Allianz HL D4 Final: Sligo defeat Longford

Allianz Hurling League Division Four Final

Sligo 2-21 Longford 4-12

By Gavin Cawley at Markievicz Park

Andrew Kilcullen delivered a captain’s performance as Sligo claimed the Allianz League Division Four title with a narrow win over a determined Longford side at Markievicz Park.

Despite Sligo’s comfortable victory over the same opponents the previous week, this encounter proved far more competitive. Longford made the brighter start, with Reuben Murray opening the scoring, before Paul O’Brien replied.

The teams remained closely matched throughout the opening period, sharing the lead before Kilcullen nudged Sligo in front with a pair of points. Sligo gained momentum and struck for the first goal on 27 minutes, Gerard O’Kelly Lynch finishing after excellent build-up play, involving Thomas Cawley.

Longford responded impressively before half-time, hitting 1-2 without reply. Cathal Mullane’s goal, created by Ronan Courtney, ensured just two points separated the teams at the interval, 1-7 to 1-5.

Sligo resumed strongly after the break, with Robert O’Kelly Lynch landing an early point, but Longford stayed in touch. Micheál Mulcahy’s well-taken goal in the 38th minute brought them level once again.

The game remained finely poised, with the teams exchanging scores before Sligo began to pull away. A crucial spell, highlighted by Kilcullen’s 1-2, gave Sligo a five-point cushion heading into the final quarter.

Although Mullane kept Longford within reach with an excellent sideline effort, Sligo looked in control when they extended their lead to eight points with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Longford mounted a late surge, with Murray converting frees. Murray and Mulcahy found the net in the closing stages to set up a tense finale. However, Sligo held firm under pressure to secure the Division Four crown.

Sligo: Luke Comerford; Fionn Connolly, James Weir, Hugh Rooney; Paul O’Brien (0-1), Rory McHugh (0-1), Gavin Connolly; Robert O’Kelly Lynch (0-3), Niall Kilcullen; Daniel Rolston, Ronan Molloy, Kevin O’Kennedy; Gerard O’Kelly Lynch (1-2), Andrew Kilcullen (1-8, 3fs), Thomas Cawley (0-4).

Subs: Marc Harkin for Hugh Rooney (45); Finnian Cawley (0-1) for Niall Kilcullen (53); Conor Hannify (0-1) for Daniel Rolston (59); Donall Hanley for Kevin O’Kennedy (63).

Longford: Johnny Maher; James Connell, Sean Lancaster, Ciaran McNally; Diarmuid Caslin, Martin Farrell (0-2,1f), Johnny Casey; Reuben Murray (1-6,6fs), Adam Quinn; Cathal Mullane (1-1), Ronan Courtney (0-1), Maitiu O’Donohoe; Micheal Mulcahy (2-0), Dan Crossan (0-1), Sean Tiernan (0-1).

Subs: Kealan Cox for Diarmuid Caslin (51); Paddy Lynam for Maitiu O’Donohoe (55); Stephen Murray for Ronan Courtney (70).

Referee: Adam Kinahan (Offaly).