SAINT BRIGID’s U10’s SINGING IN THE RAIN.
Saint Brigid’s U10 squad created history by becoming the first squad from the Club to win both cups at the prestigious Aldergrove U10 Tournament on Saturday 7th September
By the time the full whistle sounded in the “ULSTER FINAL” the large crowd were already sure which team was going to lift the cup. What a team, what a performance and what a score line. With 3 points for a point and 1 point for a goal, few would have dared to predict such a scoreline.
Saint Brigid’s Belfast 0- 36 Saint James Aldergrove 0-3.
When curtains were pulled back early Saturday morning in South Belfast, U10’s and their parents looked out to what can only be described as a horrible day. Secretly one suspects that many were hoping for a cancellation. By 4pm Saturday all such thoughts were banished with even the sun making a cameo appearance.
Mums and dads beaming with pride, coaches trying hard to control their emotions, and the stars of the show, the U10’s unable to hide or contain their sense of achievement.
As usual our secret reporter was in attendance, and we have asked him to rate each players performance.
James Gorman
Saint Brigid’s management team took the decision not to play a goalkeeper and instead looked for a player who could play the difficult sweeper role. What a choice.
James Gorman was just majestic from start to finish. His kick outs were a revelation and he was responsible for starting attack after attack. James rounded of his day by jointly picking up the cup with Donal Bradley. James is a P6 who will be available to the squad next year.
Peter Mc Fadden
Peter, had another good day at the office. Brave in the tackle, wholehearted and committed, he plays the game with a smile on his face. Peter and his twin brother Ronan created their own little bit of history as both brothers were on teams that lifted different cups on Saturday for Saint Brigid’s.
Brian Mc Gurk
Commanded the centre of defence all day. Brian continues to improve with every game. Some of Brian’s high fielding was a sight to behold. A consistent performer, who came away with top, marks, yet again. Brian was tremendous in the final. Brian is a P6 who is available next year.
Mark Canavan
Mark saved his best performance of the year for this tournament. Very good all-day and exceptional in the final, Mark gave an all round display of Gaelic Football at its brilliant best, and what about that point in the final!!! Well-done Mark.
Pierce Finnegan.
Pierce epitomises the spirit in this team. Pearce has waited much of the year to get his chance, and when the opportunity came he grabbed it with both hands.
Strong, brave and willing to work hard for his team mates, Pearse was a revelation in whatever job he was asked to do. When it comes to man marking, Pearce is our go to man. Had a great game in the final.
Fionntan Cleary
Fionntan is another young player who continues to display an excellent attitude.
Fionntan made some fine catches, and distributed some long-range passes, which split the defence open. Always willing to share the work load. Another young player who continues to improve. Fionntan is a P6 who is available next year.
Oliver Marken
What about Oliver Marken? Oliver has a work rate that nobody can match. Put simply Oliver was a big factor in Saint Brigid’s success. By winning ball after ball and putting in tackle after tackle Oliver set up numerous scores all day long.
Oliver had a big say in the outcome of the final.
Cathal Maguire.
Cathal started slow but as the tournament got to the business end, Cathal really came in to his own. Cathal has it all, he can read the game, field with ease and score with either foot. One score with his left foot was magnificent. Along with Oliver Marken in midfield these two boys really took the game by the scruff of the neck, they owned the midfield area and set Saint Brigid’s on their road to success.
Niall Finegan
Niall Finegan has been improving all year. Niall made a telling contribution on the day. Niall knows how to win the ball, and shows good decision making qualities. Niall can pass the ball or score and always seems to make the correct decision. Again Niall is a young player with a big future ahead of him. Niall is a P6 who is available next year.
Fionntan Mc Garvey
Cometh the hour cometh the man. Early in the competion things were not going right for Fionntan, but he stuck at it. The coaches showed their faith in Fionntan by starting him in the final, and he grabbed his chance with both hands. The three man forward line of Mc Garvey, Mc Nicholl, and Bradley tormented the Saint James backs. Glorious scores from all types of impossible angles was the order of the day. By half time this triumvirate had won the game for Saint Brigid’s. Well done Fionntan
Aodhan Mc Nicholl
Aodhan is the youngest player on the team, although you wouldn’t know it, as he plays like a veteran. Aodhan started the tournament like a steam train and never dropped his pace all through the whole day. He has struck up an uncanny understanding with Bradley and it is now a joy to watch these players, interact on the field. Another player who is comfortable playing football with either foot. Aodhan could be proud of his days work. Few will forget Aodhan’s point against Saint Enda’s which bounced on the cross bar just as the hooter sounded, ensuring that his team was able to progess. Aodhan is another P6 who is available next year.
Donal Bradley.
In Donal Bradley, Saint Brigid’s had yet another leader. Donal rose to the occasion and gave a footballing exhibition, in the final.
For those tasked with keeping the score Donal contributed four points with his left foot, and another four points with his right foot, in the final. Donal’s point taking was of such a high standard that most spectators were unable to tell whether he is right or left footed. Again Donal displayed a hunger to win and a willingness to work for his team-mates. Few in Saint James’s defence will want to see Bradley Mc Nicholl and Mc Garvey in the near future.
Given Donals display he was asked to collect the trophy along with James Gorman.
