Despite the score line this was a marvellous performance by the lads.5 or 6 missed goal chances could have changed the complexion of the game.At one stage St Brigid`s were1-8 to 0-3 down but they kept plugging away.Missing 12 players St Brigid`s had struggled just to field a team. First half saw 3 serious off the ball incidents ignored by the ref that should have resulted in red cards for the St Enda`s players.Despite a bright start by the visitors with points from Stephen O`Brien,Chris Donnelly and Ryan Mackle St Brigids were on the receiving end of some fast inter-change play by St Enda’s. The St Enda’s goal should have killed off St Brigids.
First Half St Enda’s 1-8 St Brigid’s 0-3
St Brigids, with Chris Donnellly having a tremendous match, came out to the second half fighting. Chris was everwhere, helping defence, launching attacks and taking on scoring chances. He had been unlucky in the first half smashing the ball against the ball against the cross bar and missing three point chances. In the second half Chris’s supply of passes lead to well worked points from Stephen O’ Brien ( x2), Daniel Mc Keever, Ryan Mackle, Donal Connelly and finally Chris himself.
However a further St Endas goal killed off St Brigids chance of a comeback. Missed goal chances by C.Connelly (x2), Matthew Kelly and Chris Donnelly on any other day would have been buried in the back of the net.
However for a team missing 12 players on the night this was an immense effort. Every player had a part in this magnificent performance against a full strength St Endas team.
Particular mention of course to man of the match Chris Donelly. He was brilliantly assisted in midfield by David Brennan. Thomas Mc Keogh and Patrick Nolan were key players in defence. Ciaran Mackle was carried off injured after 25 mintues but initail reports from our expensive back up medical staff are good/no fractures. Up front Stephen O’Brien gave his usual high voltage performance. Donal Connelly had moved back into half forward position and particularly in the second half had one of his best performances in a St Brigids shirt.
Daniel Mc Keever and Matthew Kelly caused St Enda’s defenders countless problems. Ciaran Connelly was particularly unlucky with 2 brilliant goal attempts.
Special mention to our new player Chris Mc Kenna playing his first match for the under 16’s. Chris had a brilliant game on the half back line. Our other 2 new recruits Stuart McEvoy and Niall Knox-Blake were on the panel.
For a youngish team playing against a full strength much older team this was a tremendous performance. St Brigids can count themselves unlucky they didn’t achieve a result.
Final Result St Enda’s 2-11 St Brigid’s 0-11
Team C. Mc Loughlin, C. Mackle(S.Murton 25 mins), T. Mc Keogh, P.Nolan, C.Mc Kenna, C.Owens, N.Murray(C.Keenan 30mins), C.Donnelly, D.Brennan, S. O’Brien, D.Connelly, R.Mackle, C.Connelly, D.MCKeever, M.Kelly
Subs not used S. McEvoy, N.Knox-Blake,
Scorers S. O’Brien 0-3, C.Donnelly 0-2, R.Mackle 0-2, D.McKeever 0-2, D.Connelly 0-1, M.Kelly 0-1
Man of the Match Chris Donnelly
