Longwood’s footballers got their season underway earlier this morning, with a trip to Kilmainham in the opening round of the Corn Na Boinne Cup. While the result was not the one we were looking for, there were positives to be taken from the game.

A combination of injuries and having a number of players involved with county hurling and football teams dictated that Longwood took to the field without many of their regulars. This is something we will have to get used to as it is likely to be a recurring issue, particularly in the early part on the season. On the flip side, it will give new Longwood manager, Caoimhín King, and his management team a chance to have a proper look at the wider panel. This can only be of benefit in the longer term.

Despite playing with the wind in the opening half, Longwood were understandably rusty and struggled to take advantage of the elements, registering only two points across the half hour. Kilmainham, with Mickey Newman pulling the strings, scored six points against the breeze and a four-point deficit was always going to be difficult to turn around as the breeze freshened.

A difficult task would soon become mission impossible as Kilmainham raised two green flags in the opening five minutes of the second half. Credit to Longwood, they displayed typical grit and battled to the end, playing their best football over the final twenty minutes, chalking up 1-5 in the process. The goal was beautifully manufactured by Ryan Moore who pierced the home defence with a precise foot pass to Anthony Healy who turned and dispatched the ball to the net.

While Kilmainham were deserving winners, Longwood have shaken off the cobwebs and we know they will work hard to improve over the coming weeks and months.

On a positive note, we congratulate Seán O’Shea, Ciaran Sheridan, Josh Meagher and James Sweeney all of whom graduated from last year’s U17 team to make their senior debuts for Longwood. All of the boys acquitted themselves very well, particularly Seán O’Shea whose accuracy from kick-outs was a notable highlight. It was also great to see Paul Gill and Dean Keogh back in action having both worked hard to overcome long-term injuries. We wish them and all the boys well for the coming season.

Longwood: Seán O’Shea, Paul Gill, Niall Mulvey, Cathal Campbell, Adam O’Brien (Capt.), Ross Kerrigan, Ciaran Sheridan, Thomas Coloe, Anthony Healy (1-0), Liam Moroney, David McQuaid, Dean Keogh, Aaron Ennis (0-1), Ryan Moore (0-6), Josh Meagher. Subs: Johnny Furey for Josh Meagher, James Sweeney for Dean Keogh.

Next up for Longwood is a home fixture against Dunshaughlin next Saturday evening @ 6.30 p.m.

Maigh Dearmhaí abú!