Longstone manager Miceal Magill said it is no surprise his club has reached the semi-finals of the Intermediate Championship, despite dropping to Division Three.

Longstone lost senior players Michael Hughes and Conor Doran during the league campaign, which contributed to a difficult season. They were relegated after finishing two points short of survival, but Magill said the team has regrouped without changing its approach.

In the championship, Longstone beat Darragh Cross, An Ríocht, and Clann na Banna to set up a semi-final against Rostrevor. Magill described his side as underdogs against a team many expect to win the title.

Magill said Rostrevor will be the toughest challenge, but not unbeatable. He noted the league games between the teams, saying Longstone should have won the first meeting and that the second, a ten-point defeat, was not reflective of the game. He cited five goal-scoring opportunities and a disallowed goal in that match.

He said the players know they are 60 minutes from a final and are fully focused on Rostrevor.