Longford Slashers manager Conor Clarke delighted with a terrific team effort at Croke Park

Conor: “No, not really, I tore my cruciate at nineteen years of age and I thought that there goes any chance of being involved in a major final at Croke Park again, so to be involved with managing the Slashers Ladies to All-Ireland glory at Croke Park  is an amazing feeling. 

“That injury actually was a blessing in disguise as it made me focus on the coaching aspect of the game, especially as you think that your playing days will be curtailed as a result of a major injury.”

Tony: “You were coaching the ladies for two years and now managing for four years and you have Bryan Farrell and Shaunie Cunningham involved as well in the management team. Six County Championships in succession including four senior titles, and now in 2022, a Leinster and All-Ireland title added to the trophy cabinet. It’s down to a mixture of talent, skill, commitment, and hard work.”

Conor: “It requires a huge effort from everyone and there were a lot of nights there, and the players will testify to it as well, where you are wondering, why are we doing this. 

“A lot of unseen work as a collective was put in and the team deserve great credit, especially with the hardship of what Covid brought to the table as well, so they have been incredible.

“In the County Championship, there were times when we thought that we might not even get out of the group stage but they overcame every hurdle and stepped up to every challenge that they encountered.

 “I have to give a mention to Bryan and Shaun as well. Bryan started with this team in 2013 and stayed for three years, then he took a sabbatical, then I was a selector under the excellent Sean Meenaghan, before myself and Bryan were at the helm together in 2019. Bryan eats and sleeps GAA. 

“Shaunie Cunningham then joined us and he was a breath of fresh air and brings a level headedness and calmness to the set-up, and provides a different mindset that is invaluable. They are both brilliant to have as part of the management team. We combine our different strengths as a management team and work really well together.”

Tony: “It was yet another outstanding performance and produced on the biggest stage to win an All-Ireland final by scoring 4-11 and winning by nine points, a special display by a special team.”

Conor: “When you think that the county final victory over Clonguish was the hardest game we faced and we were put to the pin of our collar in that game before we just about got over the line, we might not have even had a Leinster campaign, let alone go on to be crowned All-Ireland Champions. 

 “We came through that match due to our resilience and our character. Kara Shannon stood up that day and Grace Shannon today in Croke Park was just immense, scoring two goals, setting-up scores, and helping out in the back-line.

“It’s always a team first mindset with the players and our mantra is that we can’t succeed unless we make everyone around us better, the unit is always stronger together, and that has always been our approach. Emily Reilly pulled off some incredible blocks and interceptions, but the entire team played their part.”

“It’s a proud day for the club and I have to mention stalwarts of the club such as Mick Gilleran and the late Hughie Brennan.

 “There is no club without people like them,  and it was great to see Mick Gilleran at Croke Park today, and it would have been great to see Hughie there as well. I will always treasure what people like them have contributed to Longford Slashers.”