St Brigid’s U10s got the perfect start to their summer holidays by retaining the Jack McCartan Shield in style on Saturday. In spite of a number of key absences, the somewhat depleted squad produced a determined and skillful performance to see off new kids on the block, Cumann na Fuiseoige, in their semi final before mastering Lamh Dhearg in the final.
The competition, which was played under the Go Games rules, entailed clubs entering two nine-a-side teams for each match with the aggregate score determining the winners. The system worked well, ensuring fast-flowing action and guaranteeing plenty of football for the eager youngsters.
In Match A in the semi final, St Brigid’s ran out easy winners on a score-line of 6-4 to 0-1, with goals from Hugh O’Connor, Kevin McGovern and Daniel Rainey. Match B also saw their teammates secure a comfortable 4-5 to 1-0 win, with Joe Cunnane (2), James Guinness and Vincent Harkin helping themselves to goals apiece.
The final was a more competitive affair and for the first time it seemed as though the aggregate score rule might have to come into play. Team A were taking time to settle and a nervy start saw them four points adrift by the interval, having failed to register a single score themselves. As anxious eyes turned to the other pitch, there was better news as Team B were doing their bit for the cause, leading by seven points at half-time thanks to a hat-trick from Hugh O’Connor. However, with a mere score separating the sides on aggregate, there was still all to play for in the second half.
The half-time briefing seemed to work wonders for Team A, who began to find their form, taking a firm grip of the game with the hard-working Philip O’Sullivan catching the eye in midfield. Their relentless pressure paid off with the deadly Joe Cunnane helping himself a hat-trick without reply. In Match B the trend was much the same with Niall Lundy completely dominant in defence and Daniel Rainey, who was superb throughout, giving a masterful display of fielding and passing. A further two goals from Hugh O’Connor and one each from Daniel Rainey and Kevin McGovern put the icing on the cake as St Brigid’s ran out worthy winners.
Final score:
Match A, St Brigid’s 3-0 Lamh Dhearg 0-5
Match B, St Brigid’s 7-2 Lamh Dhearg 4-0
Aggregate score: St Brigid’s 10-2 Lamh Dhearg 4-5
St Brigid’s squad: K McGovern, J Guinness, P Morgan, T Evans, K McAllister, C Lynch, D Rainey, H O’Connor, E Maguire, V Harkin, P O’Sullivan, P O’Boyle, C Devlin, N Lundy, F McKernan, J Cunnane, D McMenamin, N O’Reilly, P Herity.
Thanks must go to St Paul’s for the excellent organisation of this popular annual competition. The introduction of the Go Games rules was a welcome innovation which can be built on for future years.
Upcoming matches: The Autumn schedule will begin with a rematch against Bredagh at Cherryvale in September – date to be confirmed. Look out for details on club website. www.stbrigidsgac.com
