St Brigid’s seconds had their first outing at the new Deramore pitch against Lisburn where Mel MacSherry’s scoring exploits led the way to a sixth victory in eight outings to keep St Brigid’s right in contention at the top of Division 5.
Lisburn recorded the first score of the game after 2 minutes before Mel MacSherry opened the scoring for the home team. From then to the half time whistle Naomh Brid dominated proceedings with MacSherry showing for every ball, winning high catches, breaking balls and receiving good supply from Mark Kelly, Paddy Taylor and Brian Loughran to tag on 5 unanswered points.
Paddy McDonald was lording the middle of the filed with the “returned exile” Conall Mullary. Paddy has got so fast now he can’t stop. Just ask the Lisburn wing half back. Ouch!!
Brian Loughran was having probably his best game in the blue and gold and managed to break his scoring duck with a well taken point. Unfortunately Brian had to retire later when his nose was broke by his opposite number. Let’s call him Duck.
As the game progressed, P McDonald scored a goal and a point for the home team followed by an excellent point from Mark Kelly. Another point from John Gerard Doran left the blues well ahead.
At the back Richard Walsh was making excellent headway and fed numerous balls to Mac Sherry. (Richard when you can’t see Mel look for another blue jersey!)
Paul Brady wanted to keep his team mates on their toes so he passed to Lisburn and watched the forward score their second point.
Ceelan McCrudden came to life at the end of the half with a well taken point and a goal that pretty much sealed the game.
Half Time Naomh Brid 2-10 Lisburn 0-2
The second half saw a number of changes to the Naomh Brid team. Mac Sherry tagged on three more points and John Gerard also recorded another minor. Ceelan McCrudden scored another point as did the big midfielder Mullary.
Barry Gormley marked his return from injury with a well taken point. Gareth Macklin also showed well after a long injury lay off.
Lisburn got a little more into the game and scored four points to show improvement on their first half contribution.
A highlight of the second half was the introduction of Utility Eunan! Not two seconds had passed after Loughran’s nose had cracked, until the former, Eoin Roe’s, Dunamanagh, Dunaheady, Aughabrack (just teasing), Clan NaGael now Naomh Brid in my blood, committee man, referee, coach, county board delegate and player snatched the sub slip from the manager ran to Loughran as if to enquire of his health only to say “it’s broke, you’re off” and so confirm that Conway is back!
Overall another excellent result even though the momentum was broken with the numerous second half changes.
Thanks to the large turnout of players and supporters, particularly our senior players and committee members and indeed John Gerard’s belle. He was on his best behaviour!
Thanks also to Paul Campbell and Dermot Dowling for helping with the pitch and a mention to Kieran Dillon, who asked to be mentioned!
Final Score Naomh Brid 2-17 Lisburn 0-6
N Brid S Morrisey, J McKeever, P Brady, R Walsh, B Sinnott, B Loughran, A McVeigh,P McDonald, C Mullary, JG Doran, M Kelly, O Murphy, K McCrudden, P Taylor, M MacSherry.
Subs Used C McHendry, B Gormley, G Macklin, T Kane, E Conway
Next Game next Wednesday away to Sarsfields. Training Thursday and Tuesday night at Harlequins.
