Lahardane MacHales face stern challenge against Listowel Emmet’s

By Matthew Reilly

Mayo’s last men standing, Lahardane MacHales are gearing up to face Listowel Emmet’s in the All Ireland Junior Football Championship semi-final this Saturday at 1 p.m. in Tullamore.

Listowel Emmet’s, hailing from the football stronghold of Kerry, enter the semi-final as heavy favourites. Their Munster semi-final triumph over Killimer of Clare showcased a dominating performance as did their convincing dispatching of Corkmen Kilmurry in the Munster showpiece event. It was their first ever gong at provincial level and for Lahardane their second, but

Under the astute coaching of Marc O’Sé, Listowel Emmet’s have established themselves as a disciplined and physically imposing outfit. O’Sé's return to train the north Kerry club men adds a familial touch to the team's narrative, with roots deeply embedded in Listowel through his father who worked for many years in the north Kerry town.

One to keep an eye out on is Listowel Emmet’s key player, the sharpshooter David Keane. Keane's ability to convert frees with ice-cold precision has been a highlight throughout the season, sure to pose a significant threat to MacHale’s backline.

The latter, led by Eddie Conroy, acknowledges the challenge ahead and the need for top form, particularly from veteran Barry Leonard, to counteract Keane's scoring prowess.

The clash between Lahardane MacHales and Listowel Emmet’s is set to unfold at Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore, on Saturday, with throw in scheduled for 1:00 pm. The match referee, Kevin Faloon from Armagh will oversee what promises to be a spectacle for the ages.

Midwest Radio Sport, in collaboration with E-Solutions and Willie B Coach Hire, will provide live coverage of the game. Stephen Grealis and John Stagg will be on commentary duty, offering fans a front-row seat to the action-packed semi-final from anywhere in the world.

TG4 will also be broadcasting the clash via their youtube channel.