • Assistant Secretary: Anne Keegan (Ardagh)
  • Treasurer: Jude McGrath (Longford Slashers)
  • PRO: Packie Feeney (Cashel)
  • Registrar: Seán McCabe (Dromard)
  • Irish Language Officer: Ann McGoldrick (Killoe)
  • Youth Officer: Paula Keegan (Ardagh) / Grainne Smyth (Colmcille)
  • County Team Trainer: Jude McGrath (Longford Slashers)
  • Leinster Council Delegates: Jude McGrath, John Kilemade, Anthony Curren, Barney Leavy, JJ McCabe, Anne Keegan
  • Central Council Delegates: JJ McCabe, John Kilemade, Jude McGrath, Packie Feeney, Ann Kilemade

The 1983 Ladies Board Convention was held on 19th December with the following officials elected for 1984:

  • Chairperson: Johnny Murray (Legan)
  • Vice-Chairperson: Barney Leavy (Ardagh)
  • Secretary: Mary Masterson (Legan)
  • Assistant Secretary: Colette Gregg (Éire Óg)
  • Treasurer: Jude McGrath (Longford Slashers)
  • PRO: Colette Gregg (Éire Óg)
  • Irish Language Officer: Lil Rudden (Colmcille)
  • Youth Officer: Seamus McGuire (Carrickedmond)
  • County Team Trainer: Liam Forde (Éire Óg)
  • Leinster Council Delegates: Barney Leavy and Seán McCabe
  • Central Council Delegates: Jude McGrath, Seán McCabe, Ann Kilemade

In 1984 Longford competed in Secion A of the National Football League along with Leitrim, Cavan, Meath and Galway.

In 1985 the Longford Senior team reached the semi-final of the National Football League, beaten by Leitrim by 1-9 to 1-7 in June 1985.

In 1985 Leinster Championship, Longford beat Westmeath by 4-7 to 0-6 to reach the Leinster SFC final for the third time (1981, 1982, 1985). This time the opposition was Laois on 11th August 1985 in Tullamore, with Longford losing out by 2-5 to 1-4. The team that day was: M Farrell, G Harper, M Masterson, C Jordan, M Keegan, P Keegan, A Keegan, P Kiernan, J Creegan, D Gill, P Reynolds, E Bannon, R Farrelly, C Browne, P Monaghan. Subs: B Smith, M Gildea, P Murphy, A Macken, N McGuire and M Doogue.

In September 1985 Longford players Josie Creegan (Granard) and Carmel Browne (Longford Slashers) were announced as All-Star winners and selected to play in that years All-Star Ladies Team that played All-Ireland SFC winners Kerry in a representative game in Killarney. Both players featured prominently in the All-Star teams victory that day.

On 7th April (Easter Sunday) 1985 an inter-county tournament was hosted by the Éire Óg Ladies club in Drumlish, involving Longford, Leitrim, Westmeath and Laois. Leitrim were one of the strongest teams of the era, having won the National League title in 1983 and losing the 1984 All-Ireland final to Kerry by 1 point. This was the first Ladies inter-county tournament held in Longford.

At the AGM in January 1986 it was decided to have two teams in National League competition – Senior and Junior. Terry McGovern was appointed Senior Team trainer while Mary Farrell was Junior team trainer.

In March 1989 two members of the County Board Executive received a lifetime ban from the Association due to alleged missing funds. An investigation was initiated and a new County Board elected for 1989.

🗓️ 1990-1996

Longford competed at Junior grade throughout the 1990’s with no major title wins in adult or underage from 1990-1995.

The Executive Committee elected for 1990 was as follows:

  • Chairperson: Paddy Tighe (Mostrim)
  • Vice-Chairperson: Liam Forde (St. Helens)
  • Secretary: Christina Jordan (St. Helens)
  • Assistant Secretary: Elizabeth McWade (St. Helens)
  • Joint Treasurers: Paddy Tighe/Jimmy Joe Corrigan
  • Registrar: Paddy Tighe (Mostrim)
  • PRO: Kathleen Lennon (Carrickedmond)
  • County Team Trainer: Danny Quinn

The 1990 County Convention was held on 5th February 1991 with the following officers elected for 1991.

