Junior C Championship – Round 1
Cashel 2-12 Longford Slashers 1-11
It felt like an episode of Reeling in the Years in Páirc Chiaráin on Wednesday evening as Longford Slashers rolled back the years and fielded a Junior C side with many players from the successful Senior side of 2010 - 2013.
With an average age somewhere north of 40, the warm-up consisted of equal parts stretching, Deep Heat and discussions about the new rules and player-fit jerseys. Several of the lads hadn't laced up their boots in years, while others are now more known for their coaching skills than wearing the jersey.
Cashel made full use of a strong first-half wind and, helped by two goals, built up what looked like an unassailable ten-point half-time lead. It appeared the reunion tour was hitting the rocks.
However, after dusting off the cobwebs (and locating a second wind that nobody knew still existed), the Slashers veterans burst into life after the restart. Vintage flashes of brilliance, in between periods of rest and heavy breathing reminded everyone exactly why many of these lads were household names around Michael Fay Park. Scores from Trevor Clendenning, Ross Flaherty, Nathan O'Toole and Mark Farrell brought Slashers back into the contest.
Club legends Ian Shannon, Trevor Clendenning, Bryan Farrell and Stephen Phillips all rolled back the years. Philly, in particular, produced a trademark lung-bursting run in the second half, only for his hamstring to have other ideas and promptly announce its retirement halfway through the move.
Despite creating enough chances to complete a remarkable comeback, Slashers couldn't quite reel Cashel in, with the home side holding on for a 2-12 to 1-11 victory.
What had all the makings of a Disney-style comeback movie didn't quite get the fairytale ending. The lads will now dust themselves down and prepare for Grattans next Wednesday at 7.30pm in Michael Fay Park.
A hugely enjoyable evening of football, proving that class is permanent... even if recovery now takes a little longer. 💙🤍
Cashel 2-12 Longford Slashers 1-11
It felt like an episode of Reeling in the Years in Páirc Chiaráin on Wednesday evening as Longford Slashers rolled back the years and fielded a Junior C side with many players from the successful Senior side of 2010 - 2013.
With an average age somewhere north of 40, the warm-up consisted of equal parts stretching, Deep Heat and discussions about the new rules and player-fit jerseys. Several of the lads hadn't laced up their boots in years, while others are now more known for their coaching skills than wearing the jersey.
Cashel made full use of a strong first-half wind and, helped by two goals, built up what looked like an unassailable ten-point half-time lead. It appeared the reunion tour was hitting the rocks.
However, after dusting off the cobwebs (and locating a second wind that nobody knew still existed), the Slashers veterans burst into life after the restart. Vintage flashes of brilliance, in between periods of rest and heavy breathing reminded everyone exactly why many of these lads were household names around Michael Fay Park. Scores from Trevor Clendenning, Ross Flaherty, Nathan O'Toole and Mark Farrell brought Slashers back into the contest.
Club legends Ian Shannon, Trevor Clendenning, Bryan Farrell and Stephen Phillips all rolled back the years. Philly, in particular, produced a trademark lung-bursting run in the second half, only for his hamstring to have other ideas and promptly announce its retirement halfway through the move.
Despite creating enough chances to complete a remarkable comeback, Slashers couldn't quite reel Cashel in, with the home side holding on for a 2-12 to 1-11 victory.
What had all the makings of a Disney-style comeback movie didn't quite get the fairytale ending. The lads will now dust themselves down and prepare for Grattans next Wednesday at 7.30pm in Michael Fay Park.
A hugely enjoyable evening of football, proving that class is permanent... even if recovery now takes a little longer. 💙🤍
