Senior B Hurling Championship Semi-Final: Longwood 1-16 Dunderry 3-19
Longwood’s Senior B Hurling Championship journey came to an end yesterday when they went down to a Dunderry side that thoroughly deserved their victory.
The game took place in Dunganny and despite the wet and windy conditions, both teams played some excellent hurling.
Longwood, who were looking to reach their third consecutive Senior B Final, had the benefit of the elements in the opening half and started well, leading by 0-3 to 0-1 after five minutes. Just a minute later, the concession of an Evan Nolan goal was a body blow which allowed Dunderry to briefly grab the lead.
Credit to Longwood who maintained their composure and reeled off five consecutive points courtesy of Anthony Healy (2), his brother Damien (2) and Ryan Moore.
Moore would register his third point of the game a couple of minutes later: his sideline cut started outside the posts, but he had allowed just enough for the breeze and the ball sailed over the black spot. A thing of beauty.
Longwood led by three with the interval approaching. If they could stretch it out to four or even five points, they would surely have a fighting chance.
But unfortunately for our boys, they conceded 1-2 in the closing minutes of the half, and this turned the game on its head. A three-point lead turned into a two-point deficit and Dunderry’s tails were up.
Half-time: Longwood 0-11 Dunderry 2-7
Playing against an ever-stiffening breeze, Longwood needed a good start but instead it was Dunderry who hit the ground running. Four quick-fire points trebled their lead and while Longwood responded with points from Kevin Heagney and Malachy Fisher, they rarely looked like getting the goal that could have re-ignited their chances.
A third goal from the returning Mark Leavy was the final nail in the coffin and despite a late goal from a Damien Healy thunderbolt, Longwood’s race was run.
Longwood: Mark Kennedy (Capt), Ronan Greene, Billy Hogan, Conor Dixon, Sean Sheridan, Joey Stenson, Bob Maguire, Gavin Griffith, Ryan Moore (0-3), Tomás O’Brien, Damien Healy (1-2), Conor M Dixon, Anthony Healy (0-9), Kevin Heagney (0-1), Sean Coloe. Subs: Malachy Fisher (0-1) for Gavin Griffith, William Phillips for Tomás O’Brien, Ben McLoughlin for Conor M Dixon, Ross Healy for Bob Maguire, Sam King, Thomas Dorran, Conor Dorran, Kevin Maguire, David Coloe, James Cully, Quin Fisher.
So a disappointing end to a championship season that had started so brightly. But we can have no complaints, and we wish Dunderry well in the final.
Injuries were a major factor this season; Mickey Burke saw no championship action at all while Meath U20 captain Brian Stagg ruptured his ACL in the opening round of the football championship. Two hammer blows, particularly for a small dual club.
But the boys who took to the field each week over the past two months gave their all for Longwood. No more can be asked of them.
Young players like Ronan Greene, William Phillips and James Cully got their first taste of championship action and they can only benefit from the experience. If they follow the lead of the likes of Damien Healy, Bob Maguire, Sean Sheridan and Sean Coloe they won’t go far wrong.
We thank the players and management team for all their efforts over the season. They have earned a well-deserved rest over the coming months. In time the spirits will lift, the injuries will heal and the hunger will return. We go again in 2027.
Maigh Dearmhaí abú! 🤍🖤🏁🏁
