It’s been all too long since a senior trophy was lifted by a St Brigid’s captain. On Saturday 19th July Micky Donnelly had the pleasure of raising the Senior Reserve Shield after beating Ballymena in Ahoghill.
Both teams had players injured or on holiday, with it being played during the traditional July holiday period. None the less it was a game in which both teams produced some good football, on a perfect evening weather wise.
The final result of 3-11 St Brigid’s to 0-8 All Saints, belies the fact that the game was in fact a close battle.
Ballymena got off to a good start however their first couple of chances ended without score. The first score however was a great goal from Ciaran Malone after linked play the length of the field. Balllymena hit a point before Joe Begley converted a 30m free. The next two scores were from Ballymena, however a surging run from Peter Lundy saw his shot spilt the uprights.
Ballymena again had a period of good play but couldn’t convert the play into scores with 5 attempts going wide. Chris Mc Cann who along with his other full-forwards where creating havoc in the Ballymena line, took a fine point. Ballymena replied in kind. The scores stood at 1-3 St Brigids 0-4 Ballymena with 5 minutes to go before it became the Brendan Mc Donald show.
Brendan crashed the ball to the net and the kick our resulted in a free to St Brigid’s , calmly scored by Joe Begley. Dee Brennan pushed through to get his name on the scoring list before Brendan stuck goal again. Ballymena just didn’t know what happened in that 5 minute spell before the break.
Half time St Brigid’s 3-5 Ballymena 0-4
The second half was a war of attrition as Ballymena threw everything into the game to try and get their hands on the trophy. At the interval the St Brigid’s players were advised that they only had one hand on the shield and needed another big performance in the second half. That performance many came from a resolute defence and mid-field which with Ballymena forced to kick from distance.
Both teams traded 4 points each during the first 20 minutes. St Brigid’s coming from Joe Begley (45) , Chris Mc Cann, Ciaran Malone and Colm Moane.
Peter Lundy and Ciaran Malone added a further point to their tally in the final minutes to see St Brigid’s run out worthy winners.
Final score St Brigid’s 3-11 Ballymena 0-8.
On collecting the shield Micky Donnelly dedicated the win to long standing club man and friend to all players the late John Cahill.
The mood is now set for the club to look forward to the Intermediate Championship.
