Sunshine and exciting football marked the last day of July 2005 at Michael Davitt’s annual seven aside blitz.With only 8 players available St Brigid’s entered the u14 section and as is a recurring theme this summer underage players made a massive contribution to the team performance.
Julie Curran,aged 9 years,made a remarkable debut. Fighting off jetlag but with no trouble adjusting to the high temperature she ran the legs of her markers throughout the day and played fantastic football. Definitely a star of the future. So too is Hannah Loughran. A mere 11 years of age she played some dazzling football and linked brilliantly with Anna Finnegan to blast the net with a well taken goal. St Brigid’s other ace forward was, Sarah Toner, 10 years old, and these three girls dove-tailed well all day.
It would be remiss not to mention all the players who narrowly beat Davitt’s with a great second half revival and then pipped St Gall’s in a thrilling semifinal before losing gallantly to worthy winners St Paul’s. The win over St Gall’s was particularly pleasing after a narrow defeat in the league.
Manchester United need a goalkeeper and if their scouts see Eimear Duggan in action then we may well lose her to Gaelic football.She grew in confidence with each match and played a decisive role in some fast flowing football with quick and precise kickouts as well as some wonderful saves. Kate Finnegan was Captain Fantastic and led by example with a flawless display at full back reminiscent of her dad at his best. She was ably supported by Rose McKeogh who was man of the match against St Gall’s getting first to every ball before laying off with a swift handpass to set up another attack.
Midfielders Anna Finnegan and Aoife Montague simply never stopped running, tackling,supporting,shooting and sometimes scoring!!! They too were magnificent.
Well done to all .A wonderful team performance and each one will treasure her runners up medal. Davitt’s were very generous hosts and hopefully St Brigid’s will be able to return the compliment some time in the not too distant future.
Finally it was great to have such support. We had more supporters than players which is a rare event. Hopefully this will be replicated by club members in the next day 10 days with important club championship matches for our minors, senior mens, reserve mens,ladies seniors and not forgetting the u14 semifinal against St Paul’s on 9th August. We wish all our teams every success.

By Paul Gormley Sun 31st Jul