Round 2B of the Tailteann Cup and Clare are fighting to keep their season alive when Longford arrive at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg on Saturday evening. Defeat would bring the curtain down on the Banner’s 2026 campaign and there is little doubt that Paul Madden’s side need a significant improvement from their opening round defeat to Offaly.

Notwithstanding the dreadful injury luck that has plagued the squad in recent weeks, Clare’s display a fortnight ago was certainly a level below they are capable of and the encouraging showing against Munster champions Kerry  on April 25th. Clare enjoyed their share of possession but lacked the clinical edge in front of goal. Trailing by five points at the interval, the Banner converted only four of their opening fifteen attempts in the first half.

To their credit, Madden’s men battled their way back into contention and briefly led following Cormac Murray’s goal entering the final quarter. However, the energy spent in turning the game around ultimately took its toll and it was Offaly who finished the stronger, reeling off four unanswered points to secure victory.

Longford will travel to Ennis sensing an opportunity. The Midlanders have shown clear signs of progress this season and pushed Fermanagh hard in Brewster Park before eventually succumbing by four points in Round One. Similarly to Clare, they fought back strongly after trailing for much of the contest, only for a late home surge to condemn them to the Round 2B draw.

Their Allianz League campaign underlined that upward trajectory. A stirring comeback when eleven points adrift from Wicklow on the final day secured promotion and a Division Four Final appearance against Carlow in Croke Park, where they were only denied after extra time. That promotion also guarantees these counties will renew acquaintances in Division Three of the Allianz League in 2027.

Longford possess genuine attacking threats, particularly through Dylan Farrell and Oran Kenny close to goal, while brothers Dessie and Daniel Reynolds have delivered consistently impressive performances throughout the league and again a fortnight ago. 

Manager Paul Madden has been absolutely luckless on the injury front in his debut season. Captain Cillian Rouine was a late withdrawal against Offaly and joined a growing absentee list that includes key men such as Darragh Bohannon, Stephen Ryan, Emmet McMahon, Dermot Coughlan and talisman Eoin Cleary.

There were positives despite defeat last time out. Lissycasey’s Aaron Griffin continued his excellent scoring form with three points, while the decision to place faith in Cormac Murray paid dividends as the Miltown Malbay man contributed 1-02 to the scoreboard. With Ikem Ugwueru, Brian McNamara and Mark McInerney still capable of producing moments of quality, Clare will believe they have enough to claim a home win — but they will need to be at full throttle from the opening whistle and throughout this Saturday to be in next Monday’s draw. 

Best of luck to the lads !

Throw in at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg is at 5:00pm and match tickets are available at this link. 

Please note that Tailteann Cup fixtures are all ticket events. No cash or card transactions are available on stiles.