Naomh Brid U14s made history at a wind-swept Hannahstown on Saturday afternoon, when they lifted the Fr Mullan Cup after defeating the holders Gort Na Mona by six points in a sporting and evenly contested championship final. Significantly, this was the club’s first county title at under age level and will hopefully be the platform for future junior success.
Playing with a wind advantage in the first half Naomh Brid enjoyed plenty of possession, but big match nerves were in evidence early on as some decent scoring chances were spurned. Eventually the Malone Boys’ pressure paid dividends with a fine opening point. However, Gort na Mona were a mixture of delight and relief, when after Naomh Brid had been camped in their half for what seemed an eternity, their star full forward broke free only to see his effort at a point dip wickedly to deceive Salters between the sticks. The breakaway goal was simply that, and Naomh Brid continued to dominate play and pepper the opposition goal. Worryingly, though, some impressive points from play were equally interspersed with simple wides as Naomh Brid struggled to avail of the significant wind advantage and good possession. The departure of the impressive wing half forward Rory Flanagan with a broken wrist and loss of corner back Heaney to leg injury were blows as half time approached with the Turf Lodge club well in contention and looking forward to the elements in their favour on the resumption.
Half time: Naomh Brid 0-8 Gort na Mona 1-1
Substitutes Keenan and Short adapted quickly and well to the pace of the game and normal service was resumed by the boys in blue and amber.
The turning point came mid way through the second period when Gort na Mona were awarded a penalty only for the place kicker to direct his kick straight at Salters, who claimed the ball well and launched an immediate counter attack. Moments later, following a well worked passage of play from defence involving Langan, Cullen, Bailey and Mackle, full forward Gribben dispatched the ball to the Gort’s net, and Naomh Brid led by six. Although Gort Na Mona fought back with a well taken goal from their impressive full forward, the Naomh Brid defence held firm as McGrady, Winters, Prenter and Edgar defended their lines with unwilting determination. With Salters quickly off his line on several occasions to avert the danger and Cullen showing save handling throughout, the Gort na Mona attack waned. With captain Leonard a colossus at midfield, and Bailey on the forty carrying the game to the Gorts at every opportunity, eventually the reward came minutes from time virtue of Gribben, who blasted home his second from close range to seal the deal. Gildea and Keenan continued to threaten at corner forward and kept a regular supply of quality ball flying in at the business end until the final whistle.
Final score Naomh Brid 2-12 Gort Na Mona 2-6
This was an exceptional performance by a mature U-14 side, all of whom paid credit to the determination of Gort na Mona to take the title for the fourth year in a row. Credit was also given to their impressive captain and full forward who carded most of his team’s scores. Congratulations to the entire squad and to their mentors Paul Campbell, John McKeever, Donal McCarry and Noel McGuckian whose preparation work and guidance was instrumental in this success.
Man of the match: J Bailey
Team: M Salters, C Heaney (P Short), D Prenter, M Campbell, R Edgar, .G Cullen, J Langan, B Leonard (capt), R Winters, R Flanagan (M Keenan), R McGrady, J Bailey, R Mackle, M Gribben, J Gildea
Scorers: Gribben 2-2, Bailey 0-2, Mackle 0-3, Leonard 0-4, McGrady 0-1
