SLASHERS EDGE EPIC ENCOUNTER

Longford Slashers 2-10

Wolfe Tones 2-07

Longford Slashers recaptured the County Minor Hurling title on Saturday after holding off a late onslaught from outgoing champions, Wolfe Tones.

The irony of playing a minor hurling final at this time of year was not lost on most onlookers who were treated to an enthralling contest on the semi-frozen Pearse Park turf. Indeed, many remarked on the level of intensity and skill on show throughout.

The opening exchanges were even but Slashers got off to the perfect start when Conor Gallagher found himself in the clear and blasted the sliothar to the roof of the Mostrim net. Wolfe Tones were in the ascendancy in midfield for long periods but their forwards were thwarted repeatedly by a resilient Slashers full back line. Eventually the pressure told and Daniel Connell finished off a great move finding the net with aplomb. At the other end, the men in sky blue seemed more economical with their chances with captain Reuben Murray hitting a rasper past the 'keeper via the goalpost and a wonder point by Cian Kavanagh almost from under the stand. Aidan Sheridan scored a classy point from a volley to keep Wolfe Tones in touch and at half-time just a goal separated the teams.

Slashers midfield thundered into second half and while Gallagher, Kavanagh, John Shea & Liam Duffy chipped in with points goal chances went a-begging. But Wolfe Tones had not thrown in the towel and when a trademark Mark Tully solo effort was buried to the net they suddenly found their range. Shots from Connell, Tully, Nigel Rabbite, John Mulhern & Sean Noonan all split the posts and suddenly it was "game on" once again with few minutes remaining. Every ball was now contested as if lives depended on each outcome but Slashers held their nerve and celebrated a famous win.

Slashers' scorers:

C. Gallagher 1-2; C. Kavanagh 0-4 (2f); R. Murray 1-0; J. Shea 0-2; D. Howlin 0-1; L. Duffy 0-1

Wolfe Tones' scorers:

M. Tully 1-2; D. Connell 1-1; J. Mulhern 0-1 (f); A. Sheridan 0-1; S.  Noonan 0-1; N. Rabbite 0-1