Longwood's intermediate footballers kicked off their 2023 season against their neighbours from Ballivor in Round 1 of the Corn Na Boinne.

Despite coming out on the wrong side of the result, Longwood will be happy to have shaken off the cobwebs and gotten a much needed sixty minutes into their legs.

While both clubs had combined to proudly represent Moyfenragh in the recent regional championship, they squared up to each other with relish and produced an entertaining game despite the strong crossfield breeze which made things difficult for both players and umpires!

Ryan Moore produced a typically efficient performance in front of goals and there were a number of other noteworthy performances, not least from young Coyle O'Brien who played his first adult game for Longwood and looked very much at home despite being tasked with marking seasoned veterans like Adam Gannon and Stefan Kelly. Coyle will have learnt much and is sure to benefit from the experience.

Next up for Longwood is a trip to Castletown next Friday evening.

Longwood: Sean O'Shea, Liam Moroney, Coyle O'Brien, Cathal Campbell, Ross Kerrigan, Anthony Healy, Ciaran Sheridan (0-1), Bob Maguire, Adam O'Brien, Gavin Griffith, Ryan Moore (0-9), Sam King, Dean Keogh, Thomas Coloe (0-1), Niall Mulvey. Subs: Louis Butler for King, Josh Meagher for Keogh, Mark Kennedy for Campbell, Kevin Maguire for Moroney.