Leitrim hurlers searching for a perfect 10 but Longford a real threat in Lory Meagher Cup Final

Sitting down to write a preview of next Sunday’s Lory Meagher Cup Final in Croke Park almost seems like a fool’s errand because if there is one thing we’ve learned this year is that there is nothing between Leitrim and Longford when they take to the field.

​Consider the two games they have faced each other in this year – Longford had three points to spare in the League meeting back in January, the home side winning 2-17 to 0-20 on the first day of the League, but Mike Wall’s team reversed that in Lory Meagher clash five, winning a thrilling contest 1-19 to 1-16 in Heartland Credit Union Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada. Take in last year’s games where there was a draw and a three point Leitrim win and you can see that there is nothing between these two teams, the proverbial grain of rice as they might say. It means that predictions are worth next to nothing as it is very much who makes the most of opportunities on the day.

Leitrim’s cause has not been helped by the loss of Daniel Miller through injury, a blow first sustained in the win in Pairc Sean. Mike Wall’s side will miss Miller’s pace and snap shots on a pitch as fast and open as Croke Park but thankfully, Leitrim have time to adjust to the considerable loss. One would have thought that Leitrim’s scoring rate would go down but others have stepped up – Colm Canning is having a great season, drifting between midfield and the full-forward line while Gavin O’Hagan and James McNabola have found form at just the right time.

Longford pose a formidable threat – in that game five weeks ago, the Leinster side threatened to run away with the game at times with their speed, stickwork and drive causing the Green & Gold real problems before the defence steadied and forced their way back into the game. Midfield duo Reuben Murray and Johnny Casey set the tempo for the Longford men and it will be a fierce battle in that sector while upfront, Micheal Mulcahy, Maitiu O’Donohoe and David Buckley pose a challenge with the experience of Cathal Mullane also another threat for Leitrim to deal with.

But Leitrim’s defence, backboned by a roving Joe Murray, who can pop up in attack when needed, along with Martin Feeney, Paul Lenehan, Conor Hackett and Stephen Goldrick is the bedrock of Mike Wall’s team and if they can restrict a fast moving slick Longford attack, they will go a long way to securing the Lory Meagher Cup for a second time.

CLEMENT CUNNIFFE LOOKING FORWARD TO LEITRIM’S RETURN TO CROKE PARK

Slow starts and inaccuracy have been a theme of Leitrim’s outings this year, even in all of the victories they have achieved so far, but if they get up to speed early and improve their finishing by a fraction, they will pose a formidable threat to Longford as they have pace and power to trouble any opposition. And you’d imagine that the firm sod of Croke Park would suit Canning, O’Hagan, McNabola and Paul Mulligan who has landed some big scores throughout the campaign.

Leitrim’s young players have also stepped up enormously as the year has progressed with Pearse Kenny, Niall Crowe and Dhani Keane impressing for Mike Wall’s men.

My gut feeling is that Leitrim are on a roll and getting better with every outing. The loss of Miller is big but the growing confidence in this team suggests they can cope with the blow but they expect the mother and father of all battles against their neighbours. The counties know each other well, playing in cross-border leagues so while they respect what each other will bring to the table, neither will fear the other and that could lead to a humdinger of a context at GAA headquarters.

This will be tight – Longford are dangerous foes and if they get a run on Leitrim, they could cause real damage but the feeling remains that Mike Wall has this team building to something special and we could see that next Sunday in Croke Park.