Patrick Sarsfields Under 12 Gaelic Footballers caused a major shock on Sunday by defeating St Brigids to win the O'Donnell Cup in an absorbing match which both sides deserve great credit for.  St Brigids had won every match in Division One this year whilst the Paddies had won Division Two despite struggling to field at the start of the season.

The game was played at McCrory Park in bright sunshine before a huge crowd.  The Paddies started the sharper with Joe McNally and Caoimhin Kennedy dominating midfield.  However despite all this possession they only had two points from Caolan McDonnell and another from McNally to show for their efforts.  St Brigids then took over and played some lovely football tearing up and down the Paddies flanks and they scored three unanswered points.  Kennedy then scored a great long range point and efforts from Conor Clarke and Conor O'Hara just went wide.  St Brigids finished the half stronger and scored two points to leave the score.
Sarsfields 0.4 v 0.5 St Brigids. 

The Paddies were playing uphill in the second half and knew that it would be a tougher ask off them.  However two quick points from Caolan McDonnell following great approach play from Paul Gorman and Coilin Oppong saw Sarsfields lead by one.  For the next ten minutes St Brigids hit the Paddies with everything but Rian McShane at full back, corner backs Nathan Altimas and Daniel Smyth, half backs Kennedy, Oppong and Eamonn O'Cuinneagain and goal keeper Michael Ferris restricted the South Belfast side to a single point with tackling, blocking and saves that County players would be proud off.  Thomas Morgan and Conall Jemfrey came on to replace tired bodies in the Paddies side and they held the ball up to relieve the pressure and bring the game to extra time. 
Score at full time Sarsfields 0.6 v 0.6. St Brigids

Despite having given everything in normal time, both sides now faced into extra time and in such a low scoring match, a goal would be crucial. 
Whatever Sarsfields coach Michael Gerard Doherty said to his side before extra time, must have been inspirational because they came charging out of the blocks and totally dominated the first period of extra-time.

It was fitting that the Sarsfields goal came from team captain Coilin Oppong who beat three players before shooting a rocket to the back of the net from thirty yards.  Patrick McShane and Sean Clarke came on in the second period of extra time to shore up the Paddies rearguard as St Brigids came in search of an equaliser.  However Ferris, McShane, Altimas, O'Cuinneagain, McNally and Kennedy held firm and following a free from Smyth, Mullan put over the insurance point.  In the final few minutes Daniel Mullan scored two goals as the South Belfast side tired.  The final score of Sarsfields 3.7 v 0.6 St Brigids doesn't reflect what was a very even contest that could have went either way.

In the end it was the sheer guts, hearts and determination of this young Sarsfields side that saw them emerge as winners against a very gallant St Brigids side.
Players on both sides deserve a lot of credit for the sporting manner in which the game was played.  The referee also deserves credit for letting the game flow and thanks to O'Donnells for their hosting of the Final in a very professional manner.

Sarsfields panel: M. Ferris, N.Altimas, R. McShane, D. Smyth, C. Oppong,
E O'Cuinneagain, J. McNally, C.Kennedy, C. McDonnell, P. Gorman, C. O'Hara,
D. Mullan, C. Clarke, T. Morgan, C. Jemfrey, O. McGuinness, P. McShane,
B. Mervyn, S.Clarke, O. Coleman

Tweet

Most Read Stories