Ahead of this Saturday’s Allianz National Hurling League Division 3B Final between Longford and Fermanagh, Tony Ghee spoke with manager Adrian Moran and selector Clive Beattie.
First up, Tony spoke with Adrian.
Tony: ‘Adrian, the 10-point semi-final victory over Leitrim was an outstanding display, especially when only a point separated the sides in the earlier league clash.’
Adrian: ‘That’s right Tony, we were all very happy with the semi-final performance. We hurled really well, but there are a few aspects that we have to work on ahead of the final, but overall, it was a brilliant showing by the lads.’
Tony: ‘An impressive feature of the win was Longford’s efficiency from the chances created, and it was probably the most accurate shooting display of the league campaign so far.’
Adrian: ‘Yes, our scoring percentages were up alright. We have worked a lot on that aspect of our game, as well as working hard on team effort as well. Thankfully, our scoring was prolific on Saturday, and hopefully, it will be the same against Fermanagh in the final.’
Tony: ‘Looking back on the earlier 2-point loss to Fermanagh, Longford’s only defeat of the campaign, Longford kept Fermanagh scoreless in the second-half.’
Adrian: ‘It was a game of two halves that day with the weather conditions the way they were. It was an excellent second-half display and we could have snatched a win in the end, but that defeat is behind us now. We are really looking forward to getting back on the pitch against Fermanagh. It is going to be a huge challenge, but one we are capable of overcoming.’
Tony then spoke with Clive.
Tony: ‘Clive, you are a Leitrim man involved in the Longford camp, so you probably had divided emotions after the semi-final win over your native county.’
Clive: ‘Not at all Tony. When I was asked to come in as a selector and trainer with Longford, I said on the night I met the lads, that I am here as a Longford man and that I feel like a Longford man. So no, there were no mixed emotions for me.’
Tony: ‘You have been involved in coaching with Adrian before, so that must have been a major factor in you deciding to come on board?’
Clive: ‘Yes, I was lucky enough to get to know Adrian when I was a selector with Leitrim. He came in as a coach and he was fantastic, so I was only too happy to be part of the management team.’
Tony: ‘It must be great to be involved in a team who have reached the league final and in your very first season as well?’
Clive: ‘Absolutely, I have got to know the rest of the management team, Micheal, David, James, Eoin, and Denis Cohen. Of course as mentioned earlier, I already knew Adrian. I have also enjoyed meeting the players and the hurling committee. The time has been fantastic, but it is going too quickly.’
Tony: ‘You have played hurling yourself for both club and county, so you are steeped in hurling, it’s in your blood.’
Clive: ‘Oh yes, I have played hurling since I was only six with my club in Manorhamilton, and I was also lucky enough to play on the Leitrim Senior team for a few years. I really enjoyed my time playing for Leitrim and I learned a lot playing for them. I took a few years out and then resumed playing hurling for my club.’
Tony: ‘Finally, looking ahead to the final, it will be a big occasion for hurling in Longford. Longford have won a lot of silverware over the years, and it would be brilliant to win another league title.’
Clive: ‘ It would be fantastic. Our team are hungry for success, they possess enormous talent and confidence is high. I have no doubt that we can win the final and be crowned champions.’