Longwood's footballers got their season off to a winning start with a deserved, if ultimately narrow, win over Ballinabrackey on Thursday evening.

Despite the pitch being understandably heavy, conditions were pretty favourable for mid-February.

Both teams will have been glad to blow off the cobwebs and get their respective campaigns up and running.

A special mention to Brian Stagg, Lorcan Hannon, Tomás O'Brien, Ben McLoughlin and Cian O'Sullivan, all of whom made their competitive debuts for Longwood on the night. All five players adjusted very well and made significant contributions to their team. Well done lads!

The second round of the Reserve Cup is scheduled for Sunday week, February 26th away to St Ultan's.

Longwood: Kevin Maguire, Cian O'Sullivan, Adam Leacy, Lorcan Hannon, Brian Stagg (0-1), Tomás O'Brien, Adam O'Brien (1-0), Bob Maguire, Ciaran Sheridan (0-1), Gavin Griffith (0-2), Sean Sheridan (0-2), David Coloe, Ben McLoughlin, Anthony Healy (0-2), Louis Butler. Subs: Liam Moroney for David Coloe.

Longwood's intermediate footballers travel to Drumbaragh on Saturday afternoon to take on their hosts in the opening round of the Corn Na Bóinne. Throw in is scheduled for 14:00

Maigh Dearmhaí abú! 🤍🖤🏁🏁