Longford manager pleased with the hard work and character shown by his players

While Longford manager Paddy Christie was delighted to get one over on his native county in Saturday’s Dioralyte O'Byrne Cup Final he was refusing to get carried away.

“I thought we played well, the conditions were tough. I know Dublin had fringe players or players coming back from injuries that needed game time. We’re not under any illusions and we’re not getting carried away ultimately. We know that if we have a poor performance against Laois you have a problem and the O’Byrne Cup will be quickly forgotten about.”

That’s the voice of experience speaking. In 2023 Longford also won the O’Byrne Cup, defeating Louth in the final. The positivity that came with that victory soon evaporated as Longford struggled badly in their Division 3 league campaign and suffered relegation to the basement division.

Paddy remarked, “This is a small step in the right direction. You are always worried about Dublin getting goals but I thought we defended quite well. It was a very pleasing performance but we know if you play poorly against Laois this will be completely forgotten about.”

Longford had to soak up a lot of pressure in the second half as Dublin played with the gale at their backs and Paddy was very satisfied with the heart and work rate of his players. “When you get to a final like this you are trying to do all the basics well, the result is immaterial. As it turns out we ended up winning because we did the basics well in difficult conditions and had a bit of heart. That was the most pleasing thing.

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“There was a lot of heart and a lot of fight. It was put up to us in the second half because we were playing into a gale force wind and I thought we fought like dogs, which was very pleasing. Days like today really test somebody’s character.”

He added, “The win was earned through a lot of hard work. It wasn’t anything tactical or pretty. It was about lads putting their bodies on the line. There was cut and thrust about them. Dublin kept on coming. They are a strong team, athletic and powerful and we were always going to have to keep throwing ourselves on the line. It is very rewarding when you are involved in management to see this. It is very small steps,we know we’ve a long way to go, but having players with that type of attitude helps greatly.”

Having played in the O’Byrne Cup himself as a player, Paddy put it on record that he ‘believes in the competition’ despite the dismissive misgivings other people may have. “When I played with Dublin many players got their chance to step up in the O’Byrne Cup. It is an important competition. And we’re delighted to win a competitive game today, it is better than any challenge game.”

Highlighting that at the beginning of the season players have four things to aim for - the O’Byrne Cup, National League, Leinster Championship and Tailteann Cup or All-Ireland series - Paddy said that Longford’s achievement shouldn’t be downplayed.

“Longford is a small county with a small population and a small playing base so you have to take these victories and enjoy them. There’ll be a bit of craic on the way home this evening but after our meal it will be about mid week training and getting ready for Laois.”

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Longford return to Laois Hire O’Moore Park on Saturday to face the O’Moore County at 6pm in what Paddy acknowledges is a ‘tough start’ to their Allianz NFL Division 4 campaign. “Laois will be gunning to start the campaign off on a right footing at home. That will zone us in straight away,” he admitted.

And in round two, eight days later, Tipperary, a team Paddy is very familiar with having spent time there as a coach, come to Glennon Brothers Pearse Park. “Tipp came down with us from Division 3 last year, so having Laois and Tipperary in the opening games, is a very tough start.”

Longford manager Paddy Christie Picture: Syl Healy