Longford Slashers triumph in thriller to set up Leinster semi-final showdown against Kilmacud Crokes

Longford Slashers . . . 6-8    St Loman’s Mullingar . . . 3-12

Postponed on Sunday amid the force of Storm Ashley that battered the country,  the six-in-a-row Longford senior champions under the guidance of new manager Ciaran Farrell are now preparing for a semi-final showdown against the reigning Dublin and Leinster champions Kilmacud Crokes at Fay Park on Sunday next, throw-in 2pm.

While this is a daunting task for Slashers, even with home advantage, their determination to succeed is unbelievable and this was clearly reflected in their exciting win over the promising young St Loman’s side in a classic encounter.

Trailing for most of the first half but who managed to get back on level terms (2-6 to 1-9) at the break with the always dangerous Clodagh Lohan scoring both goals, it was the lively visitors who made the better start in the second half to establish a five-point advantage (2-11 to 2-6).

That was really putting it up to Slashers but they refused to panic and three goals through Kara Shannon (2) and Clodagh Lohan in the space of a glorious five-minute spell swung the issue in favour of the home side with impressive midfielder Grace Shannon a key factor in the comeback victory. 

Slashers, calling on all their vast experience, were now in front by four points (5-7 to 2-12) with 47 minutes gone on the clock and whatever hopes St Loman’s had of salvaging the situation suffered a big blow when they were reduced to 14 players following a yellow card for one of their players in the 55th minute.

To their credit, the new Westmeath champions scored a goal in the 58th minute to close the gap to the minimum of margins but Slashers launched an immediate counter-attack with Kate Shannon finishing the ball to the net to clinch a wonderful win.

Their leaders, such as Orla Nevin, captain Aoife O’Brien and the peerless Grace Shannon (who was magnificent) stepped up when the pressure was on.

When the final whistle blew, such was the joy of the Slashers players that you had to look around to see if there was a trophy on offer. But there still is, and a big one at that!

LONGFORD SLASHERS: Emer Casey; Gemma Reilly, Emily Reilly, Grace Kenny; Orla Nevin (0-1), Eimear O’Brien, Niamh Sheridan; Aoife O’Brien (captain), Grace Shannon (0-4, 2 frees); Aisling Cosgrove, Kara Shannon (2-1), Grace O’Donnell; Kate Shannon (1-0), Clodagh Lohan (3-0), Caoimhe Lohan (0-2).

Subs:- Jill Glennon for G Kenny (injured, 18 mins); Kyana Lee for Kate Shannon (second half stoppage time). 

ST LOMAN’S MULLINGAR: Jane McKenna; Julie McLaughlin, Megan Ennis, Lara McCartan; Katie Dunne, Muireann Scally, Ellen Kilmurray; Vicky Carr (1-1), Caoimhe Kilmurray (0-2); Laura Murphy, Lucy McCartan (0-3), Ciara Blundell (0-3); Sandra McGrath, Shannon Breslin (2-0), Katie Kilmurray (0-3, 3f).

Subs:- Meabh O’Hara for K Kilmurray (41 mins); Keelie Mulderry for S McGrath (47 mins).

Referee: Ciaran Groome (Offaly).