Any thoughts that Naomh Brid’s midweek win over Moneyglass had banished the demons from their previous run of four straight defeats were promptly dispelled by a pithless display against Lamh Dhearg at Musgrave on Sunday. While the impressive Red Hands were full value for their nine point win, the southsiders have considerable soul searching to do as the championship looms into sight.
Once more Naomh Brid’s shortcomings in the crucial middle third were exposed, this time by the strong central spine of the Herrons, Murrays and ace marksman Cunningham who collectively laid the platform for a resounding victory, enjoyed by their small but raucous support. Brendan Herron in particular seemed to have the freedom of the park, fielding impressively and spraying passes at will. The visitors enjoyed an early slice of luck with the sides level on a point apiece on seven minutes when the bounce of the ball was misjudged in the full back line, leaving McSorley with no chance from a low close range finish.
Lamh Dhearg to their credit used their aerial dominance in the centre to good effect, quickly transferring the ball efficiently and accurately into their lively forward line whose movement and ability to take scores from distance and angles was impressive. By contrast Naomh Brid’s play was stilted with too many players carrying the ball into tackles, and inevitable trouble, when the direct option into the danger zone seemed sensible. Against a steady stream of points, Naomh Brid responded with scores from Loughrey, Ward (2), O’Neill and a McGrady free to leave five between the sides at the interval.
Half time: Naomh Brid 0-5 Lamh Dhearg 1-7
Nothing from a rather heated half-time talk would spark a revival in the home performance as Lamh Dhearg cemented their lead with two more insurance points within a minute of the restart. The mood music was negative and token scores from Sweeney and Cormac McGrady were swamped by double points from Cunningham and the lively Conor Murray. Perfunctory changes on the bench were just that, as the match outcome had long since been decided. On this performance Lamh Dhearg’s chances against the winners of Cargin and Rasharkin in the championship should not be discounted. As for Naomh Brid’s odds against St John’s right now? Rather long. Please prove me wrong.
Team: W McSorley, B McMahon, R Smyth, R Daly, K Gallagher, D O’Hagan, P Lindy, M Sweeney, Malone, R McGrady, F Sherry, J Loughrey, M Ward, R O’Neill, C McGrady
Man of the match: B Herron (Lamh Dhearg)
