Frank Browne's side were reduced to 14-men for the closing 40 minutes, but stood firm to claim rare silverware and a place in Division 3A next year.

Longford had already beaten Sligo in the competition by 18-points in their final round tie, but this game was always going to be tight in nature.

Sligo welcomed back Keith Raymond to their side after he had opted out for the bulk of the early season, but Longford restricted the talented full-forward well, on their way to this hard earned two-point win.

Longford led by 1-5 to 0-3 at half-time, with Luke Kelly netting a 13th minute goal, after doubling on a dipping Eoin Donnellan free.

Sligo kept in touch thanks to the efforts of Gary Waldron, with the returning Raymond; Liam Reidy, Benny Kenny and Brian McMahon contributing scores in the second half.

The Connacht side worked hard in the closing 35 minutes, to eat into Longford's lead, but the Leinster outfit just had enough to take honours, despite Conneely's dismissal.

After the game Joe O'Brien accepted the cup on behalf of the victorious Longford side as Division 3A Hurling awaits for next year.

LONGFORD: E Daly (0-1, 1f); P McGarry, R Breslin, B Stakem; C Egan, T Roche, K Murray; C Finucane, P Barden; L Kelly (0-1), K Conneely, E Donnellan (0-1, 1f); D Tanner (0-1, 1f), J Newman (0-1), J O'Brien (0-4, 2f). Sub: P Corcoran for Kelly (66).

SLIGO: D Reidy; F Coyne, J Kelly, T Cawley; E McGowan, B Kenny (0-1), J Kenny; L Reidy (0-2), D Collery; A Morrison, R Cox, K Gilmartin; G Waldron (0-4, 4f), K Raymond (0-1), M Gilmartin. Subs: B McMahon (0-1) for Coyne (HT); M Connelly for Gilmartin (68).

REFEREE: Brendan Sweeney (Cavan).