On a night of no small significance for The GAA and Rugby in general and St Brigids GAC Belfast and Belfast Harlequins in particular, the Brolly cousins showed that it wouldn’t matter what kind of a field the posts were on, they’d split them.
St Johns provided the opposition for this eagerly awaited debut for Gaelic at Harlequins on Deramore Park on Wednesday 24th May 2006. It took Joe Brolly just three minutes to register the first score and cousin Ryan three more to find the net. Brolly senior added a goal and four with junior wrapping up the half with a point of his own. The home side were not having it all their own way though, with The Johnnies keeping in touch with seven points of their own before converting a penalty late in the half.
Half Time: St Brigids 2 – 6
St Johns 1 – 7
When the visitors scored on the restart it looked like they could really spoil the party. However a bit of tactical genius from former star Eunan Conway saw Benny Reilly move to the full forward line while Ruari O’Neill came out deeper to win possession. The result, a goal and two points from Benny with Ruari contributing to virtually every score of the second half. Joe B only managed to bag 1 – 4 in the second period while Conor Mullan and Ruari scored two each. Even James Loughrey made the score sheet, as the floodgates opened late on.
With St Brigids well ahead the game looked to be petering out without much excitement when, you guessed it, the three stoogies at the back provided some late entertainment.
John Mackle, our new resident umpire was supposedly encouraging and supporting our keeper and full back. Indeed Richard Smyth, who had struggled early on under the constant bombardment of high ball, had lorded his opponent and dominated the square throughout the second half. Allegedly, Mackle could be heard whispering subliminally, within earshot of Stephen and Richard, “you’re bound to drop one, you’re bound to drop one…” And so, late in the half the St Johns bench called for a change of tactics from their forwards. The team obliged by having someone different balloon a ball into the danger zone. As the ice melted on the descending ball, Richard soared eagle like upwards and flapped his wings at fresh air. “Don’t worry” shouted Stephen, “I’ve got you covered… ah F*** it, how’d that happen!” Mackle smiled wryly.
Full Time: St Brigids 4 – 17
St Johns 2 – 12
While a bit rusty, and weak in the tackle this was nevertheless a job well done. Along with the scorers, Joe McKeever and Gregory McGonigle were outstanding.
Finally, thanks to Bernie and everyone at Harlequins for the warm reception. Two years ago a former Chairman of Harlequins stated that there would be a Gaelic match in Deramore Park before there would be a Rugby match in Croke Park… a man of vision.
Team:
Stephen Morrissey, Deaghlan O’Hagan, Richard Smyth, Joe McKeever, Seamus McArdle, Frankie Devlin, Aidan Owens, Conor Mullan (0-2), Gregory McGonigle, Mark Sweeney, James Loughrey (0-1), Benny Reilly (1-2), Ryan Brolly (1-1), Joe Brolley (2-9 3 frees), Ruari O’Neill (0-2).
Click link below for Team photo
https://www.stbrigidsgac.com/gallery/album.asp?id=33
