January 10, 2026; Rory McHugh of Easkey takes a sideline during the AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Junior Club Championship final match between Easkey of Sligo and Kilbrittain of Cork at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile. On the coldest, darkest nights of winter, a horde of cars from all corners of Ireland pulls into Slashers GAA Club outside Longford town. To the passer-by, there is little to distinguish them from any other gathering at a local GAA pitch, save for the ratio of S-registered number plates and the subtle, flat intonation…
