Sean Stinsons the amalgamated side of Ahoghill and Portglenone defeated a very much understrength Malone road side on Easter Tuesday. The home side started with only 13 men as the Easter hols accounted for some very late withdrawals. However, with Peter Mooney, Ronan Mackle and Garrett Cullen looking dangerous the makeshift side were holding their own. Henvey in the corner and Mooney were a threat and Ronan Mackle from frees kept the scoreboard ticking over. The Stinsons full forward and centre half forward were getting plenty of ball and were the scorers in chief for the south west men.
Poor passing and the lack of a dedicated link man meant too many passes were going astray for Naomh Brid. A late goal to the top corner gave stand-in keeper Marcus McGrath no chance.
The half time score of 1:7 to 0:3 meant the hosts had an uphill struggle on thier hands but with Daniel Lavery added to the fray, the target was to win the second half. The Stinsons men started the better but slowly the blues re-asserted themselves, Conal Kelly and Cathal Conway worked hard and set up attacks and after a sweepimg move Peter Mooney hit the rigging with great force. It was nip and tuck there after with Ruairi Mulvenna getting to grips in the full back line, supported in no small part by stand-in corner backs Jack McGrath and Mark Stuart. The home side edged the final 20 minutes and despite being short nine of the team that played aginst Cargin acquitted themselves well. Stinsons, St Johns and Lamh Dhearg are all setting the early pace in the league. However, there are signs that given a strong commitment this St Brigids minor panel can progress on up the league. Special mention to Rory Flanagan and Marcus McGrath who showed true club spirit and helped the club to field, playing with bad backs on a night when so many were missing. Ruairi Mulvenna and Peter Mooney were best on the night.
Training continues on Sunday at Musgrave at 11:30am.