  • Chairperson: Paddy Tighe (Mostrim)
  • Vice-Chairperson: Kathleen Lennon (Carrickedmond)
  • Secretary: Christina Jordan (St. Helens)
  • Assistant Secretary: Bridie Gaynor
  • Joint Treasurers: Ann Marie O’Neill/JJ Corrigan
  • Registrar: Ann Marie O’Neill
  • PRO: Christine Jordan (St. Helens)
  • County Team Trainers: Liam Forde & Danny Quinn

The 1992 County Convention was held on 12th February 1993 with the following officers elected for 1993.

  • Chairperson: Liam Forde (St. Helens)
  • Vice-Chairperson: Deidre O’Connor (Carrickedmond)
  • Secretary: Christina Jordan (St. Helens)
  • Assistant Secretary: Martina Edgeworth (Killashee)

Note: County Chairperson was away in Lebanon on duty with a UN Peacekeeper unit from April to November 1993. 

The 1994 County Convention was held on 20th March 1995 with the following officers elected for 1995.

  • Chairperson: Liam Forde (St. Helens)
  • Vice-Chairperson: Martin Reilly (Ballymore)
  • Secretary: Christina Jordan (St. Helens)
  • Assistant Secretary: Áine Reilly  (St. Helens)
  • Joint Treasurers: Jerry Doyle/Una Gray
  • Registrar: Gerry Doyle (Rathcline)
  • PRO: Christine Jordan (St. Helens)

In 1995 All-Ireland B Championship, Longford lost out to Fermanagh by four points. The County panel consisted of 12 players from St. Helens (Drumlish) and 8 players from Ballymore, as the two dominant clubs at the time.

In 1996 County training was organised on a more regular basis with team trainer Martin Reilly (Ballymore) in charge of the sessions, together with selectors Liam Forde (St. Helens), Peter Donlon (Rathcline), Christine Jordan (St. Helens) and team physio Mary McNerney (Ballymore). This would prove to be a decisive and historic year for Ladies football in Longford and would see the County panel expand to include new players from a number of clubs. In the Leinster Junior Football Championship, Longford beat Dublin by 3-11 to 2-8 and Wexford by 2-18 to 2-13 to book a meeting with Louth in the Leinster JFC final on Sunday 28th July 1996 in Dr. Cullen Park in Carlow. Longford won the Leinster JFC title for the first time that day by 2-15 to 4-1, with Mary Kiernan picking up the Player of the Match award. The All-Ireland Quarter Final was an overseas affair with Longford traveling to Ruislip in London to play Lancashire, which ended in a big win for Longford by 4-18 to 0-0 on 18th August 1996. The All-Ireland Semi-Final was against Sligo in Granard, and saw Longford win by 3-15 to 2-8 on 7th September 1996. A gallant effort in the All-Ireland JFC final in Croke Park on 6th October 1996 saw Longford come up short against Clare by 5-9 to 4-9. The starting line-out in that All-Ireland final was: Karina Mulvihill (Rathcline), Josephine Donlon (Rathcline), Katrina Donlon (Rathcline), Irene Kiernan (Ballymore), Laura Doherty (Killoe), Barbara McElvaney (Ballymore), Sheila Farrell (Rathcline), Fiona Blessington (Ballymore), Michelle Hannify (St. Helens), Mary Burke (Clonguish), Mary Kiernan (Ballymore, Captain), Dara Gill (St. Helens, Vice-Captain), Jennifer Hennessy (Killoe), Paula Kenny (Rathcline) and Una Flynn (Clonguish).

In the National Football League, Longford had wins over Offaly, Roscommon, Galway, Limerick and Kildare and only lost to Wicklow in the division. A win against Cavan in the NFL Quarter Final took Longford to the NFL semi-final but alas the adventure would go no further. Longford ended 1996 on a high note by winning the All-Ireland Senior ‘B’ Championship title, beating Down in Scotstown on 30th November 1996 on a scoreline of 3-14 to 0-5 to win the Quinn Cup. The cup was dedicated to the memory of Mary Quinn from Aughawillan in Leitrim and was presented by her mother. Longford had previously overcome Louth (6-11 to 0-9) and Dublin (1-8 to 1-7 in Pearse Park) on the way to that final.

