Longwood’s U15 hurlers endured an agonising defeat at the hands of a strong Wolfe Tones team under the lights in Longwood on Monday evening.

With brothers Jim and Ray Dorran on opposing sidelines, the

of hurling was sure to be of a high standard and the commitment of both sets of players never in question.

The protagonists had played out an entertaining draw in the opening round of the championship and the final followed a similar script with the teams matching each other score for score. That said, scores were at a premium in the opening half where a Rian Duffy goal gave Longwood a slender advantage at the interval, on a scoreline of 1-3 to 0-5.

The second half followed along similar lines. A long range free from ace marksman, Ronan Greene gave Longwood a three point lead with twelve minutes play. In such a tight game, it seemed like a significant advantage. It was wiped out within thirty seconds as the Tones scored their opening goal.

Another Greene free pushed Longwood ahead again before the second Wolfe Tones goal arrived with five minutes left to play.

Longwood showed tremendous resilience to pick themselves off the canvas and take the fight to their opponent. It looked like their courage had paid off when Ronan Greene, showing nerves of steel, drilled a 45-metre free between the posts as the clock ticked past the fourth minute of injury time. Surely the final whistle would follow and all in attendance would be treated to extra time.

Alas, two more minutes would be permitted, and Wolfe Tones would score a game-clinching 1-1 in these minutes. The game was up for Longwood and the sense of disappointment was palpable as the referee blew the final whistle.

Congratulations to the Wolfe Tones team and their mentors on their victory.

Longwood can hold their heads high. Losing by four points is harsh on the boys but it is a lesson that they will learn from. Conor Dorran, Henrik Peciuzyte, Ronan Greene and William Phillips showed real leadership, working tirelessly throughout the hour, inspiring their team mates to carry the fight to their opponent. The entire panel have given us tremendous entertainment and value this year. There are plenty of good young hurlers in this team and we look forward to seeing them develop over the coming years.

Longwood: Owen Byrne, Noel Gill, Conor Dorran, Sean Kelly, Sean Lee, Ronan Greene (Capt) (0-7), Dean Phillips, William Phillips, Henrick Pecuizyte, James Cully (0-2), Patrick Nicholson, Rian Holton, Harry Quinn, Jonah Furlong, Rian Duffy (1-1). Subs Lar Giles, Brendan Nicholson.

Maigh Dearmhaí abú! 🏁🏁🏁🤍🖤