Longford SFC Final: Serial winner Luke Dempsey strikes again to deliver some more club success

Luke said that he could not understand why Clonguish were being written off and that he knew it would be a close contest with nothing to spare at the final whistle.

“Everyone thought that Clonguish did not have a chance. I don’t know why they thought like that because they were really excellent in beating Mullinalaghta, who I thought would be in the county final, and then defeating Dromard in the semi-final after extra-time showed how impressive a side they are. 

“Liam Belton had them so well prepared today and every time we got a quick kick-out away in the first half, their middle third really pressed hard and made life difficult for us.

“At half-time we had to address why we were playing off script, and we did play much better in the second half, but despite going three points up, Clonguish showed their fighting qualities and almost snatched a draw.

“The resilience we have shown in all our games came to the fore again and that’s what got us the victory. We didn’t reach the standards I expected us to reach but a lot of the reason for that is because of the brilliant play from Clonguish, so we are all absolutely delighted to have just about got the win.”

Dempsey went on to say that their missed goal chances kept Clonguish in the game.

“In the first half, I thought if Mark Hughes had scored the first goal chance that was brilliantly saved by Clonguish keeper Joe O’Brien, and if we had converted another goal chance from an intercepted kick-out, we would have been much more comfortable, but at four points apiece at half time, Clonguish were still in the game.

“It became real county final football, where resilience and determination were going to decide the winner more than skill or a game plan. They closed us down brilliantly and that contributed to us being below par, but to still come out victorious shows the huge character that our team has.

“The experience of having players with five county titles before today also helped us to achieve the win. Having said that, some of the best scores of the day came from the young Clonguish players and I have no doubt that their time will come sooner rather than later. 

“Similarly, to the Downs in Westmeath who followed up all their underage success with a senior title last year, that same underage success that Clonguish have enjoyed will bring them a Connolly Cup shortly.”

Finally, Luke paid tribute to his Killoe management team who did a sterling job before his arrival in April, due to a year out travelling in Australia with his family.“When Declan Rowley rang me to ask me to take over, I explained why he would have to wait, and great credit has to go to Steve Coy who did tremendous work training the team before my arrival and he has been excellent to work with, he is a super coach.

“I also have to mention the brilliant work of our selectors Sean Maguire and Brendan Conway. They have all played a very important role in today’s success.”