The longest-running U16 football tournament in the country takes centre stage in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park today.

The Fr Manning Cup has been running for 53 years and today sees six counties battle it out in the Plate, Shield and Cup finals. Neighbours Laois and Offaly face off in the Plate final at 11.30pm, Louth and Westmeath meet in the Shield decider at 1.15pm, while Sligo and Wicklow will contest the Cup final at 3pm.

The tournament, which launched the careers of numerous inter-county stars down the years, has taken on added importance since the minor grade changed from U18 to U17 last year.

The Fr. Manning u16 football tournament finals take place today in @GlennonBrothers Pearse Park. Plate 11-30 @CLGLaois V @Offaly_GAA
Shield 1-15 @louthgaa V @westmeath_gaa
Cup 3pm @sligogaa V @wicklowgaa
This is year 53 of the competition. Many future co players started here

— Longford GAA (@OfficialLDGAA) November 10, 2018

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