Watch Cork City v Longford Town on LOI TV: Ruairí O'Hagan and Declan Daly Live Commentary

The eagerly anticipated Cork City versus Longford Town clash in the Irish First Division kicks off tonight at 19:45 UK time on Friday, 13 March 2026, at Turner's Cross stadium in Cork. Fans across the UK can catch every moment live on LOI TV, the official streaming service for League of Ireland matches, available with a subscription and subject to geo-restrictions[1][2]. This subscription-based platform ensures high-quality coverage for supporters eager to follow the action from the 7,485-capacity venue, located 208.2 km from Longford[1][3].

Leading the commentary booth is the experienced Ruairí O'Hagan, a prominent voice in Irish football broadcasting known for his insightful analysis and engaging style. O'Hagan has built a stellar reputation covering League of Ireland fixtures, bringing decades of passion for the domestic game to viewers. Joining him as co-commentator is Declan Daly, a respected figure with a deep background in Irish soccer punditry. Daly's career spans playing at a high level before transitioning into media, where he offers expert breakdowns on tactics and player performances, making him a favourite among fans[1]. Their duo promises an informative and lively broadcast on LOI TV, perfect for UK audiences tuning in.

Cork City enter this match as league leaders, sitting pretty in 1st place with an impressive record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and no losses from their opening fixtures. They've netted 7 goals while conceding just 2, averaging 1.75 goals scored and a miserly 0.50 conceded per game. At home, their form is even stronger: 2 wins from 2, with a perfect defensive record and 100% matches scoring[1][2][3][6]. Recent results include a 1-1 draw away to Cobh Ramblers, showcasing their resilience, while overall in their last 10 matches, they've secured 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses[1][3]. Under the lights at Turner's Cross, the Rebels are favourites to extend their unbeaten run.

In contrast, Longford Town languish in 8th position with 3 points from 0 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss. They've scored 3 goals but leaked 4, averaging 0.75 scored and 1.00 conceded. Away form shows promise with 2 draws and no defeats, scoring in every outing but conceding in all[1][3][6]. Head-to-head history favours Cork, including a thrilling 3-2 victory for the home side on 30 August 2024[3]. Longford will need to channel that fighting spirit from recent draws to challenge the table-toppers.

The First Division has been goal-filled so far, with an average of 2.35 goals per game across 20 matches played. Home wins stand at 35%, draws at 40%, and away wins at 25%, while both teams score in 65% of games and over 1.5 goals hits 75%[3]. For Cork City, only 50% of matches have seen both teams score, but Longford's 75% BTS rate suggests potential for an open contest. Betting enthusiasts note Cork's strong home scoring (1.00 average) against Longford's away vulnerabilities[1][3].

Turner's Cross, the historic home of Cork City, adds extra atmosphere to this fixture. The stadium's intimate setting often inspires the hosts, who recently showed Premier Division pedigree with a narrow 0-1 loss to Derry City in November 2025[1]. Longford Town, based in the midlands, face a tough road trip but have the draw specialist tag to lean on. For more on Cork City's journey, check out their official profile on the Wikipedia page.

UK viewers should note LOI TV's pay-per-view model, ideal for dedicated League of Ireland followers missing major terrestrial coverage from ITV, BBC, Sky, or TNT—though RTÉ occasionally dips into First Division reports[4]. With O'Hagan and Daly at the mic, expect detailed stats on possession, shots, and Attack Momentum, mirroring features on platforms like Sofascore[2]. Whether you're backing Cork's title charge or Longford's upset bid, this match promises drama in the 2026 season.

Don't miss kick-off at 19:45 UK time—subscribe to LOI TV now and settle in for top-tier commentary from two Irish football stalwarts.

Article generated: 13 March 2026, 19:50 GMT