Same competition, same teams, same venue and unfortunately for Longwood, the same result.

Whereas last year’s championship defeat to Clann Na nGael was laced with cruelty as a result of conceding a late, late goal, this year’s version was much more clear cut. While the final score may be a little harsh on Longwood, it would be churlish to suggest anything other than the fact that Clann Na nGael were deserving winners.

Longwood’s starting fifteen contained no less than 13 players who had lost out to Kildalkey in the Senior Hurling Championship as recently as Friday night and early indications were that the boys were still feeling the effects of this game. Clann Na nGael were quicker out of the blocks, raising the first white flag inside the opening minute. It was a lead they would never relinquish.

They extended their advantage over the following ten minutes, scoring four of the next five points; Longwood’s only riposte coming from an Anthony Healy point from play. Then, with eleven minutes on the clock, Longwood conceded a goal. As happened a couple of times in the opening half, the score began with Longwood in possession only to turn the ball over; their opponents were clinical in front of goal and extracted maximum advantage from these opportunities.

Longwood responded in typically gritty fashion and registered three consecutive points – a booming point from distance from Sean Coloe, a beautiful turn and point from championship debutant Tadhg Connolly and a free from the ever-reliable Ryan Moore. Clann Na nGael responded with a pair of points before a second goal which really took the sting out of Longwood’s fightback. Undeterred, Ryan Moore continued to take the fight to the opposition knocking over three more points including two from play before the half-time break.

Half-time: Longwood 0-7 Clann Na nGael 2-8

Longwood needed a quick start to the second half and they very nearly got it. A rare wide from Moore was followed by a surging run from Fearghail O’Hare, whose pace took him clear of his marker, only for his shot to be parried by the goalkeeper. Tadhg Connolly displayed his poacher’s instinct to get to the rebound first, but his shot was a little too high. A point nonetheless and a ray of hope for the Longwood crowd. Despite having plenty of possession during the third quarter, Longwood simply could not breach the heavily manned opposing defence to get the required goals. Sometimes the Clann Na nGael would employ their defensive blanket to bottle up any Longwood attacker who attempted to break through, on other occasions poor shot selection and a number of wides handed the initiative back to the men in green and gold.

A third goal with six minutes to play killed off any remaining hopes of a comeback. To Longwood’s credit they refused to drop their heads and continued to push forward. Indeed, they kicked the final four scores of the game, two more points for Ryan Moore and a point apiece for Aaron Ennis and his young apprentice, Tadhg Connolly. A late red card to a Clann Na nGael defender had little impact on proceedings.

Final Score: Longwood 0-14 Clann Na nGael 3-14

Without wishing to take anything away from Clann Na nGael who were deserving winners, Longwood could feel justifiably aggrieved that at least two first half scores ensued from some very dubious decisions by the referee, with Aaron Ennis and Bob Maguire in particular appearing to be clearly fouled inside the scoring zone. On both occasions the referee waved play on to the amazement of Longwood’s players and supporters; on both occasions the ball was moved quickly upfield and ended up with a Clann Na nGael score, the second of which was a crucial goal. While it is unlikely to have impacted the result, it certainly didn’t help Longwood’s efforts to get back into the game. Instead of two certain points for Longwood (given Ryan Moore’s level of accuracy), it resulted in a goal and a point for Clann Na nGael. A six point turnaround.

Despite losing, there were some bright spots for Longwood. Billy Hogan and Tadhg Connolly made their championship debuts, and both players acquitted themselves very well. Hogan made some excellent high catches, and his kick-outs were very good, particularly in the opening half. Connolly registered three points from play, an excellent return in his first championship outing. Both players are sure to improve for the experience. Aside from these young guns there were some good performances from Sean Coloe whose high fielding and combativeness were very much evident in the first two quarters, Mickey Burke and Ross Kerrigan who made numerous bursts forward to assist their teammates throughout the contest. And Ryan Moore’s seven points, four from play, speak for themselves.

Longwood: Billy Hogan, Ross Kerrigan, Damien Healy, Bob Maguire, Joey Stenson, Mickey Burke (0-1), Adam O’Brien, Tomas Coloe, Sean Coloe (0-1), Niall Mulvey, Aaron Ennis (0-1), Harry Hogan, Ryan Moore (0-7), Anthony Healy (0-1), Tadhg Connolly (0-3). Subs: Fearghail O’Hare for Adam O’Brien, Adam O’Brien for Joey Stenson.

A tough start for Longwood. Championship defeats are a bitter pill to swallow but there is lots of football still to be played and we know that every game is important. Longwood’s players and supporters won’t have to wait long for their next dose of championship action – a joust with championship favourites Trim is next on the agenda this coming Sunday in Boardsmill.

Maigh Dearmhaí abú!

A special word of thanks to Clonard – they hosted the game in an organised and friendly manner and their pitch was in immaculate condition.