'He'll be a legend now' - Brooks helps Newbridge dethrone Glen in a stunner

The ‘Bridge were full value for their win after recovering from the setback of two Glen goals to land their 11th senior title and first in 35 years

Sun, 27 Oct, 2024 - 19:49

Michael McMullan Celtic Park

Newbridge 1-12 Glen 2-8

Newbridge ended a 35-year wait to get their hands on John McLaughlin Cup after stripping Glen of their Derry, Ulster and All-Ireland titles.

It was a day full of entertainment with Faughanvale and Ballinderry ending level after extra time, pushing the second game back 30 minutes. The ‘Bridge were full value for their win after recovering from the setback of two Glen goals to land their 11th senior title.

They were three points clear in the closing moments when Ryan Dougan’s goal levelled matters. It looked like the lifeline Glen needed. Extra-time was looming but when Mark Doherty raced inside the Glen cover, Ciaran Brooks was the Newbridge hero with the winning point.

“I’m just ecstatic,” said Newbridge joint manager Kevin Brady. “I dreamt that this would be possible, but at the same time we knew we had a chance.

“Perhaps Glen weren't firing on all cylinders just as they have been the last few years, but sometimes these teams have still a way of grinding out a win even when they're not going well.”

Brady was full of praise for his side who found a way to engineer the winning score after Glen dug themselves back on level terms on the cusp of stoppage time.

“It would have been easy for our boys to fold and for Glen to pip the winner, especially with the breeze and momentum in their favour,” he said. “I don't know how we worked that ball up the field and got the ball to Ciarán Brooks, he'll be a legend now.”

It was sheer ecstasy for Newbridge while it was a disappointing end to Malachy O’Rourke’s tenure as Glen manager.

Newbridge got off the perfect start when Sean Young fired between the posts with their opening attack inside the first minute. The sides were level four times in the first quarter with Ethan Doherty’s attempt appearing to go outside the post.

Emmett Bradley kicked Glen ahead but Mark Doherty passed to Patrick McMullan to level matters after 12 minutes, 0-3 each. The one goal chance in the opening half fell to Conor McGrogan but his half chance was denied by Conor Convery in a crowded penalty area.

A third Oisin Doherty point, followed by one for a Conleth McGrogan – who was picking up Ethan Doherty - opened a two-point lead.

Bradley pulled one back before Odhran McGlone snaked through to kick Newbridge into a 0-7 to 0-5 interval lead.

Doherty hit his fourth point to put Newbridge in control in the third quarter. They kept the ball against the wind and prevented the traditional Glen third-quarter charge.

Jack Doherty made an impact on the game after his introduction and it was points from Danny Tallon and Flangan that chipped Newbridge’s lead down to a point.

Newbridge, playing like a team that belonged on final day, came back into the contention with a second Sean Young point.

Then came Glen’s lifeline. A breakaway ended up with Jody McDermott and Eunan Mulholland making a goal for Conleth McGuckian. A Glass 45 looked like it had pulled Glen back into the game.

Enter Conor McAteer. The Newbridge captain nipped in behind the defence before squaring the ball for Shane McGrogan – their semi-final goal hero – to flick to the net for a 1-9 to 1-8 lead.

Points from McAteer and Mark Doherty looked like sealing the deal until Dougan flicked Glen’s second goal with time up.

Newbridge weren’t to be denied and it was Ciaran Brooks who penned himself into folklore with the winning point to spark scenes of utter joy. It brought down the curtain of four years at the Glen helm for O’Rourke, who reflected on Sunday’s decider.

“They (Newbridge) were up for it on the day and played very well,” he said after filing out of a dejected losing dressing room. “The boys showed brilliant character. I'm so proud of them, even in defeat. They kept going right to the end.

“I thought we had salvaged at the end, but it just wasn't to be. We've had a brilliant time with the club and it’s just disappointing today. Look, that's the way football goes and fair play to Newbridge.”

Scorers for Newbridge: O Doherty 0-4 (3f), S McGrogan 1-0, S Young 0-2, P McMullan, C Brooks, C McAteer, Conleth McGrogan, M Doherty and O McGlone 0-1 each

Scorers for Glen: E Bradley 0-3f, C McGuckian, R Dougan 1-0, T Flanagan 0-2, D Tallon (f) C Glass (45) and E Doherty 0-1 each

NEWBRIDGE: J Gribbin; C Brooks, K Burke, M McGrogan; M Doherty, P McMullan, Conor McGrogan; C Doherty, Conleth McGrogan; S Young, Callum McGrogan, C McAteer; O McGlone, S McGrogan, O Doherty Sub: A McGlone for O McGlone (61)

GLEN: C Bradley; J McDermott, R Dougan, C Carville; T Flanagan, M Warnock, D McDermott; C Glass, E Bradley; C Convery, C Mulholland, E Mulholland; E Doherty; C McGuckian, D Tallon Subs: J McGuckian for C Mulholland (HT), J Doherty for Convery (39), S O’Hara for Tallon (56)

Referee: M McErlane (Ballinderry)