Understrength Longford hurlers lose out to Louth

06.05.10 | Louth 2-15 Longford 3-04

A much understrength Longford found the going too tough against Louth in the opening round of the low key Leinster Junior Shield Tournament at the Knockbridge grounds on Thursday evening last and they will be hoping to get back on the winning trail at home to Leitrim on Wednesday next, May 19 as the preparations continue for the Lory Meagher Cup championship clash against Donegal on Saturday June 5th.

Louth manager Paddy Kelly used the opportunity to give a run out to a number of his panel in the build up to their Nicky Rackard Cup opener against Tyrone in June.

With many of the Louth panel having participated in the Dundalk 10k Road Race the previous evening, Longford arrived hoping to catch Louth cold but the Reds still had enough in the tank to run out eight point winners.

Diarmuid Murphy led the way with seven points while Shane Callan hit two goals to secure the victory for Louth while back in action for Longford was Brian Stakelum as team manager Tom Lynam is working hard to get the strongest possible squad together for the Lory Meagher Cup.