22 August 2005
The Division 4 team got back on track after their championship exit with a strong performance against St Galls at Falls Park.
Despite having no flags, nets, lines or referee and competing with the amateur golfers and soccer teams for space both teams agreed to proceed with the game. Eunan Conway’s lack of match practice continued as he volunteered to referee the game which he did impeccably!
Playing up hill and against the breeze Naomh Brid made a strong start where the midfield pairing of the Newcastle (upon Tyne) bound Conall Mallory and Paul McCrudden put in an excellent display of fielding and work rate for the entire hour.
First half points from Eoin Murphy, Keelan Mc Crudden and Duncan Macaulay helped Naomh Brid into a three point lead but the score which settled the team and laid the foundation for victory was Oliver Lennon’s goal. The former Derrynoose Star (former relates to Derrynoose not star) ignored calls of over carrying, carried the corner back and full back through the square and planted the ball where the net should have been. A further well taken goal from captain on the night, Keelan McCrudden, helped the Naomh Brid men to a 2-3 to 0-3 half time lead.
The second half saw further points from the hard working Ruairi O’Neill, Duncan Macaulay 2, Jimmy King got off the mark with a close in free, Eoin Murphy and Enda Kerr. Despite a hand pass reminiscent of John Egan and Jimmy Keaveny prowler instincts, unbelievably the referee saw fit to disallow two Naomh Brid goals, much to the dismay of the boys in blue. Oh yes both teams wore blue!
The St Brigid’s back line, well marshalled by Frank O’Neill, Malachy O’Kane and Paul Finnegan, held St Galls to two points in the second half whilst Stephen Morrissey pulled off a fine save. Frank’s fastest run on the night was reserved for a run to his mum’s car and a lift to work!
The introduction of Enda Kerr, Eamon Mc,Mahon and Fintan Quinn meant all men got a game.
Final score 2-9 0-5
Naomh Brid team
Stephen Morrissey, John McKeever, Frank O’Neill, Ciaran Loughran, Malachy O’Kane, Paul Finnegan, Andrew Kelly, Conall Mallory, Paul McCrudden, Keelan McCrudden, Duncan, Macaulay, Eoin Murphy, Jimmy King, Oliver Lennon, Ruairi O’Neill. Subs used Enda Kerr, Eamon McMahon, Fintan Quinn
