Longford live the dream as Dubs come to town

ONE of Luke Dempsey’s abiding memories of last summer’s Leinster football championship game against Dublin in Croke Park is of coming home in a half-empty bus, followed by carloads of Longford supporters, downcast after a 19-point hammering, their hopes of a breakthrough win dashed once more.

Without being gloomy about their sellout meeting in Pearse Park on Sunday, Dempsey appreciates either way, players and followers will be spared a long journey home this time.

Longford people, eagerly looking forward to their first home Championship game against the mighty Dubs, live in the real world. They know their team’s limitations and recognise the inequality of resources at Dublin’s disposal. But, like all minnow counties, they live in hope.