Dempsey to continue as Longford boss
Luke Dempsey is to continue as Longford senior football manager into next season after receiving the backing of the county's executive committee.
Despite a mediocre championship campaign, the Mullingar-based teacher has been pencilled for a fourth year at the helm by the Longford County Board's executive committee.
Dempsey, who has led Longford to two O'Byrne Shield titles in the past two years, succeeded Denis Connerton as manager in September 2004.
Dempsey's most notable achievement this year was guiding Longford to a 2-13 to 1-13 victory over Westmeath in the first round of the Leinster championship. It was Longford's first SFC win over their midland rivals since 1990.
But a lack of firepower proved costly in their next two games as their Leinster run was ended by Laois (0-14 to 0-9) and Westmeath gained revenge on Dempsey's side in the All-Ireland qualifiers by posting a 0-18 to 0-9 first round win.
Last year undoubtedly saw Dempsey's best season as Longford reached the fourth round of the qualifiers before bowing out to eventual All-Ireland winners Kerry.
Next year will see Longford play in Division Three of the restructured National Football League, after they finished third in this year's Division 2A.
One man who will not be on hand to help them next year is veteran forward Padraic Davis who has decided to retire from inter-county football.
Davis made his championship debut against Wicklow in 1996 and has been one of Longford's most potent attackers over the past decade.
The 31-year-old Drumlish auctioneer only appeared twice in this summer's championship, scoring a point as a substitute in each of the games against Westmeath.
