There's a rather unfortunate backdrop to tomorrow’s Longford-Kildare replay in Tullamore.
Whoever came through the tie was always going to be hugely up against it when facing Dublin in the Leinster semi-final, though the challenge will be all the greater with only a week’s preparation after being in action on successive Sundays.
The most recent precedent is Westmeath two years ago. Having overcome Offaly in a replay, they turned to face Dublin the following weekend and were beaten by 31 points.
Whoever loses tomorrow has the more appealing prospect of a qualifier tie against a Carlow side that appears to be in freefall next weekend, though we wouldn’t suggest that that will be a factor in how either side goes about its business tomorrow.
What last Sunday’s drawn game showed was that Kildare’s boom-bust tendencies remain as robust as ever.
Two years ago, they appeared to be on the cusp of something, producing an extremely impressive display when demolishing Meath in the Leinster semi-final and there was a lot to admire about how they went about their business against Dublin thereafter.
But that loss set in motion a horrible losing sequence that lasted all the way up to the first round of last year’s qualifiers when they won in Derry and then beat Longford before the momentous defeat of Mayo.
That looked like another springboard though they’ve largely flattered to deceive since and last Sunday’s display doesn’t suggest that they’re closing the gap on Dublin.
Whether they get the chance to play them this year remains to be seen and a victory for Longford couldn’t reasonably be described as a shock.
But if Cian O’Neill’s side enjoy as much of the play as they did last Sunday, they should be able to eke out a result.
VERDICT: Kildare
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