St Paul’s star of the show was their six-foot tall midfielder, who gave a man of the match performance on Thursday night. Dominating midfield he prompted all forward play by St Paul’s. St Brigid’s missing McCrudden, Mooney, McKeogh, Quigg to injuries and exams had to reorganise quickly. The first half was dominated by St Paul’s who raced to a seven point lead before St Brigid’s got on the score-sheet. St Paul’s had four players who were also on their minor panel and they were playing some very skilful football. Fair-due to St Brigid’s to keep plugging away and never give up the fight. (as one player stated, “We’re only lulling them into a false sense of security for the championship match.”)
The first half saw many of St Brigid’s attacks breaking down whereas the opposition were more clinical on their score-taking, especially from long range. Over-worked players for St Brigid’s in the first half were Patrick Nolan (kick-outs superb), Matthew Edgar (solid defending) Luke McGread (tireless tracking back every time) Michael Malone (unenviable task of marking the St Paul’s star man).
Ryan Mackle, Matthew Kelly and Donal Connolly were having to fight a scrap for every ball that made it’s way to the forward line. Donnelly was badly winded in the first half but nothing stops our Chris.
The Second half performance was much better from St Brigid’s. In fact there were two clear missed goal chances which together with six or seven wides could have put a different complexion on the result.
Niall Murray and Conor Keenan on as subs tightened up things in the defence, and Matthew Edgar was given a man-marking job (though it didn’t stop him scoring a point at the end- welcome to the scoring charts ). Patrick Bogue, still recovering from injury came on for the last 20 minutes. From two of his direct-diagonal balls from defence, Stevie O’Brien scored a goal and a point came from Ciaran Connolly. Matthew Edgar’s point at the end was the last score of the game.
Missing both our goalies, Quigg and McLoughlin, Stephen Murton stepped-in at short notice and gave a brilliant performance. McAleer and Brennan as usual gave selfless tireless performances (Both can now sprint 100 yards in less than 5 minutes.)
The game was played in a very sporting manner, St Brigid’s perhaps can count themselves unlucky that their score-line does not reflect their input into the game.
Man of the Match has to go to Matthew Edgar for not only in relation to his defensive display and his willingness at half time to swap and take-on one of the St Paul’s dangermen, but also fancying himself as a corner forward and scoring a superb point. Well done to Matthew and the team.
Final Score: 1-4 St Brigid’s – 2-10 St Paul’s
Team: S Murton, C Mackle (P Bogue 40mins), M Edgar, P Nolan, B Sinnott (C Keenan 30mins), L McGread, R Kervick (N Murray 30mins), M Malone, D Brennan, S McAleer, C Donnelly, S O’Brien, M Kelly ( D McKeever 45mins), D Connolly, R Mackle (C Connolly 35mins)
Subs not used: Rory O’Reilly
Man of the Match: Matthew Edgar
