On a bright December day, Longwood’s U15 hurlers gave their families and supporters an early Christmas present with a fantastic victory over hosts St Peter’s Dunboyne in the Division 2 Championship Shield Final.

It was certainly a case of saving the best wine for last as the boys delivered their most complete performance of the season on the day that mattered most.

Dunboyne had inflicted a heavy defeat on Longwood in the group stages of the championship and entered the game as heavy favourites. But Longwood, renowned for their fighting spirit, embraced the challenge from the throw-in.

The game plan devised by the management team saw Longwood rearrange their team with Malachy Fisher and Conor Dixon located on the half back line, either side of Brian Stagg. On paper it looked like Longwood’s strongest line and so it proved, with all three having a major impact on proceedings.

Dunboyne were first to trouble the scoreboard operator, scoring two points in the opening four minutes to take an early lead. A pair of excellent Malachy Fisher points, both from long distance frees, brought the sides level. An early indication that the boys in white were up for the fight.

The home side were quick to restore their advantage, in fact four quick-fire points gave them a 0-6 to 0-2 lead with twelve minutes on the clock. Longwood were going to have to dig deep and dig deep they did. A powerful run from Brian Stagg culminated in a well taken point. This seemed to inspire his team-mates and was quickly followed by a tasty point from play from the impressive Ben McLoughlin.

Malachy Fisher raised another white flag, courtesy of third expertly taken free and the margin was down to the minimum.

Seconds later, Longwood snatched the lead. A long ball into the full forward line broke on the 13 metre line and was quickly hoovered up by Conor M Dixon who drilled a low shot to the back of the net. The score was greeted by a loud, enthusiastic cheer from the large band of Longwood supporters.

Dunboyne had been forewarned as the goal scorer had seen an earlier shot ricochet to safety off the woodwork.

This purple patch had seen Longwood turn a four-point deficit into a two point lead and it was to prove the key period of the game.

Dunboyne registered a pointed free that was quickly cancelled out by another brace of frees from Malachy Fisher. A highly entertaining first half ended with Longwood taking a three-point lead to the break.

Half-time: Longwood 1-7 St Peter’s Dunboyne 0-7

The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with Dunboyne seizing the early initiative. Longwood’s players and supporters could have been forgiven for fearing the worst when Dunboyne chalked up 1-2 without reply to seemingly take control of the game.

Not for the first time, our boys showed great resolve and refused to buckle. Indeed, they would keep their opponent scoreless for the remaining 22 minutes. Malachy Fisher scored another over, this time from open play to reduce the gap to the minimum and Longwood were back in the game.

Soon after, Conor M Dixon rattled the woodwork for the second time, however on this occasion Luke Brady was alert to the opportunity and finished the ball to the net with a deft flick of his right boot. Longwood were in front and this time they had no intention of relinquishing the lead.

The next five minutes saw both teams fight hard to exert some control. Scores were hard to come by as players began to tire on the heavy pitch.

The stalemate was broken in sensational style; Malachy Fisher winning possession some thirty yards from goal before embarking on a run that saw him weave past two defenders before unleashing a thunderbolt past the Dunboyne keeper. The roar from the crowd must have been heard back in Longwood! Victory was in sight but there were still some tense minutes to endure.

A fine point from an acute angle from Conor M Dixon pushed the lead out to six points and despite a late flurry of pressure, the Longwood defence held firm.

The final whistle was greeted with utter elation from the Longwood supporters as they rushed on to the field to greet the victorious heroes.

Every player contributed handsomely to what was a great day for our club.

Conor Dorran belied his young age to give an assured display in goals, batting away a number of goal bound shots.

The defence worked tirelessly throughout, conceding only 1-3 from play over the hour. Thomas Dorran led from the front with a towering performance at full back, ably supported by Noel Gill and Fionn Hannon. The half back line of Conor Dixon (aka Captain Fantastic), Brian Stagg and Malachy Fisher were imperious throughout, a constant thorn in the opposition’s side.

The midfield duo of Luke Brady and Rian Brady covered every blade of grass and gave everything they had for the cause.

Daniel Fahy, Ben McLoughlin and William Phillips made up an industrious half forward line, carrying a heavy burden but happy to do so for the benefit of the team. This work ethic will take them a long way.

The full forward line, which comprised of Conor M Dixon and Sean Hanlon Upton, was lively throughout and posed a very a real threat to the Dunboyne goal at all times. Ronan Greene was named at top of the left but rarely crossed the halfway line having been deployed as a sweeper, and he performed the role with aplomb. Longwood’s very own Tadhg De Búrca!

While the substitutes, Seán, Dean, James and Seán, did not feature on the day, they have made a massive contribution throughout the season and there is no doubt they will have learned much for the future. A special mention to Adam Peacock and Mark Lee, two young warriors who missed out on the big day due to injury. We look forward to seeing you back in action soon lads!

We are deeply indebted to our incredible management team of Jim and Enda (not forgetting Niamh!) who devote countless hours to develop our young hurlers, all for the love of our club. And it’s not just our U15’s – these coaches are heavily involved with pretty much all teams from U11 through to Minor. And they also managed to play senior hurling themselves again this year! As role models go, we could hardly ask for better. Their hard work paid off today and we look forward to seeing it yield further dividends in the years ahead.

Huge congratulations to the players. It has been a difficult year with Covid restrictions aplenty, a seemingly endless flow of injuries and lots of other challenges to overcome. But you kept working and training and playing; you kept the show on the road.

You have given us fantastic entertainment and excitement throughout the year and today was the shining star on top of the Christmas tree. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.

Maigh Dearmhaí abú!

Longwood: Conor Dorran, Noel Gill, Thomas Dorran, Fionn Hannon, Malachy Fisher (1-6), Brian Stagg (0-1), Conor Dixon (Capt.), Rian Duffy, Luke Brady (1-0), Daniel Fahy, Ben McLoughlin (0-1), William Phillips, Conor M Dixon (1-1), Sean Hanlon Upton, Ronan Greene. Subs: Sean Kelly, James Cully, Sean Lee, Dean Phillips. Panel members: Adam Peacock, Mark Lee, Henrik Peciuzyte, Graham Loughlin, Jayden McCormack and Fionn Hanna.