In an entertaining match, St Brigid’s, with many players still lost in Donegal, put up a sterling performance against a full strength St Gall’s team. Ultimately the difference between the two teams was St Gall’s star player ‘Gribby’, who called the shots for St Gall’s especially with his first half performance.
However surprise surprise our star player Chris Donnelly was outshone tonight by a magnificent performance from Michael Malone. Michael had been moved up to half forward line and revelled in the position. He capped a brilliant performance with a fine individual solo and a superb strike across the face of the goals into the far corner. Even Eoin Mulligan would have been proud!
Playing in an unfamiliar position Niall Murray deputised in goals and pulled off many great saves. Conal Owens gave one of his best performances for the team, the quality of his kickouts was first class. Thomas McKeogh started off at full back but in the second half took on the man marking job on Gribby, it is noteworthy that St Brigid’s started to come back strongly on St Gall’s with their star player nullified. Ryan Mackle playing in an unfamiliar position at right half back gave an accomplished display, winning many 50:50 balls and starting many St Brigid’s attacks. Added to that a goal line save from Ryan kept St Brigid’s in the hunt. Chris Mooney and Tim McCrudden worked tirelessly in midfield. Backed up by Ben Sinnott who made many crucial interceptions. Donal Connolly was unlucky with a goal attempt that on any other occasion would have went in.
When St Brigid’s were on the back foot three crucial points from Chris Donnelly brought us right back into the game. Daniel McKeever and Ciaran Connolly unfortunately were not provided with any decent passes and the two subs Matthew Kelly and Tommy O’Neill could have similar complaints. Nevertheless this should not take away from an excellent performance from an under strength St Brigid’s team. Ciaran Mackle at right full back gave his usual hundred percent input, it is no wonder he’s on the Antrim panel. Ronan Ward playing his first Since coming back from injury, eased himself back into the fold with a sterling first half performance. Andy McLarnon came on in the second half, again a player who never disappoints and gives full committed effort. Conor McLoughlin played at Centre full forward and when he did get the service gave a full account of himself.
St Brigid’s can take great heart from this performance. Missing at least ten players, all of the players gave a hundred percent. The two goals conceded were unfortunate and badly timed; But for that and if better service had been provided to our full forward line the result could have been entirely different.
Final Score: 1-7 to 2-11
Team: N Murray, C Mackle, T McKeogh, C Owens, R Mackle, B Sinnott, R Ward (A McLarnon 30 mins ), C Mooney, T McCrudden, M Malone, C Donnelly, D Connolly, D McKeever ( M Kelly 30 mins ), C McLoughlin, C Connolly ( T O’Neill 30mins)
Scorers: M Malone 1-1, D Connolly 0-1, C Donnelly 0-3, C Mooney 0-1, T McCrudden 0-1
Man of the match: Michael Malone
