Opinion: Longford hurlers believed and they achieved

“If you believe in yourself enough.

And know what you want.

You're gonna make it happen.

Make it happen.

If you believe within your soul.

Just hold on tight

And don't let go.

You can make it, make it happen’’.

The above Lyrics from Mariah Carey’s 1992 song ‘Make it happen' came to mind on Sunday last at Croke Park on a momentous day for hurling and sport in Longford as the Longford Senior hurlers were crowned Lory Meagher Cup champions, lifting the cup for the first time since 2014 after having lost recent finals in 2022 & 2024.

This brilliant committed and dedicated squad of thirty-three players led by the highly driven and incredibly focussed manager Diarmuid Cahill whose belief and vision was instilled into the mindset of everyone involved in the set-up from day one, has resulted in the double success of promotion to Division three of the National League and being promoted to the Nicky Rackard Cup for next year as Lory Meagher champions.

When the chips were down and the tide had turned against Longford in Sunday’s Lory Meagher Cup Final against Leitrim this brilliant team demonstrated fortitude, resilience and belief in their destiny that are the hallmarks of champions, and ultimately, they got their reward.

The leadership of captain Reuben Murray who battled brilliantly against illness and the vice-captain Cathal Mullane whose rousing, powerful, entrancing, and mesmerizing half-time speech both inspired their warriors into a stunning second half display that ended in a glorious triumphant day for the county to savour.

The joyous scenes of jubilation and celebration from the players, the management, the backroom, Longford GAA county board members, and the fans when the final whistle went in Croke Park and the homecoming welcome in Edgeworthstown, Ballinalee, and Longford Town are cherished memories that will last for a very long time to come.

To those that criticise hurling in the weaker counties and their right to play on the hallowed ground of Croke Park in the various championships, they need to see the bigger picture and realise that it is every player’s dream to play in the biggest stadiums in their sport and that it is also very important for the promotion and development of all sports, and that is no different for hurling.

So if AFC Stoneham who won the Wessex Premier Division and Cockfosters FC who finished fourth in the Spartans South Midlands Football League can play their FA Vase Final at Wembley Stadium, then surely Longford and Leitrim are entitled to play their Lory Meagher Cup Final at Croke Park, no matter what the begrudgers say!