Longford SHC Final: Slashers seeking revenge against Clonguish Gaels in title decider

Slashers never really recovered from a poor first half performance that left them trailing by 1-9 to 0-3 at the break and while they gradually closed the gap on the changeover, Clonguish Gaels kept the scoreboard ticking over to emerge victorious by the narrow margin of two points in the finish.

The reigning county champions had to overcome the handicap of playing most of the second half with 14 players after Gerry Moore was sent-off after receiving a second yellow card but showed a lot of character to consolidate their grip on the game. 

A late, late goal from David Buckley gave Slashers a glimmer of hope but time ran out for Niall Ward’s charges who relinquished the JJ Duignan Cup to the Joe O’Brien inspired opposition.

In his most effective role at centre-half-back for his club, the brilliant O’Brien fired over a total of six points (3 frees) to stop Slashers from retaining the title they had won in such great style in the final against Wolfe Tones the previous season in bridging a long 20-year gap.

 A long term injury ruled county hurler Ronan Sheahan out of the 2022 final but he is back to full fitness in his dual commitment for his club as he also plays for the Slashers senior footballers.

When the 2023 hurling finalists clashed in the group stage of the current championship campaign, Slashers scored a comprehensive 3-14 to 1-9 victory after producing a powerful first half display to leave Clonguish Gaels fighting a losing battle.

The rampant sky-blues, making good use of the strong wind advantage, built up a massive 2-12 to 0-3 lead at the break and there was no way back for John O’Brien’s side who no longer have the services of the vastly experienced Bart Hanley after his retirement from the hurling game. 

Hanley was the captain in last year’s triumph and while he is sorely missed, Clonguish Gaels were still good enough to defeat  Wolfe Tones Mostrim  in the remaining group stage fixture to earn another crack at Slashers.

Apart from the obviously influential Joe O’Brien, other players capable of making a big impact  in the final are Gerard Moore, Paul Barden, Matthew Flynn, Dan Crossan, Stephen Gregg, Alan Sorohan and Cork native Oisin Gately.

Clonguish will certainly  believe that they are capable of coming out on top in the match that really matters.

While Slashers will be wary in placing little emphasis on the result in the group stage, the general opinion is that the 2021 champions are the stronger side.

Johnny Casey, the Murray brothers Reuben and Karl, Ronan Sheahan, David Buckley, Cian Kavanagh and Kealan Cox are experienced players who will be going all out to make their presence felt in the quest for Duignan Cup glory.

When you add the name of former Kildare hurler David Harney to that list, the force is firmly with Longford Slashers in their bid to capture the county senior hurling title for the 13th time. 

PREDICTION: Longford Slashers