Brigid’s amazing run ended as Gaels reach U-21 decider

A record-breaking run which saw St. Brigid's claim eight successive titles (2002-2009) in this grade, come to an end under the Kiltoom lights on Saturday night last when Roscommon Gaels, the vanquished side in the 2009 decider, emerged three-point victors in the second of the U-21 Division 1 FC semi-finals. In spite of the bitterly cold conditions, the Newpark venue (in its usual immaculate condition) hosted a terrific contest between two evenly matched sides which warmed the hearts of the couple of hundred dedicated partisans in a late November setting. The second and fourth quarters of this penultimate confrontation were the periods in which the town team finally came to terms with the South County men's dominance of eight years standing. Liam McNeill's charges outscored the home team 0-5 to 0-1 between the 17th and 30th minutes of play to head for the dressing rooms 0-7 to 0-4 in front of an earlier superior St. Brigid's. A tendency in that opening quarter to go for goals instead of taking points perhaps cost Frankie Donnelly's charges at a time when they were expertly marshalled by centre-forward Eoin Sheehy and enjoyed the lion's share of the play. However, a brilliant goal by senior star Darren Dolan, following good work by Ronan Stack, five minutes into the second half, propelled Brigid's back in front. They still enjoyed a slender lead (1-8 to 0-10) entering the fateful final fifteen minutes of normal time. The score which would finally prove vital to the outcome of this high quality game of football came following a high centre from Scott Oates into the Brigid's danger area which was finished to the net by Gaels wing-forward Mark Gilleran. Three further points from play ensued, with a brace of points being Brigid's only reply, as this late scoring burst from the town side downed the green and red side who, to their credit, never gave up. Indeed, Brigid's hit the post from an injury time goal effort. However, in the end a determined Gaels prevailed by three points and now go ahead to a meeting with Padraig Pearses, who overcame a fancied Strokestown outfit at Dr. Hyde Park earlier in the day. And so a truly remarkable record finally came to an end. Team boss Frankie Donnelly and his fellow selectors have presided over a glorious spell, one that is unlikely to be emulated, at the U-21 grade. Many stars have gone on to grace the senior squad, thereby providing an essential pool of recurring talent, and who undoubtedly do so again into the future. When people looked for a team capable of halting that fabulous winning run, many eyes turned towards the county town in view of their underage successes in recent years. A three-in-a-row of Minor football crowns (2008-9-10) gave evidence of this, with four of their 2010 minor champions starting for the Gaels on Saturday evening - namely Niall Hunt, John McManus, Mark Healy and Cian Connolly. Add to this that ten of last year's under-21 starting final team were again eligible for this year's team, and their strength in depth made them five title contenders. The Gaels had heroes on Saturday evening in defenders Kevin Maher, Padraic Feeney, John McManus and Ronan Gleeson, while Liam McNeela at midfield at midfield produced a towering last quarter. Mark Gilleran produced their match winning goal in the last quarter, while the full-forward trio compiled 0-10 of their match total between them. Scott Oates turned up all over the park to consistently rally his colleagues, while leading scorer Owen Hoare and Cian Connolly were always involved in forward forays. For their part, Brigid's also fielded a fifteen brimful of experience and big match acumen. Eleven of the team that took their eighth successive crown in 2009 lined out in this latest confrontation between the sides, including Darren Dolan and Eoin Sheehy, both of whom scored in Sundays Connacht Club SFC final win over Killererin. Such a galaxy of stars deserve a summer setting for the U-21 competition, rather than the depths of winter, but the likelihood of this is becoming increasingly remote. In Saturday's semi-final, Brigid's had impressive displays from the outstanding Eoin Sheehy - who worked his heart out at both midfield and centre-forward - and Darren Dolan, who displayed an equally high work ethic and whose tremendous goal kept his side in touch. Add to these some superlative defensive displays from goalie Darren Moore, team captain Paddy Blaine, Vivian Clabby, Darragh Sheehy and, in particular, John Murray. Padraig Kelly had spells of ascendancy at midfield, while Leon O'Connor and Ronan Stack were prominent up front. Making light of the bitingly cold conditions, both sides threw themselves into this enthralling contest with abandon. Three pointed frees (Owen Hoare 2 and Eoin Sheehy with one for Brigid's) left Gaels ahead before Sheehy placed midfielder Padraig Kelly for the game's first score from play - a seventh minute point. A foul on Cian McDonnell was punished by Eoin Sheehy's pointed free before successive goal efforts by Adrian Gleeson and Leon O'Connor were both saved by Gaels keeper Dara Walsh. This preceded a dominant eight minute spell of Gaels supremacy which produced four unanswered points. Spurred by Scott Oates who had moved outfield, these points came from Owen Hoare (free), Oates himself, Cian Connolly (who blazed over the bar with a goal on) and Mark Gilleran, thereby putting Gaels three points ahead. Brigid's, who had not scored for 17 minutes, had a great point by attacking wing-back John Murray, but the on-fire Oates replied just on half-time to confirm the town team's lead of 0-7 to 0-4 at the break. With Eoin Sheehy now wearing the number 28 jersey and sited at midfield, the reigning champions made the perfect response when Leon O'Connor pointed from play. This was followed in superb style when Ronan Stack sent Darren Dolan through for a superlative goal, and a one-point lead, five minutes into the second half. There then followed a hugely enjoyable and competitive ten-minute spell of play with both sides trading points on three occasions. Gaels equalised three times per two points by Owen Hoare (one free) and Cian Connolly (free). But each time Brigid's counter-attacked per Eoin Sheehy (brilliant individual effort), Leon O'Connor and Sheehy again (free). With Brigid's still ahead by a point and the game balanced on a knife edge, Gaels struck lethally when Mark Gilleran dispatched that Scott Oates 'Garryowen' to the net. A further trio of points - per sub Enda Lannon, Cian Connolly and John O'Gara - put them in the driving seat and even though Brigid's had points from Adrian Gleeson and Eoin Sheehy (free), the Gaels held on for a landmark win. ROSCOMMON GAELS: Dara Walsh, Kevin Maher, Padraic Feeney, Niall Hunt, Barry Garvan, John McManus, Ronan Gleeson, Liam McNeela, David Kelly, James O'Gara (0-1), Mark Healy, Mark Gilleran (1-1), Cian Connolly (0-3, 1f), Scott Oates (0-2), Owen Hoare (0-5, 4f). Sub: Enda Lannon (0-1) for Kelly (43). ST. BRIGID'S: Donal Moore, Paul Fuery, Paddy Blaine (capt.), Vivian Clabby, Ian Monaghan, Darragh Sheehy, John Murray (0-1), Padraig Kelly (0-1), Darren Dolan (1-0), Eddie Egan, Eoin Sheehy (0-5, 3f), Ronan Stack, Adrian Gleeson (0-1), Leon O'Connor (0-2), Cian McDonnell. Sub: Joey Cunniffe for McDonnell (50). REFEREE: Ollie Kelly (St Faithleach's), who issued two yellow cards (one to each side) during the game.