Prolific Mayo club eyes prospect of writing FAI Cup history

A historic day awaits at Celtic Park next Sunday, July 20, at 5 p.m., as Castlebar Celtic host Longford Town in the second round of the FAI Cup.

Celtic’s performance under the management of Stevie Gavin and Dec Flynn has been nothing short of remarkable.

Under the astute leadership of Stevie Gavin, they’ve stormed through the Mayo Super League with a perfect 16-0-0 record, with one final game against Ballyheane to secure a perfect season, notching up cricket scores in recent games against Conn Rangers and Ballyhaunis.

Celtic dominated the Connacht Cup for the second year running, and now sit on the verge of a national breakthrough with their eyes set on upsetting a lowly Longford Town in the League of Ireland First Division.

Their emphatic 4-1 victory over North End United in Round One was a statement of intent. Goals from Dylan Edwards, Eoghan Hughes, and Luke Kelly proved their attacking verve so many in this county know all too well, but it’s their structure and discipline that has drawn the most plaudits.

With a Super League title now guaranteed, their backline will be tested more than ever on Sunday as the recently in-form Stefen Ugbesia, who netted a brace at the weekend for Longford Town against Kerry FC will look to test the ‘Hoops rearguard.

Leading the line at the back is Ioseph O’Reilly alongside Cathal Coyne and Brian Walsh, they offer a composed and commanding presence, marshalling a backline that rarely gives anything away.

Stefen Hester has risen to an experienced number one under the guidance of Gavin and his shot-stopping qualities will needed to be at his very best to keep Longford Town at bay.

Mark Cunningham provides star quality from right back, he has been in scintillating form of late and can turn defence into attack in rapid fashion.

With Celtic Park set to host the tie, the home crowd will need to be give the Champions any hope of making it over the line and into the third round, Stevie Gavin made a rallying call for supporters to travel to Headford for the Connacht Cup final and they duly delivered a raucous atmosphere.

Home advantage is an edge that the Hoops will be keen to exploit.

Longford Town previously appeared under pressure, but recent form has ticked in the right direction for the Bishopsgate men.

Currently seventh in the First Division, their league campaign has been inconsistent but a nightmarish start to the season has been met with a rebounding of form.

A weekend win against a self-destructing Kerry FC side saw captain Dean O’Shea, Ugbesia and Aaran Doran all perform at their best, keeper Harry Halwax will also be a formidable test for Celtic’s free-scoring attacking trio of Loftus, Kelly and Hughes.

Longford Town will still bring close to full-time fitness levels, tactical depth, and the expectation to progress, on paper it will represent a David vs Goliath encounter as Gavin welcomes his former club to Celtic Park, but behind the scenes Celtic will believe firmly they can claim the midlanders scalp.

Should Celtic pull off the upset, it would mark one of the club’s greatest ever achievements.

But even against League of Ireland opposition, few would bet against them, especially not at home, not with this momentum.

Sunday evening promises a unique taste of footballing talents on the field, for many have waited to see this supremely excellent Celtic side test themselves at a higher level, it will be a fascinating game from the get-go as this Celtic side look to cement their status as the best ever in the club's decorated history.