On a wet and windy Saturday afternoon, the 17th April 2004, the first representative hurling team from St Brigids took to the pitch in a friendly U-12 match against Carryduff. The match was hosted by Carryduff and unfortunately the weather conditions did little to encourage the finer skills of the game – however both sides showed great endeavour and no lack of skills in a closely fought game.
With the backing of the strong breeze St Brigids were slow to start with the early pressure being applied by Carryduff and it wasn’t long before Carryduff registered the first score of the game with a fine point from play. The St Brigids lads (and girls) did settle into their game with Andrew Gribben and Ronan McGrady starting to gain control in the middle. In defence Cathal Conway, Chris Kinney and Deirbhile Leyden were playing well and keeping their opponents well marshalled. Up-front Eoin McCarry, Garrett Mulholland and Liam Maguire were causing all sorts of problems for the Carryduff back six.
Indeed it wasn’t long before the first ever score in a hurling match for St Brigids was registered – through the caman of livewire Ferghal Leyden. Showing great determination and plenty of skill, he lashed the sliotar to the roof of the Carryduff net to give the visitors a deserved lead.
Half-time: Carryduff: 0-1 St Brigids 1- 0
On the restart the rain increased and St Brigids found themselves with backs to the wall in the teeth of a strong wind. Valliant defending by the blue and gold, with Matthew McCartney, Aidan Fee, Cormac Doyle and Leo Mulholland giving their all in defence, unfortunately they couldn’t hold out against the Carryduff pressure. With two goals in quick succession Carryduff took a hold on the game. St Brigids continued to battle against the wind and rain – Turlough Convery covered most of the pitch in an attempt to swing the game back in the favour of Naomh Brid. Unfortunately Carryduff cemented their lead with a further point to finish the game deserved winners.
Full-time: Carryduff 2-2 St Brigids 1- 0
It was great to get our first ever competitive game under our belts and this will stand us in good stead for the coming months. Many thanks to all the kids who turned-out on a wet day to partake in the first competitive hurling game for Naomh Brid: Garrett Mulholland, Ferghal Leyden, Mark Gribben, Eoin McCarry, Matthew McCartney, Ronan McGrady, Christopher Kinney, Aidan Fee, Cormac Doyle, Leo Mulholland, Liam Maguire, Deirbhile Leyden, Andrew Gribben, Turlough Convery, Cathal Conway.
Many thanks to the players and coaches from Carryduff who made us all feel extremely welcome – we look forward to further matches over the coming months.
