Time for Longford to turn it around, insists Keegan

Midfielder John Keegan says Longford’s deplorable recent Leinster championship record must be reversed.

Longford have had one provincial championship win since 2007 and Keegan accepts the performances churned out in previous campaigns fell well below required standard.

Jack Sheedy’s outfit welcome Offaly to Pearse Park on Sunday and the midfielder says victory is imperative.

“If we look at our record in Leinster it is not something we would be proud of, we’re looking to push on this year and try and improve that,” he said. “It is hard to know what that is down to. We had a very good win against Laois in 2012, but then last year we got caught below in Aughrim. That was hugely disappointing. Home advantage will be a huge factor for us. It is going to be a dogfight against Offaly, but we are after putting in the work and hopefully we will be in a position to come out the right side of it.”

Keegan praised manager Jack Sheedy for “sharpening the knives” ahead of their championship opener. “The management have put in place a professional set-up. It has brought everyone together. There is no secret recipe to this, hard work is the key.”