Longford hurlers chasing a crucial win away to Warwickshire in the Lory Meagher Cup

On the evidence of what was witnessed in the most emphatic win over Lancashire by the landslide margin of 18 points in the first round clash at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday last, the Longford senior hurlers are looking like serious contenders for Lory Meagher Cup glory this year.

The manager Adrian Moran, with no silverware to show in his third season in charge, has left no stone unturned in the search for the strongest possible side and a major boost is the addition of former Tipperary hurler Cian Darcy who is eligible to line-out with Longford under the parentage rule.

Cian’s mother Hilda (nee Kiernan) is a Longford native and her talented son clocked up the tremendous total of 1-11 (7 frees) against Lancashire, much to the delight of the loyal Longford supporters among the sparse attendance in the region of 100 who braved the bad weather.

While Longford (minus their injured captain Johnny Casey) are facing a tricky task against the National League Division 3B champions Warwickshire in the next round of the Lory Meagher Cup at Pairc Na HEireann in Birmingham on Sunday (throw-in 1pm), another win will probably materialise in the fierce desire to reach the final at Croke Park on Saturday June 1.

Longford’s remaining fixtures in the group stage of the Tier 5 senior hurling championship are at home to Leitrim (Saturday April 27), followed by a couple of crunch games away to Cavan (Saturday May 11) and at home to Fermanagh (Saturday May 18).