Andrews’ artistry inspires Brigid’s
There may still be three games to go but on the evidence of recent displays, favourites Brigid’s look a value bet to preserve their 100% provincial record.
Back in 2003, they won this competition outright after claiming their maiden county title, a feat achieved with star Dubliner Peadar Andrews on board. Yesterday, in their first Leinster campaign since, it was younger brother Paddy who provided all the inspiration from centre-forward.
His finishing was superb and while the crucial goals fell to Ken Kilmurray and Alan Daly, Andrews’ five points were most eye catching.
Along with the midfield dynamism of All-Ireland winning Dublin player Barry Cahill, and ably led by captain and former professional soccer goalkeeper Shane Supple, Brigid’s clearly have the potential to go far.
The sides were level three times up to 0-3 apiece at which point Brigid’s turned on the after-burners, powering away with a 2-3 scoring surge before half-time.
It left nine points between the sides at the interval and all but secured their quarter-final place against Wexford representatives Horeswood on Sunday.
If Brigid’s win that game they’ll have a much needed two week break before the semi-final having played yesterday for the sixth time in seven weekends.
“I think the lads were tired a couple of times out there, chasing down balls,” said St Brigid’s boss Gerry McEntee. “Summerhill came through a couple of times and could have made us pay with goals. But we were unlucky ourselves not to get a couple more goals. In fairness, it’s not hard (playing week after week) because you have momentum. We are doing very little training in between games also because there is very little time for it.”
Summerhill, out of action since the October 16 county final replay defeat of Dunshaughlin, are noted as strong starters and duly set the early tempo with points from Sean Dalton and Adrian Kenny.
But their star quickly faded out as Brigid’s gained a decisive upper hand in that game changing second quarter.
Kilmurray’s goal was the first hammer blow, the wing-forward delighted to see his rasping drive deflect in off defender Davy Dalton.
Their next score was a goal too and put Brigid’s 2-4 to 0-3 clear. This time Andrews turned provided with a hand pass across goal for the onrushing Barry Cahill to fist in.
Andrews wrapped up the first-half scoring with an injury-time point and Brigid’s deservedly led 2-7 to 0-4.
Declan McCabe’s Summerhill required a minor miracle and their half-time prayers were partly answered as they restarted with gusto, dissecting the posts three times for points.
Bobby Lyons, Paul Rispin and Michael Byrne were all on the mark to make it 2-7 to 0-7.
The cheers of local fans in the 2,000 or so strong crowd died quickly in their throats, however, as McEntee’s visitors scored six of the game’s next seven points. Laois player John O’Loughlin set up two points while Philly Ryan impressed with two tidy scores and there was a brace for the classy Andrews also. The previous weekend’s county final hero, Lorcan McCarthy, was sprung from the bench again and scored the final point of the game, leaving McEntee with a quandary as to whether to hand him a start against Horeswood next weekend.
Scorers for St Brigid’s: P Andrews 0-5 (1f); K Kilmurray 1-1; P Ryan 0-4; B Cahill 1-0; Mark Cahill 0-2 (2f); A Daly, K Darcy & L McCarthy 0-1 each.
Scorers for Summerhill: B Ennis 0-4 (4f); S Dalton 0-2; A Kenny, B Lyons, P Rispin, M Byrne (1f) & C Gillespie 0-1 each.
ST BRIGID’S: S Supple; S Murray, G Norton, C Freeman; A Daly, Martin Cahill, G Kane; B Cahill, J O’Loughlin; C Mullins, Mark Cahill, K Kilmurray; P Ryan, K Darcy, P Andrews.
Subs: L McCarthy for Kilmurray 42, O McCann for Mark Cahill 43, C Kilmurray for K Darcy 56, D Plunkett for Daly 58, J Kelly for Norton 59.
SUMMERHILL: T McDonnell; D Dalton, C Young, W Ryan; S Husband, R Hatton, M Gorman; M Byrne, B Ennis; D Larkin, C Gillespie, A Kenny; P Rispin, S Dalton, S Kennedy.
Subs: B Lyons for Kenny 12, Kenny for P Rispin 41, G Rispin for Gorman 45, R Tallon for Husband 50, P Comey for Kennedy 53.
Referee: F Kelly (Longford).
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