Tuesday 20th May 2008 was an important evening in the continued development of St Brigid’s Club, due to the fact that this was the first competitive match played by the minors at Deramore Park.
Division 1 contenders, Gort Na Mona, had also set their sights on winning the Antrim Minor Championship. However St Brigid’s, Division 2 contenders, were determined to give a good account of themselves.
In perfect conditions it was Gort Na Mona who settled early and scored the first point from open play, followed quickly by another point from a free kick. With 10 minutes gone, Turlough Convery, in goals for St Brigid’s, pulled off a significant save which seemed to encourage the home team.
Cormac McGrady opened the scoring for St Brigid’s with a point from a free, only to see Gort Na Mona immediately respond with another fine point from open play. By this stage clearly the visitors were not going to roll over the home team, after Mc Grady scored another point from play.
Once again Convery pulled off a fine save as Gort began to hit a period of dominance and added a further point just before half time, leaving the score line St Brigid’s 0-2 Gort Na Mona 0-4.
Neither team made any changes at half-time.
St Brigid’s won the throw in and although playing into a stiffening breeze went on the offensive, being rewarded when full forward Paddy Nolan slotted over a point. Gort responded with two points one from a free to open the gap to three points.
With a good passage of play from defence a traditional route one ball found Paddy Nolan on the edge of the square. A save from the keeper however was not enough to keep the ball out of the net, as Nolan finished well.
The game was level after 10 minutes of the second half and both teams were producing a fantastic display of commitment to try to win this championship tie.
For the first time St Brigid’s were in front after a well earned point from corner forward Michael Laverty, but not for long as Gort slotted over another point. St Brigid’s defence were getting men behind the ball and putting up a tremendous resistance which inspired the midfield partnership of Mick Malone and Ciaran Mackle to further lift their performance.
Another surging attack by St Brigid’s resulted in a fine goal being taken by Michael Laverty, which seemed to temporarily stun Gort Na Mona. With young Ben Leonard, under14 captain last year, switching to centre half forward, it meant that McGrady was given greater opportunity to move around the midfield/half forward lines.
Immediately McGrady picked up the ball and after beating two players confidently slotted the ball over the bar. Four point difference and Gort Na Mona made both substitutions and positional changes with their minor county star being moved to full forward. High ball rained in on the St Brigid’s defence but with great leadership being shown by Ben Sinnott and Mathew Kelly operating at half back, the young full back line of Gerry Bogue, Daniel Nolan and Conor Mc Granaghan stood up to all that came.
The final quarter of the match saw Gort narrow the gap with a well taken free. With the game hanging in the balance it was St Brigid’s who showed greater belief in their ability to win. Operating from left half back Chris Mooney went on the overlap to pick up a pass and scored a fantastic point from virtually the side line from the 40 line.
Further points were added to the tally by Jack Dowling and Cormac Mc Grady. In the final moments Gort Na Mona were awarded a penalty however the kick was marginally high and resulted in a point.
This was the final score in a strongly competitive but very well disciplined game which ended St Brigid’s 2-8 Gort Na Mona 0-9.
With players being unavailable due to exam commitments the team was supported by seven under 16’s, four of who had been playing under 14 last year.
St Brigid’s: Turlough Convery, Gerry Bogue, Daniel Nolan, Conor McGranaghan, Mathew Kelly, Ben Sinnott, Chris Mooney, Mike Malone, Ciaran Mackle, Ryan Mackle, Cormac Mc Grady, Ben Leonard, Michael Laverty, Paddy Nolan and Jack Dowling. Subs Ronan Ward, Luke Mc Cann, Andrew Sweeney, Michael Webb, Ronan Mackle and Ronan Mc Grady
