Longford GAA County Championship: Kenagh's Intermediate Victory

A poem by Paddy Egan

It was the day Ireland lost but for Kenagh club a different story

They won the Hennessy Cup with pride and glory

After forty years they won the cup for twenty three

With a fine performance over Connolly's Ballinalee

From early summer they were looking good

Notice given squarely they were out for blood

Grattan Og and Cashel, Drumlish and Killashee

Connollys and Ardagh they were made to bend the knee

On a calm October evening in 2023

Kenagh marched on to Pearse Park, a pleasant sight to see

Ready to do battle with a fancied Connollys side

Cheered on by the supporters with loyalty and pride

Their selectors set the scene, positions now to fill

Goalie and back row, Higgins brothers, Gavin Bawle, Johnny Gill

Shea and Aidan Carberry with Lee Ross held the forty

They played their game with skill and mental forte

Alan Jones and Andy Dalton, manned the centre field

They held the opposition, who slowly had to yield

Half forwards were Cormac and Keelin McGann

With Shane Farrell in the centre they played with a plan

Darren Carberry, Tom McGann with left full Josh Kelly

Played with ferocity, with fire in their belly

Three subs played their part, we give them their dues

Team captain Shane Doyle, Ollie Manser, Ron Hughes

The boys in the dugout worked out a plan

McCormack and Kenny, Rowan and McGann

They tutored the team with professional skill

to outplay their opponents and go for the kill

Meanwhile a welcome did await

With bonfires lit at the Mosstown gate

While a ladies committee answered the call

with a welcome reception in St Dominic's Hall

Three cheers for Kenagh, you've done us so proud

You've won the hearts and minds of the local crowd

and a special word for the background team

Who prepared so hard for a winning scheme