St Brigid’s U12 footballers booked a place in the final of the O’Donnell Cup, overcoming a strong Gort Na Mona team at Enwright Park on Friday 19 June.
St Brigid’s started well with points from Peter Webb, Shane Moran and James Smith, however, Gort Na Mona were always dangerous, especially with long balls from deep into their forwards. One such move looked goal bound but the St Brigid’s keeper Dermot McMenamin somehow managed to push the resulting shot onto the bar, for Gavin Campbell to then complete the clearance with his customary efficiency and coolness. This close shave spurred on St Brigid’s and Peter Webb added a further point to the tally. Neil O’Reilly then added the first of his two excellent goals after good work by the tireless Joseph Finnegan who got forward at every opportunity from his centre half back berth. This was complemented by a fine long range point from Conor King.
Gort Na Mona had many good attacks but Patrick Finnegan and Rory Smyth thwarted their markers and repeatedly turned defence into attack for St Brigid’s. However, Dermot McMenamin in nets for St Brigid’s still needed to make a couple of fine saves. From one such save, Dermot started the move of the game. He found Joseph Finnegan with a quick kick out who then moved the ball on quickly to James Smith in midfield, who likewise wasted no time in finding Peter Webb who had made an intelligent forward run. Peter then placed an unstoppable shot to the corner of the net. This was a great sweeping team move.
In the second half, Gort Na Mona started strongly and scored a deserved goal. However, St Brigid’s immediately responded with a great goal from James Smith after another fine example of quick interchange play by Patrick Finnegan and Peter Webb. A knock to Joseph Finnegan, saw the introduction of Frank McCormack who was immediately called into action to break up further dangerous attacks by Gort Na Mona.
Enda Kelly McCann had a goal bound shot well saved by the Gort Na Mona keeper, and Gort Na Mona then pulled another goal back. However, the introduction of Michael Cummings at midfield for the injured Conor King had an immediate impact. A trademark through pass from Michael set up Neil O’Reilly for his second goal of the game, which he finished with some aplomb. This was the final score of the match and capped a great team performance.
Final score: St Brigid’s 4-7, Gort Na Mona 2-1
Strength in depth has been the key to the success of the St Brigid’s U12s this year. In a third 20 minute period ‘friendly’ match, St Brigid’s and Gort Na Mona each fielded entire new teams. In the period, St Brigid’s scored 4 points to 1 point by Gort Na Mona. The St Brigid’s scorers were Peter Lavery(2), Rory McAllister and Paul McCullagh. Dara McGarvey also hit the post after a fine solo run and shot from a narrow angle. This was another strong team performance, built on quick passing and strong support play.
