On Sunday last in Robinstown we defeated Delvin in the final of the fe 12 B hurling championship on a scoreline of 6-2 to 4-0. The game was a trilling encounter that had the large attendance enthralled up until the final whistle. With five minutes to go in the game Delvin were winning by one point but in those five minutes St. Brigids scored three goals to put the issue beyond doubt. This was a game that could have gone either way depending on who got the breaks and fortunately for us on this occasion they came our way. But breaks have to be earned and when our backs were to the wall with only a few minutes remaining we dug deep and found that extra gear that enabled us to get the vital scores. As most finals go the game was full of commitment and endeavor and plenty of skill on both sides. It is disappointing on the side that has to loose a final but Delvin won the similar decider last year and I am sure will not begrudge us this victory.

In goals Stephen Quinn could not be faulted for any the goals that were conceded and under pressure guided the ball to safety on a number of occasions when danger threatened. The full back line of Ronan Flanagan, Damien Moran and Billy Maher were rock solid throughout and capably dealt with anything that came their way. The half back line of Kevin Loughrey, Darragh Coyne and Sean Deegan kept things simple, playing ground hurling and pressing forward at every opportunity. At centrefield the elegant duo of Francis Nally and Aiden Fallon hurled with style for the duration ensuring that there was a plentiful supply of ball to the forward line. In the half forwards Daniel Crombie , Cathal Coyne and Kevin Morgan never stopped trying particularly in the last few minutes when we urgently needed scores with Kevin contributing a goal. Our full forward line of Jason Feery, Christopher Coyne and Conor Slevin contributed the bulk of our scores with Christopher scoring an impressive 4 – 1 and Conor scoring a delightful point early on. Jason carried an injury into the game and had to be replaced at half time and his replacement Brendan Keegan marked his return from injury with a very important contribution of 1 –0.

We must not forget the rest of the panel some of whom played during the league and some who got no game at all but were happy to be part of the panel knowing their turn will come next year and subsequent years. They are as follows, Niall Brady, Eoin Gorman, Ben Gavin, Ciaran Daly, Aiden Wright, David Gaye, Shane Newman, Enda McCabe, Stephen Nally, Barry and Fergus Murtagh, Aaron Byrne, Solemon Rice, Jamie Gonoud.

After the game the victory we celebrated with a mini party in the dressing room. Later that evening the victorious team were driven in cavalcade from Dalystown to Rochfortbridge to Tyrrellspass and back to Wallaces Dalystown where more refreshments were served and we watched the video bringing to conclusion what was a very enjoyable day.

This victory was the culmination of a fantastic years hurling that was as enjoyable for the team manager Nollaig McEntegart, selectors Michael Flanangan and Marius Gavin and all our helpers and supporters as it was for the panel of almost thirty players.

On behalf of the club we would like to thank the panel for their commitment and behavior during the year. We would also like to thank the trainer Nollaig McEntegart, the selectors, the advisers, the consultants, the physios and every one that lent a hand during the year. We wish in particular to thank all the parents who made their cars available week in week out ensuring that everyone who wished to travel got there and home safely. Finally we wish to express our gratitude to the St. Marys Club Rochfortbridge for putting their excellent facilities at our disposal for training and matches.

Note : Anyone wishing to purchase a copy of the match video should contact Nollaig McEntegart.

On Saturday last in Rochfortbridge we qualified for the semi final of the Fe21 championship by virtue of a 2 – 11 to 1-7 win over Turin. This was a most entertaining game played in ideal conditions before a enthusiastic attendance. This is a panel with excellent potential provide they are prepared to put in the effort required to win a county championship. The team and fir ionad used was as follows David Glennon, Adrian Gallagher, Damien Gallagher, Seamus Faulkner, Philip Sheridan, Michael Geraghty, Paul Brady, Dennis Glennon, Dermot Faulkner, Thomas Geraghty, Gordon Gonoud, Jonathan Sheridan, Adrian Eighan, Larry Poynton and Robbie Kenny.

On Saturday night 26^th October the club are holding a fund raising function in Dalys Lounge Rochfortbridge. We would encourage all our players, members and friends to support this event.