Local clubs will return to GAA action this weekend with the return of the All County Football League.
A competitive edge is certain to be evident as each division progresses, the return of promotion and relegation giving due cause for clubs to enhance on field performance levels and strive to make progression prior to the start of the championship season in July.
Under new management, Garrycastle will seek to banish the memory of their senior footbball county final loss to St Lomans when they travel to Mullingar on Friday night to play St Lomans (throw in, 8pm ), the standout fixture in this weekend’s Division 1 encounters.
Former, Longford senior football manager, Denis Connerton, will man the sideline, as he assesses his new charges in a competitive playing environment for the first occasion.
Rivals Athlone commence their Division 2 campaign with a Pairc Chiarain fixture against Moate All Whites. Under the guidance of Liam McHale, who remains at the managerial helm for a third season, Athlone, who were relegated to Group 2 of the senior football championship, will aspire to build momentum and achieve league promotion, but Moate All Whites are certain to provide a stern test of their credentials on Friday night (throw in, 8pm ).
Tubberclair host Maryland in a Division 2 encounter which will also throw in at 8pm on Friday night.
Caulry commence their Division 2 league campaign on Saturday afternoon when they journey to Rochfortbridge for an opening joust with St Mary’s.
With Shane Curran remaining at the helm, Caulry will be eager to build upon their successful senior football championship campaign when the Mount Temple/Baylin club progressed the the quarter final stage of the competition, gaining Group 1 status for 2022 in the process.
Two Division 1 fixtures involving South Westmeath clubs are due to throw in on Sunday at 11.30am.
Castledaly host Shandonagh in what will be a precursor to both clubs intermediate championship meeting while Rosemount, under new managerial appointment, Joe Quinn, travel to Milltown, seeking a positive start to their league campaign. Rosemount savoured a league victory over Milltown in 2021 and a similar outcome would be most welcome as the new management team strive to unearth a winning formula prior to the start of the senior football championship.
