Tonra: ‘It’s been a hard road’

THAT afternoon in Ballymahon was typical of all the days Longford supporters suffered disappointment in the past.

Expectation weighing heavily with the footballers one step away from playing on a bigger stage, and one of the sport’s main powers standing in their way.

And yet, there was a different feel to that afternoon. From the first minute when Gavin Tonra dived at the feet of Paddy Bradley and made the first of five remarkable saves that day, this was finally Longford’s moment to shine. Derry were dismissed by four points, Longford were finally promoted and Tonra was a hero.