This photo is just one of many memorable images to feature in the ‘History of St Brigid’s GAC’ book that is being launched on Sunday 4th November with a coffee morning in the St Brigid’s Parish Hall throughout the morning and early afternoon (to capture all the post-Mass crowds!). The book will be on sale for £10. For more info, or if you wish to put your name down for a copy (or several!) of the book, please email stbrigidsbelfastpro@gmail.com or message us on Facebook.
In 2007, there was cause for celebration when the U14 boys – managed by Paul Campbell, Donal McCarry, John McKeever and Noel McGuckian – triumphed in the South Antrim championship final against Gort na Móna (on a score of 2-12 to 2-6) to give St Brigid’s its first ‘major’ title at underage level.
Captaining the side was Ben Leonard, and Leonard and Mark Gribben would between them contribute 2-6 to the St Brigid’s cause in the decider. Ronan McGrady and Ronan Mackle were the key playmakers in the forward line whilst the supreme athleticism of John Bailie and Ross Edgar meant that the Biddies were rarely behind the pace on their own ’45. With a strong defensive spine of Rory Winters and Donal Prenter – who was tasked with marking Gort’s star man – and Mark Salters providing a cool head (as well as a penalty save) in goal, St Brigid’s delivered an excellent performance in the final to overcome a Gort side who had been very impressive in the earlier rounds. And so it was that Leonard lifted the Fr Mullan Cup in front of a healthy gathering of supporters at Lámh Dhearg.
Rory Winters delivers a typically bone-crunching tackle; below, manager Paul Campbell offers words of wisdom to his charges at half-time
Ben Leonard lifts the Fr Mullan Cup
