By Tommy Butler Longford RFC PRO

Name: Neal Farrell

Hometown: Longford

Position: Scrum-Half

Nickname: Nealer, Farreller

How long are you playing rugby?  I started playing rugby for Longford at U13 level and have been with the club since bar a few games in University.

How is this seasons Leinster League looking?  We have a good mix of Youth and Experience this year with a number of last years highly successful U18 squad coming through such as Ryan McHugh.  We also have six Leinster Junior players in the squad. We had a good pre-season winning all our Midland League matches and have also been focusing on tightening up our defensive system.  We are in a very tough league this year with four former AIL clubs so it will be tough.  However, the squad have set a target of competing at the business end of all competitions at the end of the season.

This weekends opponents; Coolmine?  We managed to beat them twice last year but they are always exceptionally tough opponents and we will have to be at our best to come away with a victory.  We beat them in Coolmine last season courtesy of a great try from our Kiwi/Canadian Winger, Liam O’Hallahan.

What’s new for this season?  The Senior Men’s squad are holding a novel fundraiser this year, where there will be 1500 tickets sold by the team but with a big prize fund of €1500 to be won.  On the draw night there will also be an auction, waxing, food and a general great night of entertainment.

Something unusual? I have sat in the same place in the dressing room since 2010

How will Ireland do in the World Cup?  It is going to be really tough but if we keep all our key players fit like Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray we should make the Semi-Finals and have a chance of winning it.