It is worth noting that the Longford team in 1996 was mostly made up of players from their U-16 panel, along with longer serving players such as Michelle Hannify, Dara Gill, Christine Jordan, Mary Burke & Mary Kiernan, with Christine Jordan and Mary Burke having played inter-provincial with Leinster. The County Board executive at the time was:

  • Chairperson: Liam Forde (St. Helens)
  • Vice-Chairperson: Martin Reilly (Ballymore)
  • Secretary: Christine Jordan (St. Helens)
  • Assistant Secretary: Mary Burke (Clonguish)
  • Treasurer: Liam Forde/Christine Jordan (St. Helens)
  • PRO: Christine Jordan (St. Helens)
  • Registrar: Christine Jordan (St. Helens)

Fiona Blessington (Ballymore) and Michelle Hannify (St. Helens) both won All-Star Replacement awards in 1996.

🗓️ 1997

In 1997 Gary Fenelon (Killoe) replaced Christine Jordan as selector. Longford (with an average team age of 18) were competing in Division 3 of National Football League and defeated Limerick, Galway, Offaly, Kildare and Dublin, along with a walkover from Wicklow and draw with Roscommon. Longford were now through to the knock-out stages of the National Junior League (Division 3) and victory over Armagh in the Quarter Final and Limerick in the semi-final saw them through to the National Junior League final on 6th July 1997, and victory over Roscommon by 2-9 to 3-5 at Duggan Park in Ballinasloe to win the 1997 Junior League (Division 3) title and gain promotion to Division 2. The team that day was: Karina Mulvhill, Kate Donlon, Edel McGann, Josephine Donlon, Sheila Farrell, Barbara McElvaney, Geraldine Hanley, Fiona Blessington (0-3), Emma Cooney, Mary Burke, Dara Gill (Captain, 0-4), Michelle Hannify, Jennifer Hennessy, Mary Kiernan (Vice-Captain, 1-1), Una Flynn (1-0). Subs: Irene Kiernan, Carmel Hennessy, Paula Kenny (0-1), Noelle McGann).

In 1997 Leinster JFC, Longford reached the Leinster final for the second year running having received a walkover from Offaly in Round 1 and beaten Wexford by 6-17 to 1-3 in the semi-final in Drumlish. The Leinster Final was against Carlow in Dr. Cullen Park, with Longford winning by 4-6 to 3-7 in a close game, to retain the Provincial title. Dara Gill was awarded Player of the Match. This was followed by victory over Waterford in the All-Ireland Quarter Final by 2-10 to 1-7, and a hard-fought win over New York by 2-8 to 0-9 in the All-Ireland Semi-Final in Ballinasloe. Longford were back in Croke Park in another All-Ireland JFC final, this time against Tyrone. Under the watchful eyes of management team Martin Reilly, Peter Donlon, Liam Forde and Gary Fenelon, the Longford girls emerged victorious to record a famous win on 12th October 1997, by 2-12 to 1-11. The team that day was: Karina Mulvihill, Kate Donlon, Emma Cooney, Sheila Farrell, Jennifer Hennessy, Barbara McElvaney, Geraldine Hanley, Fiona Blessington, Edel McGann, Michelle Smith, Dara Gill (Captain), Michelle Hannify, Mary Burke, Mary Kiernan (Vice-Captain) and Una Flynn. The homecoming and celebrations in Edgeworthstown and Longford town afterwards will live long in the memory and helped to foster a resurgence in Ladies Football across the county in the years that followed.

Longford won the Leinster Juvenile ‘A’ Championship title for the first time in 1997 with victory over Meath by 7-13 to 2-8 at the Mullingar Shamrocks club grounds in Westmeath – The team was trained by Gary Fenelon. Longford Minors reached the Leinster Minor ‘A’ Championship final in 1997, losing the final by a point to Laois in Stradbally by 2-5 to 1-7. Both finals were played in August 1997 and Fiona Blessington (Ballymore) made history by winning the Player of the Match award in both finals! Longford also had an U-14 team in the All-Ireland Blitz in Carlow in 1997.

Fiona Blessington (Ballymore) won an All-Star in 1997 while Dara Gill (St. Helens) won a All-Star Replacement award in 1997.

