Longwood’s U15 hurlers finally got the better of Boardsmill/Clann Na nGael at the fourth time of asking in Saturday afternoon’s championship semi-final. The teams had crossed paths twice in the League and just a couple of weeks ago in the group stages of the championship, and on all occasions the combined team had come out on top.

That said, Longwood managed to get closer with each passing game and today, Jim Dorran’s charges showed they had learned from the defeats and ran out convincing and deserved winners.

The boys trailed by two points at half-time but rolled up their sleeves and produced an excellent second half display, scoring 3-2 while restricting their opponent to just 0-2.

The entire team played well. Rian Duffy’s goals were crucial and ultimately the difference between the teams. While Longwood were well served by their experienced players, one of the most pleasing aspects of the game was the contributions of their younger players. Young cubs Harry Quinn, Lar Giles and Brendan Nicholson may lack experience and be at a physical disadvantage compared to their older opponents, but they are well able to hurl. All three made important contributions, Nicholson being particularly conspicuous scoring one goal and setting up another having been introduced as a second half substitute.

So a job well done, but the lads know that today will mean nothing if they don’t follow it up the next day. Wolfe Tones await in the final and will present a stern test.

Something to look forward to……………

Longwood: Owen Byrne, Sean Kelly, Conor Dorran, Rian Holton, Sean Lee, Ronan Greene (0-2), Dean Phillips, Henrik Peciuzyte, William Phillips (0-2), James Cully (0-3), Rian Duffy (3-0), Lar Giles, Harry Quinn, Jonah Furlong, Patrick Nicholson (0-1). Subs: Brendan Nicholson (1-0)

Maigh Dearmhaí abú!