Longford Slashers still the hurling kings in another title triumph

Longford Slashers . . . 1-22 Wolfe Tones Mostrim . . . 1-12

Showing no shortage of skill allied to a lot of determination to succeed, Longford Slashers won the Senior Hurling Championship for the 14th time with a well deserved win over Wolfe Tones in the county final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday.

The Jimmy Duignan Cup was collected for the second year in a row and while Robbie Stakelum’s highly charged side were generally in control, the Mostrim outfit were given a glimmer of hope when a brilliant penetrating run from Martin Coyle created the opportunity for substitute John Mulhern to score a badly needed goal in the 49th minute.

That close range strike closed the gap to just three points (0-17 to 1-11) but the title holders refused to panic and stepped up another gear to dominate the remainder of the match.

Slashers outscored Wolfe Tones 1-5 to 0-1 to run out comfortable winners in the finish with David Buckley scoring the goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time to crown a competent overall performance from the current Longford hurling kings.

Inspired by impressive midfielder Reuben Murray who fired over a total of 9 points (3 from play) and was the obvious choice to be the proud recipient of the Sean McNally memorial man of the match award, Slashers were clearly the superior side.

Their tight marking defence was splendidly marshalled by rock solid full-back Stephen Oates while the introduction of the fast paced Sean Tiernan proved to be a most influential move by the mentors with the prominent substitute shooting three points.

Captain courageous Johnny Casey, along with John Murray, Harry Mulvihill, Niall Hawes, Ronan O’Halloran and Michael Mulcahy, also got their names on the scoresheet with nine different players on target in this worthy championship triumph.

LONGFORD SLASHERS: Adam Murray; Kealan Cox, Stephen Oates, Ronan Kelly; John Murray (0-1), Daire Regan, Diarmuid Caslin; Reuben Murray (0-9, 5 frees, 1 ‘65), Johnny Casey (0-1); Harry Mulvihill (0-2), Darragh Caslin, Ronan O’Halloran (0-1); Niall Hawes (0-2), David Buckley (1-2), Micheal Mulcahy (0-1).

Subs:- Sean Tiernan (0-3) for N Hawes (34 mins); Ronan Kenny for R Kelly (36 mins); Stephen Murray for Darragh Caslin (50 mins); Matthew Hawes for R O’Halloran (58 mins); Gary Hand for M Mulcahy (stoppage time).

WOLFE TONES: Maitiu O’Donohoe; Ciaran McNally (0-1), Cian McLoughlin, Shane Fahy; Adam Quinn, Evan Tully (0-3, all frees), John Gaffney; James Connell, Ronan Courtney (0-1); Dylan Hutchinson (0-2), Martin Coyle, Liam Browne (0-1); Killian Courtney, Luke Kelly, Cathal Mullane (0-4, 1 free).

Subs:- Jack Belton for L Kelly (half-time); Pearse McNally for C McNally (injured, half-time); John Mulhern (1-0) for L Browne (44 mins).

Referee: Derek Argue (Cavan).