While failing to secure a victory, this was a much-improved showing by the Division 4 team against an experienced Sarsfields outfit. With Stephen Morrissey and Frank O’Neill at full back thwarting constant Sarfieilds raids John Doran and Conor McHendry were supplying enough ball to the forward line to keep the side in touch in the first half. Kevin Finnegan was proving a real handful on the edge of the square and his point plus a couple from Thomas Kane and one each from Ceelan McCrudden and Michael Murphy meant there was only a goal between the teams at half time. Indeed but for a missed penalty on the half hour, the sides would have been level. Management was to blame for this as they were unaware of how lethal Kev Finnegan is from the spot (No doubt We’ll see before the season is out).
Half Time: Sarfields 1 – 5
St Brigids 0 – 5
The second half saw a more controlled performance from the home side, showing a great deal more accuracy. The visitors’ hopes were raised when Jimmy King, now operating in the forward line, made up for the penalty with a well-taken goal. Unfortunately, only only a further Murphy point, leaving Sarsfields reasonably comfortable winners, accompanied this.
Full Time: Sarsfields 1 – 13
St Brigids 1 – 6
This was a spirited showing with a score line that flattered the winners. Chris Rogers Ruari O’Neill and Fearghal Toner all made welcome returns to action while Stephen Donnelly also showed the strength in depth coming off the bench. Thanks to over 25 players who turned up on the night, unfortunately it’s impossible to play everyone.
Team:
Stephen Morrissey, Paul Brady, Frank O’Neill, Andrew Kelly, Jimmy King(1-0)
Bobby Smyth, Stephen Keown, John Doran, Conor McHendry, Terry McDonald,
Thomas Kane(0-2), Ceelan McCrudden(0-1), John McKeever, Kevin Finnegan(0-1), Michael Murphy(0-2).
Substitutes used:
Chris Rogers, Ruari O’Neill, Malachy O’Kane, Fearghal Toner, Stephen Donnelly
