St. Brigids weathered a nine point deficit after gifting Rossa three goals
St. Brigid’s made the short trip to Shaws Road to take on O’ Donavan Rossa on Saturday last in the final match of the season (we hope subject to play off possibilities). Despite being short of a few regulars St. Brigid’s started well playing up the slope into a breeze and after a masterful steal of a breaking ball by O’Hagan, Mark Sweeney finished raising the white flag. The bright start continued with the ever alert
Ryan Brolly registering a second score. However the first few balls hit into the visitors full back line did not inspire confidence as two attacks registered two scores, initial fears were then confirmed with St. Brigid’s holding a slim 3 points to 2 lead. In a five minute blitz, with the aid of a compliant keeper and three long hoof’s towards the goal, the full back line were ripped to shred’s and Rossa against the run of play had scored three goals with only a single point from play from the Malone Road visitors courtesy of John McGuckian in return.
Two late points from McGuckian and McAuley cut the lead to six points at the break. These were to prove vital as the match went on. With Michael Donnelly replaced by Chris McCann and St. Brigid’s just failing to convert chances to scores, between dropping shots into the keepers hands and taking the wrong option with the final stage of play. The Rossa policy of moving the ball quickly was working for them and indeed they were guilty of a few easy wide’s in the final ten minutes of the first half and were to regret not taking these as the match progressed.
After a period of calm reflection . The half time team talk did the trick because St. Brigid’s dug deep and
With Deaglan O’ Hagan and Dara Edward’s lording midfield , the tide began to turn when the points came
Via Chris McCann (2) Dara Edwards and Joe Brolly. Rossa defended well and mustered a score of their own. Substitute MacSherry knocked over the first of two frees. In a truly absorbing second half St. Brigid’s
Mentors were keeping an eye on the clock, the score board and the match. The match ended the final five minutes level and further scores from a resilient and focussed team meant a three point victory in the end.
Final score St. Brigid’s 0:16 to Rossa 3:4
Team and scorers: S Morrissey, M Donnelly, R Smyth, B McMahon, Greg McGonagle, C Mullan, J McGuckian (3)and Deaglan O’Hagan , D McAuley,(1) D Edward’s M Sweeney(2), Ryan Brolly ,(1)
J Brolly (3) and B Reilly (Captain).
Subs used : Chris McCann (3)Mel Mac Sherry (2 frees)
Subs not used: Joe Marley, Chris Mooney Ryan and Ciaran Mackle Michael Malone
Best for Naomh Brid were Deaglan O’ Hagan , John McGuckian with vital contributions from
Greg McGonagle. Joe Brolly and Chris McCann
