Tipperary snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a dramatic late score from Mark Russell, securing a 2-06 to 0-11 win over a spirited Longford side in a thrilling National Football League Division 4 encounter at Clonmel Sportsfield on Saturday afternoon.
Both teams entered the match following opening-round draws, and the conditions, marked by strong winds and light rain, added an extra challenge. The home side got off to a strong start with Conor Fahey scoring an early two-pointer. Longford quickly responded, with Matthew Carey and Oran Kenny both finding the target in a one-minute burst to put the visitors 0-06 to 0-02 ahead after the opening quarter.
Tipperary, despite dominating possession, struggled with turnovers in attack but ignited their offense in the 19th and 20th minutes. Goals from Sean O’Connor and Luke Boland propelled them into a narrow lead, but Longford quickly countered, with points from Aaron Farrell (2), Cathal McCabe, and Kenny, regaining the advantage to lead 0-11 to 2-03 at halftime.
The second half saw Longford make an early impact, with a free from Matthew Carey and a well-taken goal by Cathal McCabe, putting them in control. Only a fantastic save by Tipperary keeper Shane Ryan prevented McCabe from scoring again. Tipperary struggled to get going but were sparked into life by Russell’s two-pointer on 42 minutes. Micheal Freaney then added his second goal in as many games, bringing Tipperary back within a point.
With the game tightly poised, Tipperary leveled the scores with a Sean O’Connor free after a Longford foul. However, Longford responded strongly, with Farrell increasing his tally to four points from play, while Jayson Matthews, James Moran (2), and Dessie Reynolds also contributed scores, giving the visitors a two-point lead with three minutes left on the clock.
Substitute Cian Smith brought Tipperary within a point with a free, and as the game entered added time, the hosts piled on the pressure. In the dying moments, Mark Russell delivered the decisive blow, scoring a two-pointer from the sideline just outside the 40-meter arc, securing a thrilling victory for Tipperary.
The win ensures that Tipperary’s return to Clonmel Sportsfield for league football is a victorious one, while Longford will be left to reflect on a game they were so close to winning.