Tullamore come into the Towns Cup final on the back of gaining promotion to the All-Ireland League for the first time in their 75-year history after securing the Leinster League Division One 1A crown back in February.
Tullamore’s last success was back in 2006 but have since lost finals in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Longford played in a division below the Tullamore men this season but have had an impressive run to the final and are looking for their first Towns Cup success since 1932.
The Offaly club come in as heavy favourites having already won the All-Ireland Junior Cup and been no strangers to the Towns Cup final experience.
Adrian Hanley and Rob Connor provide the experience up front in the backrow while captain Aaron Deverell has barely put a foot wrong at outhalf.
Longford themselves have quality all over the field. Cliff Richardson came on and scored the match-winning try in their semi-final victory over Roscrea and if he is fit to start, Longford will have a huge boost before they even kick off.
Colm Glynn is a fine outhalf and he will have to be on top of his kicking game to put his team on the front foot.
There is no doubting Tullamore’s pedigree and favourites’ tag, but a final is a different animal.
Longford will be chomping at the bit to get one over on their Midlands rivals as the magic of cup rugby looks to strike again.
Verdict:
Tullamore
