It’s an early start for the Longford Senior Hurlers this Saturday, March 19th, as they make the short journey to Kingspan Breffni Park for a noon clash with Cavan in Division 3B of the Allianz National Hurling League.
It is great to see the Ulster county rebuilding their senior hurling team since 2017, after being absent from the inter-county scene for six years, having opted out in 2011.
When they recommenced in 2017, they just played in the Lory Meagher Championship, but since 2018, they have played in both the league and the championship.
Cavan have to be disappointed with their 2022 season after a very encouraging 2021.
In Division 3B of the league last year, they finished runners-up behind champions Louth. Cavan beat Leitrim by 3 points, drew with Fermanagh, and only lost to Louth by a point.
In the Lory Meagher Cup, they reached the final only to be beaten by Fermanagh.
However, they have been well beaten by Fermanagh, Lancashire and Leitrim in their league campaign this year.
This is the last round of fixtures before the knock-out phase of the competition, with Leitrim hosting Fermanagh on Sunday, while Lancashire have completed their league fixtures.
Longford, Leitrim, and Fermanagh are the three teams who have qualified for the knock-out phase, but the weekend’s matches will determine which of the three teams will progress automatically to the final.
To avoid the semi-final, Fermanagh need just a draw, Leitrim need to beat Fermanagh by a 7-point margin, but could still lose out on an automatic final spot achieving that aim, if Longford beat Cavan by 18 points. Longford need to beat Cavan by a minimum 18-point margin and then win by 11 points more than Leitrim’s margin of victory over Fermanagh.
When you add into the mix that Longford are definitely missing 3 players, then the odds on the Midlanders topping the Division ahead of the knock-out phase are slim.
Adrian Moran’s charges bounced back from their narrow loss to Fermanagh with successive victories over Lancashire and Leitrim, while Cavan are pointless after losing all three of their matches to date.
The Breffni star forward James Smith has the ability to pose serious problems to the Longford defence and he will need to be in top form if Cavan are to win.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, the Longford manager Adrian Moran spoke with Tony Ghee:
Tony: ‘Adrian, the narrow 1-point victory over Leitrim was a stern examination of Longford’s league ambitions, and the sort of tough test that the team needed.’
Adrian: ‘It was some battle alright and we expected nothing less from Leitrim, they brought a great work ethic to the game, but we matched them and are very happy to get over the line.’
Tony: ‘Cathal Mullane’s goal just before the interval was crucial as Longford went from being behind to two points ahead at half-time.’
Adrian: ‘It brought us back into the game and mentally, it was a huge boost. Leitrim were on top at that stage and were winning a lot of dirty ball. Cathal’s goal gave us breathing space and allowed the lads to refocus at half-time. We used the ball much better and performed really well in the second-half.’
Tony: ‘Ahead of the Cavan game, Longford are now gauranteed a semi-final berth with a match to spare, but it would be nice to qualify automatically for the final by topping the division.’
Adrian: ‘Yes, it’s great to qualify for the knock-out stages, but either way, it’s more matches for the team and that is what it’s all about. It’s about getting more hurling into the lads, they enjoy it, they love it. We will just concentrate on the Cavan game next and see where we are after that match. We are under no illusions and know that Cavan will give us a stiff challenge at Kingspan Breffni Park.’