Naomh Brid senior ladies put in a heroic effort at St Paul’s on Sunday night last against a very strong and fit Moneyglass team in the Intermediate Championship Semi Final.
Despite some wayward shooting in the first half the St Brigid’s ladies closed the half with the minimum between the teams.
Orlaith Kirk showed all her experience as she led the young St Brigid’s team admirably despite the closest attention from Moneyglass.
Ruairdhi O’Neill’s charges upped the tempo in the second half and the industry of Rachael McKeogh, Catherine Mullan and Ashlin Murray at half back laid the platform to launch attack after attack which allowed, Anna Finnegan, Aoife Montague, Marnie O’Neill, Ellen McGrath and Colleen Quinn to create the scores to give St Brigid’s the lead for the first time.
Orla Montague and Aoibhe McCann put in the effort in spades to foil the St Ergnat’s team which this year is considerably strengthened by the arrival of a strong All Saints contingent.
Claire Donnelly, Ciara Loughran and Sarah McGuckian marshalled the full back line well to protect Katie McMullan in goals, but a penalty, against the run of play stopped the St Brigid’s momentum and allowed Moneyglass get the lead back as time was running out.
Abigail Carleton’s introduction sparked a change in the attacking options and her scoring prowess allowed the St Brigid’s girls to grab the scores to force extra time.
Rose McKeogh and Bronagh McHendry also entered the fray but a couple of goals in the extra period at just the right time cancelled the brilliant fighting efforts of the ladies in white.
Moneyglass, despite incurring a second yellow card, ran out probably deserving winners.
A special mention to Katie McMullan, for the special “give it a lash” runs through the middle to help raise the troops and the entire panel who trained hard all season.
Well done all, especially Ruairdhi and Mark for their efforts and best wished to the girls who will be playing University football in England and Scotland next year. Also, a big thank you to the girls who made the effort to get back from Dublin and Glasgow to train and play.
Thanks again to the large Naomh Brid support.

By Paul Gormley Thu 25th Aug