Longford 'keeper Collum calls it a day

Long-serving Longford goalkeeper Paddy Collum has announced his inter-county retirement.

The Fr Manning Gaels clubman played his last game for the midlanders' in their Tailteann Cup victory over Carlow yesterday, which wasn't enough to qualify them for the knockout stages. Collum first came to prominence as a member of Longford's 2010 Leinster MFC-winning team. He served as sub-goalkeeper to Damien Sheridan on the senior panel for a number of years after that before establishing himself as Longford's No. 1 over the past decade, making 133 appearances in all.

Paying tribute, Fr Manning Gaels said in an online post: "Well done to Longford on finishing the Tailteann Cup on a winning note today. A particular word of congratulations to our own Paddy Collum who has called time on an outstanding intercounty career which has seen him play 133 times in all competitions (37 Championship, 67 NFL and 29 O’Byrne Cup) and scoring 0-15 between 2012 and 2025.

"This is in addition to seven Championship appearances at U-21 level and nine at Minor (scoring two penalties on the way to winning the Leinster Minor Championship).

"Paddy has featured for Longford at every grade from U-13 up and all that is left now is the Masters - in a few more years! Enjoy the well earned retirement Paddy and we look forward to many more years out in Monaduff."