‘They really want to put that right': Cunningham on Brigid’s final heartbreak

Time now to do something with the hurt they carry.

Conor Hand of St Brigid's celebrates at the final whistle. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

No getting away from it. As soon as St Brigid’s had secured their spot in the All-Ireland final, they were referencing the last one. They have lived with that hurt for two years. 

Time now to do something with it.

Two years ago, St Brigid’s lost out to Glen by a single point in Croke Park. On Sunday, they downed Ulster champions Scotstown to reach the same stage once more. In his post-match press conference, Anthony Cunningham’s first answer referenced that 2024 day.

“I thought we played well in a lot of parts and a lot of improvement in other parts, to be honest,” he said. “We are delighted to be back in the final. 

"This set of players have something to fight for because they probably could have won a final a few years ago, that has been in the foremost in their minds as well.” 

Cunningham, who previously managed the Galway hurlers and Roscommon footballers, was particularly delighted with their defensive effort. Several players produced vital interventions.

“Some of the blocks were outstanding, I suppose we hadn’t seen that as much. We obviously saw it in training and were very happy with them but it was a tremendous defensive display. 

"Also by our forwards who worked back, this is the way the game has gone. You have to be able to play as an attacker now, comfortable on the ball and defensively, because you are effectively playing with 12 defenders.” 

A chief part of that was how they shut down Rory Beggan. 

The Monaghan star kicked 11 points in the Ulster final but only landed one 45 in Kingspan Breffni. St Brigid’s were impressively disciplined around the arc, conceding no two-point frees.

“Rory Beggan is an unbelievable player. I said to him there, it is brilliant that he won an Ulster this year. He is someone for young goalkeepers coming, you are pushing them to watch how Rory Beggan plays. Also his general play. 

"Look, we would be happy enough. But I just thought halfway through the second half, we let them in quite easy and only for a couple of great blocks, they would have got a goal.” 

Given their journey up north on Sunday, Cunningham was not in Cork on Saturday night to watch Dingle overcome Ballyboden St Endas after extra-time.

“It was a tremendous performance. The Geaneys in the second half were outstanding. What a display. Probably everyone thought it would be the other way around at half-time, but they were brilliant.” 

He knows how much of a challenge they will prove to be on January 18. He also knows how determined his side are. That last All-Ireland final defeat has always lingered, even when they failed to get out of the Roscommon championship in 2024.

“They are a really intelligent and driven group. That (All-Ireland final) would be there, we were disappointed lost year losing the county championship. But they really want to put that right.”