Anthony Cunningham is hoping the memories of St Brigid’s heartbreaking 2024 All-Ireland club SFC final loss to Glen will drive them to victory in this year’s decider against Dingle.

The 2013 champions are back in another Andy Merrigan Cup showdown after seeing off Scotstown by 1-16 to 1-12 at a freezing Kingspan Breffni yesterday.

“We’re delighted to be back in the final,” enthused the St Brigid’s manager, who wasn’t involved two years ago.

“I think this set of players have something to fight for because they probably could have won a final a couple of years ago. That has been foremost in their minds as well.

“They’re a very intelligent and driven group. They were disappointed last year in the county championship, but they really want to put that (All-Ireland final) right. They were in a winning position, albeit a great Conor Glass goal near the end, so they want to try and put that right.”

Now in his second spell at St Brigid’s manager, the former Galway hurling star was full of praise for his defence after they restricted Scotstown goalkeeper and dead ball specialist Rory Beggan to a single point from an early ’45.

“Rory Beggan is an unbelievable player. I said to him there afterwards that it’s brilliant that he won an Ulster (title) with the club. He’s a great player, somebody for young goalies coming up, you’re pushing them to watch how Rory Beggan plays.”

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