Despite falling to a third league defeat, there were definite green shoots for Longwood in Sunday’s three-point loss to a young and athletic St Brigid’s team.

The pitch, despite recent weather and ongoing construction works, was well presented and both teams served up a tight, if sometimes scrappy, contest.

St Brigid’s started the quicker with two opening points, but Longwood responded well; two points from play from Ryan Moore and Ciaran Sheridan sandwiched an excellent goal from young Cian Swan.  The league debutant, clearly took confidence from this score and delivered an excellent performance over the hour.  

A point from Sean Sheridan saw Longwood lead 1-3 to 0-3 after the opening quarter and the home team were playing with a fair degree of confidence.   

However, the men from Ballinacree responded well, kicking four quick-fire points from play to retake the lead.  Indeed, it could have been worse but for an excellent save from Anthony Healy.  

The teams traded scores over the closing minutes of the half with St Brigid’s taking a two point lead to the interval.

Half-time:  Longwood 1-5 St Brigid’s 0-10

The second half was a much scrappier affair.  Both teams worked hard but for little reward on the scoreboard.  It took almost ten minutes for the opening score to arrive and when it did it went the way of the visitors, who extended their lead to three points.  They maintained this advantage for the remainder of the game.  

Longwood tried hard but could never breach the Brigid’s defence for a much-needed goal.  A fantastic two-pointer from the returning Harry Hogan gave them hope but they eventually ran out of time.

Not to be for the lads but a much-improved performance.  The return of club stalwart Mickey Burke was a major boost and the defence coped reasonably well against a potent St Brigid’s attack.  A special mention for Sean Carpenter who rarely crosses the halfway line but did so with real intent in the second half and kicked a sensational point (his words, not mine!) from distance.  

Full time: Longwood 1-9 St Brigid’s 0-15

Longwood: Antony Healy, Kevin Maguire, Sean Carpenter (Capt.) (0-1), Mark Kennedy, Harry Leigh, Mickey Burke (0-1), Cian O’Sullivan, Ciaran Sheridan (0-1), Tomás O’Brien, Cian Swan (1-0), David Coloe, Thomas Dorran, Ryan Moore (0-2), Sean Sheridan (0-2), Adrian Maguire.  Subs: Harry Hogan (0-2) for Cian O’Sullivan, Sam Dixon, Ross Healy.

Next up for the footballers is a trip to Dunboyne on April 19th.

Before that, our hurlers travel to Kilmessan on Saturday next for the second round of the league.

Maigh Dearmhaí abú!!  🤍🖤🏁🏁