Longford GAA County Championship: Kenagh's Intermediate Victory

A poem by Paddy Egan

It was the day Ireland lost but for Kenagh club a different story
They won the Hennessy Cup with pride and glory
After forty years they won the cup for twenty three
With a fine performance over Connolly's Ballinalee

From early summer they were looking good
Notice given squarely they were out for blood
Grattan Og and Cashel, Drumlish and Killashee
Connollys and Ardagh they were made to bend the knee

On a calm October evening in 2023
Kenagh marched on to Pearse Park, a pleasant sight to see
Ready to do battle with a fancied Connollys side
Cheered on by the supporters with loyalty and pride

Their selectors set the scene, positions now to fill
Goalie and back row, Higgins brothers, Gavin Bawle, Johnny Gill
Shea and Aidan Carberry with Lee Ross held the forty
They played their game with skill and mental forte

Alan Jones and Andy Dalton, manned the centre field
They held the opposition, who slowly had to yield
Half forwards were Cormac and Keelin McGann
With Shane Farrell in the centre they played with a plan

Darren Carberry, Tom McGann with left full Josh Kelly
Played with ferocity, with fire in their belly
Three subs played their part, we give them their dues
Team captain Shane Doyle, Ollie Manser, Ron Hughes

The boys in the dugout worked out a plan
McCormack and Kenny, Rowan and McGann
They tutored the team with professional skill
to outplay their opponents and go for the kill

Meanwhile a welcome did await
With bonfires lit at the Mosstown gate
While a ladies committee answered the call
with a welcome reception in St Dominic's Hall

Three cheers for Kenagh, you've done us so proud
You've won the hearts and minds of the local crowd
and a special word for the background team
Who prepared so hard for a winning scheme