Can Clonguish end the reign of the relentless Longford Slashers ladies?

While the all conquering Longford Slashers ladies are on the brink of a record breaking six-in-a-row of senior football championship titles the sky-blues certainly cannot afford to be complacent against Clonguish in the eagerly awaited Droplink sponsored decider at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday, throw-in 3pm. 

In a repeat of the previous two county finals, Clonguish will be in a highly charged frame of mind in their quest to gain revenge for the slender defeats in the 2022 and 2023 county finals but the absence of the Darcy sisters Aoife (injured) and Niamh along with Hannah Glennon is a significant blow for the girls in green.

Having said that, the teams drew in the group stage and another close encounter is the probable outcome in the third part of a packed programme at GAA headquarters with the Intermediate and Junior ‘A’ finals also down for decision.

Clonguish had to withstand a brave Killoe comeback to make it through to another senior title showdown and while they will be quietly confident of ending the long reign of the relentless Slashers side, only a supreme effort will suffice if the underdogs are to succeed.

Clonguish manager David Tiernan will be plotting the downfall of the 2022 All-Ireland Intermediate club champions and the key players are Mairead Moore, Ella Duggan, Katelyn McKeon, Ciara Healy, Hannah Burke, Kamille Burke and Alice Magan.

After suffering a surprise defeat against Carrickedmond in the group stage of the championship, Slashers were back at full strength for the match that really mattered and were rampant in cruising to a most emphatic 5-12 to 1-5 victory in the semi-final.

 In the absence of the unavailable Jessica Barry who was most effective at full-forward in last year’s final with six points ( 5 frees) to her credit, the acquisition of the Lohan sisters Caoimhe and Clodagh this season is a big boost.

 Clodagh was in cracking form in the last four clash against Carrickedmond, clocking up the impressive total of 4-2, and is clearly a serious threat who will take some stopping in the final as will other quality county players Grace Shannon and Orla Nevin.

The return of Clare Farrell is another vital cog in the Slashers machine and with such a strong squad at his disposal, it looks like a winning start in the championship arena for the new Slashers manager Ciaran Farrell and his fellow mentors.

Ciaran takes over from Conor Clarke who commanded a hugely successful management team to deliver Longford, Leinster and All-Ireland titles in a glorious era for Slashers ladies football.

While there are a number of talented young players emerging fast for the group stage table toppers Clonguish as the club bid to capture the coveted Alison Smyth Cup for the first time since 2017, the springing of a surprise against Slashers is a very tough task.

Prediction: Longford Slashers