🗓️ 1998-1999

In 1998 Longford Seniors reached the National Junior League (Division 2) final, but were beaten by Meath by 0-15 to 1-0 at the Mullingar Shamrocks club grounds in Westmeath.

In 1998 Championship, Longford were promoted to Senior grade following victory in the All-Ireland JFC in 1997, and made a successful start to the Leinster SFC with victory over Westmeath by 5-14 to 4-8 in Round 1 on 5th July 1998 in Pearse Park. Longford progressed to the Leinster SFC semi-final where they met a strong Dublin team in Malahide, with Dublin winning by 3-11 to 0-6.

In 1998 Longford Minors reached the Leinster Minor ‘A’ Championship final, but lost to Laois by 1-14 to 6-5 in Kells.

In 1999 Longford beat Louth in the first round of the Leinster SFC by 3-11 to 1-8 in Pearse Park and progressed to the Leinster SFC semi-final against Meath in Pearse Park, losing out on a place in the Leinster SFC final by a single point on scoreline of 0-14 to 1-10.

In 1999 Longford U-16 team reached the Leinster Championship final after beating Offaly in the opening round and then beating Kildare by 5-11 to 3-5 in the semi-final in Allen Park. Longford were beaten by a much stronger Meath team in the Leinster Final at the St. Lomans GAA grounds in Mullingar.

Fiona Blessington (Ballymore) won an All-Star in 1999 and All-Star Replacement award in 1998.

The Chairperson of the Longford Ladies Board for most of this successful decade was Liam Forde from the St. Helens club in Drumlish. Liam was first appointed to the County Board in 1984 as senior team trainer (appointed at the convention in December 1983) and joined the board as an official in the mid 1980’s. He became Chairperson in 1992 and held the position until the end of 2001, thereafter becoming the Honorary President of Longford LGFA.

🗓️ 2000-2004

In 2000 Longford gained promotion to Division 1 of the National Junior League.

In 2000 Leinster SFC adopted a round-robin structure, with Longford playing and losing all three round-robin games to Louth, Meath and Dublin.

In 2000 Fiona Blessington (Ballymore) won an All-Star award.

In 2000 Fiona Blessington was selected as the Inter-Provincial Player of the Tournament.

In 2001 National Junior League Division 1 group stage, the results were as follows:

  • Clare 2-15, Longford 0-4
  • Meath 2-13, Longford 1-2
  • Tyrone 2-10, Longford 3-9
  • Longford 0-6, Monaghan 1-9

Longford progressed for the National Junior League semi-finals, but were beaten by Clare by 2-13 to 1-8.

In 2001 Leinster SFC round-robin, Longford beat Louth (3-17 to 0-6) but lost to Meath (1-6 to 2-12) and Dublin (0-12 to 0-6).

In 2002 National Junior League campaign, Longford lost to Clare and Meath, but beat Mayo and Roscommon to remain in Division 1.

In 2002 Leinster Junior Championship, Longford beat Westmeath and lost to Dublin, but lost to Laois in the Leinster semi-final.

In 2002 Longford Minors reached the Leinster Minor ‘B’ Championship final, but were defeated by Meath in the decider.

In 2002 Sharon Treacy (Killoe) won an All-Star Replacement Award.

The 2003 National Junior League campaign saw Longford beat Clare but lose to Galway, Kerry and Monaghan. Longford beat Clare by 4-12 to 1-4 in the play-off game to retain Division 1 status for a 7th year. The team on duty that day was: Karina Mulvihill, Marie Brady, Aideen Gilchrist, Carmel McElvaney, Yvonne Barden, Barbara McElvaney, Marie Carrigy, Michelle McElvaney, Alison Smyth, Maura Moran (0-1), Mary Keirnan, Shiela Farrell, Michelle Ross, Michelle Hannify (1-3), Mary Burke (2-9). Subs used: Denise Murtagh for Mary Keirnan (45 mins), Edel Harrington (0-1) for Maura Moran and Louise Brennan for Shiela Farrell (54 mins), Anne Keirnan for Mary Burke, Donna Leavy for Yvonne Barden (58 mins).

In 2003 Leinster Junior Championship Longford beat Westmeath (walkover) and Louth, and lost to to Dublin and Laois.

