Antrim Hurling League – Division 3
Naomh Bríd 3-22 Gort na Móna 4-15
St Brigid’s made history with back-to-back wins in Division 3 for the first time, coming out on top after a thrilling contest with Gort na Móna.
Early scores from Toirealach Brolly, James Kelly and Oisín McDonnell got the Biddies off to a strong start, but Gort na Móna responded through Patrick McCaffrey, whose well-taken goal helped the Turf Lodge men edge ahead in a frantic opening spell.
Naomh Bríd battled superbly in the first half. McDonnell forced a turnover before feeding David Prenter, with the ball eventually breaking to full-forward Conor Leonard, who made no mistake as he drilled a low finish into the bottom corner for his first goal of the afternoon. Brolly then added another excellent point from distance to keep the South Belfast side moving.
Gort na Móna hit back through Darren Boyd, who landed three points in succession, but James Kelly’s accuracy from placed balls ensured St Brigid’s stayed in touch. Just before the break, captain Phelim Lennon launched a dangerous ball into the forward line, where Leonard showed great instinct to gather, follow his own touch and unleash a brilliant strike into the bottom corner.
Half-time: Naomh Bríd 2-13 Gort na Móna 3-07
Gort na Móna began the second half strongly, with the McCaffrey brothers again proving influential. However, their momentum was halted when the Gorts were reduced to 14 men following a second yellow card.
St Brigid’s lifted the tempo. Dara Sidebottom picked out McDonnell with a diagonal ball, and he pointed from close range, before Jake Massingham produced a brilliant 80-metre solo run to set up the ever-reliable James Kelly for another score.
Gort na Móna refused to go away, with Thomas McCaffrey finding Patrick McCaffrey, who pointed from close range to leave the sides level with five minutes remaining. McDonnell was then dragged down just outside the penalty area, and Kelly held his nerve to convert the resulting free and edge the South Belfast side ahead.
Gort were then reduced to 13 men after a second player received a red card and with time almost up, David Prenter’s handpass found Leonard, who looked set to complete his hat-trick, only for John Carlin to arrive at the perfect moment and tap home the decisive goal.
It was a superb team performance and a historic day for Naomh Bríd, who secured their second Division 3 win in a row for the first time.
