Despite the convincing scoreline this was a great footballing encounter, when both teams played a tightly fought match on Sunday morning at championship pace. The early start at 11.15 and the loss of James Loughrey and Chris McCann did not auger well for the tourists to the glens. The match began at a frenetic pace and the boys in blue took a little time to trouble the score board. In the sixth minute, after scorning a couple of early chances Joe Brolly had a goal chance saved by the keeper but remained calm enough to knock it over the bar. The teams exchanged points and Glenravel drew level 3 points to 3 points at the end of the first quarter, before Mark Sweeney went on a terrific run cutting through to put Naomh Brid ahead. Newly engaged half back Barry McMahon slotted over from 30 metres to finish off a fine week. A Joe Brolly free left a 2 point gap at the break
St. Brigid’s 0:5 Glenravel 0:3
In the second half St. Brigid’s were playing up the incline and the first ten minutes were fiercely fought and points were exchanged once more until the 14 minute, when the 3 points were converted in the space of two minutes and there was clear blue water between the two teams at last. The last ten minutes saw St. Brigid’s play some excellent football and convert five further points for which they had to work extremely hard for
The man of the match was Richard Smyth who put in a virtuoso display in midfield, closely followed by joint top scorer from play Ryan Brolly who was a constant threat throughout the hour. The panel wish James Loughery a speedy return to full health after a recent period of illness.
Team: John Mackle, Joe McKeever, D O’Hagan,P Finnegan,B McMahon G McGonagle
M Donnelly, J McGuckian, and R Smyth, M Sweeney, D Edwards, D McAuley, B Reilly Joe Brolly, Ryan Brolly
Subs used: C Mullan, C Mooney, C McGrady J Marley and C Mackle