In 2003 Leinster Minor Championship Longford beat Kildare to qualify for the Leinster ‘B’ final against Meath, but lost in the decider in Mullingar.

🗓️ 2005-2009

In 2005 Longford Minors reached the Leinster ‘B’ final again, this time beating Westmeath by 4-9 to 4-7 in Ballymahon to win the Leinster Minor ‘B’ Championship title. Edel Quinn was awarded Player of the Match. Also during 2005 Sharon Treacy (Killoe) was voted LGFA ‘Player of the Month’ by the Sunday Independent newspaper.

In 2006 Longford reached the Leinster Junior ‘A’ Championship final, losing to Wexford by 3-15 to 2-7 in the decider on 6th August 2006 at Dr. Cullen Park.  Longford progressed to the All-Ireland Junior Championship semi-final against Leitrim, but lost out by 1-17 to 1-8 in September 2006.

In 2007 Longford moved up from Junior to Intermediate grade, and enjoyed great success in the Leinster Championship, winning the Leinster Intermediate Championship title in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2014. That same year Longford reached the Leinster Juvenile ‘B’ Championship final, losing out to Wexford in the decider in Stradbally in July 2007 by 3-9 to 1-11. The team was managed by Francis Brady, Declan Dalton and Anne-Marie Bratten.

In 2008 Longford won the Leinster Intermediate Championship, beating Kilkenny in the final in Carlow by 4-14 to 0-1 on 21st June. The team was managed by Gerry Fox and Enda Williams. Also in 2008, Longford won the Leinster Minor ‘B’ Championship with victory over Louth by 2-12 to 3-4, and Longford also won the Leinster U-14 ‘B’ Championship in 2008 beating Louth by 3-7 to 3-4.

In 2009 Longford regained the Intermediate Championship title, beating Wexford in the final by 4-19 to 0-6.

In 2009 Alison Smyth (Rathcline) was nominated for a National All-Star award.

🗓️ 2010-2014

In 2010 Longford retained the Leinster Intermediate Championship title, beating Westmeath by 1-11 to 1-7 to win a unique 3-in-a-row.

In 2011 Longford won the Leinster Juvenile ‘B’ Championship title with victory over Kildare by 6-10 to 2-8, and went on to win the All-Ireland Juvenile ‘B’ Championship title with a 6-14 to 3-5 victory over Tipperary in the decider.

In 2011 Michelle Farrell (Colmcille) won LGFA Leinster ‘Young Player of the Year’ award.

In late 2011 the Longford LGFA family was plunged into sadness with the sudden death of 29 year old Alison Smyth in December 2011. Alison who played with Rathcline and was a midfielder on the Longford Ladies team, was one of the most talented sportswomen of her generation. Ali had been an All-Star nominee in 2009 and a county player from the age of 19, winning the coveted Longford ‘Ladies Player of the Year’ award in 2009. As well as enjoying success with Longford and her club Rathcline, Alison had also helped Ballymahon Convent of Mercy to an All-Ireland title in 1999 and as a basketball player with the Falcons, had guided them to a national title in 2000. In 2012 the Alison Smyth memorial cup was presented for the first time to the winner of the Longford Senior Championship.

In 2012 Longford captured the National League Division 4 title, beating Limerick in the final by 1-15 to 1-8.

In 2013 Longford won the Leinster Intermediate Championship title for the 4th time, beating London in the final by 3-11 to 1-6.

In 2014 Longford won the Leinster Intermediate Championship title for the 5th time, beating Offaly in the final by 2-14 to 2-5.

The LGFA All-Ireland U-16 ‘B’ Championship semi-final was held in Ardagh on 17th August 2014, with Laois beating Mayo by 5-8 to 3-7.

🗓️ 2015-2019

In 2015 Longford won the Leinster U-14 ‘B’ Championship, beating Laois 3-9 to 1-3 in the final in Clane on 30th May 2015.

In 2016 Longford slipped from Intermediate to Junior grade and responded positively by winning the Leinster Junior Championship that year, beating Carlow in the Leinster Final and pushing on to win the All-Ireland Junior Championship by beating Antrim by 4-10 to 1-12 in Croke Park to return to Intermediate grade.

