At a recent training session, Tony Ghee spoke with the Longford hurling manager, Adrian Moran about how preparations have been going for Longford’s first game in Division 3B of the Allianz National Hurling League which takes place tomorrow against Fermanagh at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park at 2pm.
The Ernesiders are the reigning Lory Meagher Cup champions and having beaten Longford by eight points in last year’s championship, the ‘Blue and Gold’ know that a stern test awaits them against the Ulster side.
Adrian: ‘We have done a lot of good work so far, but until we get into the League that starts next Sunday, we won’t know our true standing. Sunday’s game will provide us with a benchmark as to where we are and what we need to do for the rest of the year. We have had a good six to eight weeks,although we have picked up a few injuries during our challenge matches and Kehoe Shield games. We are dealing with those injuries at the moment, but we are all looking forward to getting out on the field on Sunday.’
Tony: ‘Those Kehoe Shield games and challenge matches were against opposition who are higher up than Longford in the league and championship structure.’
Adrian: ‘Yes, it was something that we looked at, at the start of the year. No disrespect to the teams we are playing against in the league and championship, but we thought that it would prepare us better if we were playing teams a level or two above us including Christy Ring teams. We had some good performances, but we did get caught at times, and that’s down to a bit of inexperience due to the injection of youth into the team. They were worthwhile exercises, but while the scoreboard did not reflect the work, effort, and workrate the players put in, we are happy enough with the way things are going so far.’
Tony: ‘One game in particular that mirrors all of what you just said, was the Wicklow game, as they only pulled away very late on.’
Adrian: ‘ Yes, that is very true. I believe that was down to experience really. It was during the four minutes of injury time that they scored 1-03 without reply. That is what happens when you take the eye off the ball against higher level teams, they punish you.’
Tony: ‘Looking forward to the game on Sunday, the sides met last year in the semi-final of the Lory Meagher Cup with Longford losing by eight points. You are a brand new management team who were not around for that game, so how do you deal with the fact that the defeat maybe on the minds of some players?’
Adrian: ‘We as a management team believe in looking forward and that players should not be looking backwards as the past cannot be changed. Everyone should just look forward to a fresh campaign and implementing what has been learned in training. We have some new players introduced and they have added to the mix of last years players who are still involved. Fermanagh reaped their rewards last year in the Lory Meagher and are now playing at Nicky Rackard Cup level, a level above us in the championship, so they will provide a good test for us.’
Tony: ‘ Fermanagh have already played a league match, recording a ten point victory over Cavan last weekend.’
Adrian: ‘Last weekend provided tough conditions for football and hurling games all over the country. Fermanagh’s ten point win was very impressive, no more than Leitrim’s high scoring win over Lancashire. Cavan and Leitrim are two teams that we will also face in the Lory Meagher. Leitrim have got off to a great start to the year, not just with the victory over Lancashire, but they also won the Kehoe Shield by beating Mayo in the final. We are fully aware of what is coming down the tracks, but we will be competitive and drive forward.’
Tony: ‘Fermanagh dominated Cavan and even had Francis McBrien sent-off, but they were fifteen points to the good at that stage. Impressively, Fermanagh had nine different scorers and that spread of scorers is always a good sign for a team.’
Adrian: ‘Very much so. Joe has introduced a few new players over the last few years and it is evident now in the scoring stakes. They are well up there with who they will be competing with ‘
Tony: ‘Fermanagh have some very good quality players in the likes of Sean Corrigan, Luca McCusker, and Ryan Bogue, to name just three.’
Adrian: ‘They have a very strong panel and a lot of good work has been put into them. We are trying to do that with Longford. We are building a panel and trying to push forward. We are under no illusions as to the task ahead. Longford have been relegated from both League and Championship over the last two years, so it’s a rebuilding process, but we are all looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.’