Longford hurlers master Leitrim in mighty Lory Meagher Cup triumph

After looking in some trouble after trailing by a couple of points at the break and who were fortunate not to concede at least one goal but for a few fine saves by their excellent keeper Johnny Maher, the Longford senior hurlers turned on the power in the second half to win the Lory Meagher Cup.

Longford . . . 1-18 Leitrim . . . 1-13

Inspired by a decisive goal from the captain Reuben Murray, created from a high ball in from Martin Farrell, with 52 minutes gone on the clock to take lead in the Tier 5 All-Ireland Championship final at Croke Park on Sunday last, revitalised Longed enjoyed a glorious period that yielded 1-3 in quick succession to stamp their authority on this lively encounter.

Spurred on by their vociferous supporters, the mighty midlanders surged into a significant four-point advantage with Paddy Lynam, Reuben and David Buckley getting the other scores and there was no way back for Leitrim who sorely missed the injured Offaly native Daniel Miller.

During this dominant period, Buckley was denied a certain goal following a fabulous point-blank save by the opposing keeper Clement Cunniffe and rattled Leitrim were on the ropes.

There was just no stopping Longford during the remainder of the match as a further five points were registered by Martin Farrell (2 frees), Reuben Murray (free) and Cathal Mullane (two from play) on the way to winning the Lory Meagher Cup for the first time since 2014.

Showing true grit when it really mattered on the changeover, Longford had established a commanding 1-18 to 0-13 lead before Joe Murray snatched a consolation goal for Leitrim in the second minute of stoppage time

A third success in this competition has now earned the county hurlers promotion to the Nicky Rackard Cup next year and it is a tremendous boost for all involved to claim silverware at Croke Park.

Great credit must go to the manager Diarmuid Cahill for guiding Longford to the promised land in a very successful season with graduation to Division 3 of the National League also achieved.

When the going got tough in the first half, the contribution of Paddy Lynam. Cathal Mullane, Evan Tully, Maitiu O’Donoghue (who fired over three points in a row) and keeper Johnny Maher kept Longford in close contention in a game of many missed chances - around 16 wides apiece.

Lynam opened the account in the 8th minute and the other 7 points in the first half were registered by Reuben Murray (free), Ronan Courtney, Joe Rabbitt and Martin Farrell (free).

Five of the Leitrim points in the first half were fired over by the accurate full-forward Colm Canning with James McNabola (2nd minute), Philip Burgess (2), Gavin O’Hagan and Dhani Keane also on target for the neighbouring rivals.

But well marshalled by prominent centre-half-back Martin Farrell (the Limerick man with strong Ballinalee connections) with other key players Reuben Murray and David Buckley also making their presence felt, Longford produced a much improved display in the second half.

Farrell (3 frees), Murray (1-2, 1 free), Mullane (0-3), Buckley and Lynam were on target to clinch the AllI-reland title whereas Leitrim were restricted to 1-3 and can make no excuses for the eventual defeat on the big stage.

Reaction: Diarmuid Cahill

Speaking to Diarmuid Cahill at the joyous homecoming on Sunday evening, the Longford manager said that there was no need for panic when things are not looking so good at half-time and whatever he said to his players in the dressing room during the break certainly worked.

“When we eventually began to play to our true potential in the second half, I had no doubt that we were going to win. We will enjoy the celebrations and then look forward to playing in the Nicky Rackard Cup next season..

“Reaching Croke Park was the main aim this year and the Lory Meagher Cup triumph is the fitting reward for the entire squad of 33 players who put in such great work to win the championship”, stated the Tipperary native who is committed to a third term in charge.

​LONGFORD: Johnny Maher (Kilmacud Crokes); Ciaran McNally (Wolfe Tones Mostrim), Sean Lancaster (Castlepollard), James Connell (Wolfe Tones); Johnny Casey (Longford Slashers), Martin Farrell (Blackrock, Limerick, 0-4, all frees), Evan Tully (Wolfe Tones); Reuben Murray (Longford Slashers, 1-3, 2 frees), Paddy Lynam (St Oliver Plunkett’s, Mullingar, 0-2); Maitiu O’Donoghue (Wolfe Tones, 0-3), Ronan Courtney (Wolfe Tones, 0-1). Cathal Mullane (Wolfe Tones, 0-3); Joe Rabbitt (Castlepollard, 0-1), David Buckley (Longford Slashers, 0-1), Micheal Mulcahy (Longford Slashers).

​Subs used:- Eamon Allen (KIlmacud Crokes) for R Courtney (31 mins); Sean Tiernan (Longford Slashers) for M O’Donoghue (injured, 43 mins); Stephen Murray (Longford Slashers) for J Rabbitt (47 mins); Niall Hawes (Longford Slashers) for R Murray (67 mins);Kealan Cox (Longford Slashers) for C McNally (injured, stoppage time).

​LEITRIM: Clement Cunniffe; Paul Lenehan, Conor Hackett, Pearse Kenny; Niall Crowe, Martin Feeney, Joe Murray (1-0); Philip Burgess (0-2), Stephen Goldrick; Paul Mulligan (0-2), James McNabola (0-1), Kevin Clerkin; Dhani Keane (0-1), Colm Canning (0-5, 1 free, 1 ‘65), Gavin O’Hagan (0-2).

​Sub used:- Mark McHugh for K Clerkin (60 mins).

​Referee: Conor Daly (Kildare).