During 2016 Jacinta Brady (Killoe) was voted LGFA Player of the Month by the Sunday Independent newspaper.

In 2016 Mairead Reynolds (Dromard) was LGFA Junior ‘Player of the Year’ winner.

In 2016 Longford won the Leinster Juvenile ‘C’ Championship title (managed by Dara Gill).

In 2017 Longford captured the National League Division 4 title, beating Wicklow by 2-10 to 1-8 in the final.

In 2017 James Daly (Longford Ladies Manager) won the Daily Star ‘Manager of the Month’ award.

In 2017 Melissa O’Kane (St. Brigids Gaels) won the LGFA All-Ireland Skills Award.

In 2017 Michelle Farrell (Colmcille) was voted WGPA Player of the Month during the year.

In 2019 Longford won the Leinster Minor ‘B’ Championship and went on to win the All-Ireland Minor ‘B’ Championship title.

In 2019 Longford Juveniles won the Leinster Juvenile ‘B’ Championship title and All-Ireland Juvenile ‘B’ Championship titles and won the Leinster Juvenile ‘C’ Championship title (managed by Dara Gill) to continue a successful period for underage Ladies Gaelic Football in Longford.

🗓️ 2020-2024

In 2021 Riane McGrath (Killoe) won the ZuCar Golden Glove award.

In 2021 Liam Forde, former Longford Ladies Board Chairperson from the St. Helens club in Drumlish was honoured with a Volunteer Award at the 2021 Federation of Irish Sport Awards. Liam led the County Board through some of the 1980’s and the successful 1990’s as well as being a selector during the successes in 1996 and 1997. He has been an essential part of the development and expansion of Ladies Football in Co. Longford and with his club St. Helens in Drumlish. In 2001 he was appointed Hononary President of Longford LGFA.

In 2022 Longford won the Leinster Minor ‘B’ Championship and won the All-Ireland Minor ‘B’ Championship title in 2019.

In 2022 Longford won the Leinster Juvenile ‘C’ Championship title in 2022, reaching the All-Ireland Juvenile ‘C’ Championship final, losing to Armagh by 1-14 to 2-4.

In 2022 Longford reached the All-Ireland Minor ‘B’ Championship final but lost to Monaghan. It is worth noting that Longford’s Sian Gallagher won Player of the Match on that occasion.

In 2022 Seamus McGuire (Carrickedmond) won the National LGFA PRO of the Year award.

In 2023 the Longford seniors relinquished their Intermediate status in Championship and Division 3 status in League and from 2024 would operate at Junior grade in Championship and in Division 4 in League.

In 2024 Michelle Mulvey (née Hannify) and Michelle Bohan (née Ross) were both selected for the inaugural LGFA International Rules Masters series against Australia. Michelle Mulvey (née Hannify) is originally from Drumlish and is a footballer and GAA/LGFA referee. Now playing with Carrickedmond, she previously played for her local St. Helens club in Drumlish. Michelle wore the Longford colours many times as a player, winning Leinster Junior Championship & All-Ireland Senior ‘B’ Championship titles in 1996, National League Division 3 and All-Ireland Junior Championship titles in 1997 and Leinster Intermediate Championship title in 2009, while at club level winning six Senior Football Championship titles with St. Helens (4), St. Helens/Rathcline (1) and Carrickedmond (1) as well as JFC and IFC titles with Carrickedmond. Michelle also won a national All-Star Replacement award in 1996 and played for Leinster in 2000. From a legendary Longford footballing family in Drumlish, Michelle’s uncle and grandfather (both Jimmy) were among the finest footballers of their era and both were selected on the Longford ‘Team of the Millennium‘. Michelle Bohan (née Ross) is originally from Legan and played club football in Longford with the Carrickedmond club. She captained Longford to win the 2009 Leinster Intermediate Championship and is now based in Westmeath, playing with The Downs LGFA club.

On 8th August 2024 Longford Senior Footballers Caoimhe McCormack (Longford captain), Grace Kenny (Longford vice-captain) and Niamh Brady (vice-captain) were invited to cut the ribbon in officially opening the newly renovated Lidl store in Longford town. Lidl has been the official sponsor of Ladies Gaelic Football Leagues since 2016.

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