Brigid's snuff out Clann challenge

This all-South Roscommon SFC semi-final between neighbours and keenest of rivals St Brigid's and Clann na nGael drew a huge crowd to Clann's Johnstown grounds on Sunday evening last in a local derby which certainly captured the imagination of the paying public. Nothing whets the appetite in the deep south of the county than a championship encounter between these proven latter-day giants, but, on this occasion there can be no doubt that the Kiltoom-Cam kingpins were the deserving victors over a Clann squad who just couldn't penetrate a rock solid Brigid's rearguard for the vital second half scores which were so necessary to remain in the race for the Fahey Cup. Following that disappointing two-point reverse to holders Castlerea St. Kevin's in their opening group encounter, Noel O'Brien's charges have recovered strongly to record two successive five-point victories, firstly against Padraig Pearses, and, on Sunday enjoying a like margin over a Dessie Dolan- managed Johnstown outfit. Scarcely had referee Declan Hunt got proceedings under way in the quarter-final when a heavy rain-shower made its unwelcome appearance. An early Clann attack, spearheaded by Matt Scally finished just wide after just 35 seconds, but Brigid's signalled their intent with a quick brace of points (2nd and 4th minute) firstly when Darren Dolan placed Cathal McHugh for a delightful score and secondly when Darren again forced the foul, punished by the impressive Senan Kilbride in a prompt response. Matt Scally was rewarded for his hard-grafting when taking a pass from Ross Naughton to open Clann's account with a fine point, but Brigid's had their third score on eight minutes when Karol Mannion's long delivery bounced in the square and over the bar. The large crowd would not have another flag raised at the Johnstown venue for 15 minutes which coincided with an absolute torrential deluge dwarfing the rain at the start. Conditions became extremely difficult for players and match officials, with play becoming understandably scrappy and fragmented. But Brigid's had two near-goal misses in this barren scoring period - Conor McHugh's shot zoomed across the Clann goalmouth while a left-footed Senan Kilbride effort whizzed across the open Clann goal. Full back Darragh Donnelly was highly impressive at the other end when repulsing a dangerous Clann raid. After the dreadful downpour abated the big Clann following were on song following two brilliant points from talismanic marksman Donal Shine. The first followed a move involving Matt Scally and Donal's brother Mark, and then Mark (a late starting replacement for Ronan Gavin at wing back) again placed the Clann No. 14 for his second point in 3 minutes. Thus, on 26 minutes the sides were level at 0-3 each. But Brigid's then hit Clann with a crucial goal just on half time to establish control of this quarter-final. A harsh free awarded against Matt Scally, back in his own half back line, led midfielder Karol Mannion making the road for a flying point by Senan Kilbride. The clok had wound down to 30 minutes when his brother Ian cleared from the half-back line, onwards to Cathal McHugh who provided the ammunition for his brother Conor to launch a rocket to the corner of the Clann net. Although Clann captain Brian Goode (31st min) stormed upfield from his wing back position to register his team's fourth point, it was Brigid's who went to the dressing rooms 1-4 to 0-4 ahead. Early second half scores were an imperative for Dessie Dolan's men to renew confidence, but it was Brigid's who maintained the offensive on the resumption - a long delivery found Senan Kilbride who pointed within the opening minute. Donal Shine was just narrowly wide from a '45' at the other end. But in what was quickly becoming the Senan Kilbride show, the No. 14 drew another foul which Frankie Dolan duly converted. A brace of pointed frees from Donal Shine (38th and 42nd minute) reduced the deficit to three points, but Brigid's maintained the momentum with a display of defensive power and panache. Inspired by the outstanding Peter Domican in the pivotal position and flanked by Ian Kilbride and Gearoid Cunniffe, the half back line turned in a tour-de-force for the Kiltoom/Cam side. In front of goalie Philip Martin was a rock solid full line comprising of Robbie Kelly, Darragh Donnelly (who did a very effective policing job on Clann danger man Donal Shine) and team skipper Niall Grehan. In an indication of the Brigid's defensive dominance, Clann did not score from play in that second moiety. Karol Mannion, ably augmented by John Tiernan won the midfield battle for the victors, while the return to top form of Senan Kilbride has given the Green and Red further options up front. Impressive substitute Eoin Sheehy was barely on the park when he pointed in style, instantly followed by another slick point from goalscorer and bang-on-form Conor McHugh. His brother Cathal was forced off injured 10 minutes into the second half, replaced by David O'Connor and with the Dolan brothers, Frankie and Darren, also working assiduously in attack, it was indeed difficult to pinpoint a weakness in a Brigid's formation who also have strength-in-depth in their panel. Pointed frees were exchanged late in the match by Donal Shine (Clann) and Senan Kilbride. But with no way through that Brigid's defensive wall, that elusive goal which would have thrown Clann a lifeline, never looked like materialising on this occasion. Clann were very much in contention right up to that Conor McHugh goal on half time, but even then their half forwards had to forge back in defence to win possession. They were also forced to deploy a succession of opponents to curb the rampant Senan Kilbride. Goalie Darren Lennon could do little about the goal that beat him, with Denis Gavin and Brian Goode working hard in defence. Midfield was never a happy area, while their attack depended almost entirely on the closely marked Donal Shine for scores. Scorers: St Brigid's: Senan Kilbride (0-4, 0-2 frees), Conor McHugh (1-1), Cathal McHugh (0-1), Karol Mannion (0-1), Frankie Dolan (0-1 free) and Eoin Sheehy (0-1). Clann na nGael: Donal Shine (0-5, 0-3 frees), Matt Scally (0-1) and Brian Goode (0-1). Teams: St Brigid's: Philip Martin, Robbie Kelly, Darragh Donnelly, Niall Grehan (Capt), Ian Kilbride, Peter Domican, Gearoid Cunniffe, John Tiernan, Karol Mannion, Damien Kellegher, Cathal McHugh, Darren Dolan, Conor McHugh, Senan Kilbride and Frankie Dolan. Subs: David O'Connor for Cathal McHugh (inj 40); Eoin Sheehy for Kellegher (42). Clann na nGael: Darren Lennon, Denis Gavin, Niall McManus, Eugene Pettit, Mark Shine, Cathal Duignan, Brian Goode (Capt), Gary Shine, Cathal Shine, Matt Scally, David Flynn, David Kelly, Ross Naughton, Donal Shine and Jonathan Dunning. Subs: Darragh Lennon for Garry Shine (40); Darragh Shine for McManus (48); Graham Pettit for Mark Shine (53). Referee: Declan Hunt