The St Brigid’s U12s younger squad made the perfect start to their season with a thoroughly deserved win at Sarsfields on Friday evening. Despite the absence of a number of players, the Malone boys swept aside a physically stronger Sarsfields team, to win by 12 points in a very entertaining and sporting contest.
This year has seen St Brigid’s enter two U12 football teams for the first time — a mark of the rising level of youth interest in gaelic games in South Belfast — but the post-match joy on the faces of the children, and the fact that over 30 players had turned out for their club, was an early vindication of that decision.
Playing with a wind advantage in the first half, St Brigid’s completely dominated the early play and raced into a 10-point lead with a goal and point from midfield dynamo Kevin McGovern, and well-taken goals from Shane Boyle and Kealan McAllister. A rocked Sarsfields fought back, however, and eventually found the net to thwart the effervescent Dermot McMenamin, who had a storming second half between the sticks. St Brigid’s continued to play quality football, and further points from captain Niall Lundy — who gave a near faultless performance at centre half back — Kevin McGovern and Joe Cunanne cemented a 10-point interval lead.
Half-time: Sarsfields 1-0 St Brigid’s 3-4
The second half saw the expected Sarsfields comeback, aided by a strong wind advantage. While the St Brigid’s defence withstood sustained early pressure, including a couple of wonder saves from McMenamin, the inevitable breach soon arrived, followed by two further scores, to leave just a nail-biting goal between the teams.
But just when the home side sensed a remarkable turnover could be on the cards, St Brigid’s defence once again steadied the ship, with Lundy and the tenacious Alex Lavery in particular breaking up dangerous attacks and setting up effective counter attacks of their own. In their quest for equality, Sarsfields began to tire, leaving gaping holes in defence, which St Brigid’s were to expose. Scores from McAllister and McGovern restored a seven-point advantage, and while Sarsfields replied with a point, McGovern goaled again to put the result beyond doubt. The last word was left to Patrick O’Boyle who raced clear to lift the net and complete a good day’s work at the office.
This was an excellent start to the season by this young team, who to a man played with great heart and skill. On this display there is clear evidence that the Sunday morning training is reaping dividends.
Full-time: Sarsfields 3-2 St Brigid’s 6-5
Man of the Match: Niall Lundy
Squad: K McGovern (vc), J Cunanne, A Lavery, K McAllister, N Mallon, S Boyle, C Devlin, P Herity, N Lundy (c), C Lynch, F McKernan, D McMenamin, E Maguire, R McKernan, D McGrath
Training as usual at YMCA on Sundays at 10:30 am. Note: There will be no training on Easter Sunday. Next match is at home to South Belfast neighbours St Malachy’s on Friday 13 April. Meet at YMCA at 6.00 pm for 6.15 throw-in.
