On a stunning summer’s evening in Ashbourne, the ever-growing St. Brigid’s “Dads and Lads” squad made the journey for a highly anticipated challenge match against a well-drilled Donaghmore/Ashbourne side yesterday evening.
The setting was perfect – clear skies, a pristine pitch, and two teams ready to hurl with heart, grit, and a bit of guile.From the off, the match was fiercely competitive, with both sides trading scores, hooks, and blocks in a true display of skill and determination. St. Brigid’s, bolstered by a massive squad, showcased depth, talent, and a real sense of togetherness.With all the lads getting a good run out there was some excellent hurling displays on show.
Andy Kavanagh was buzzing around like a bee finding the space and linking up the play, Decy Powell pulled off a couple of jaw-dropping saves in goal with excellent distribution, while Jarlath held his positioning with a mix of power and calm control.John Dillon showed his class with pinpoint accuracy and clever distribution. Adarsh impressed with his pace and sharp stickwork, giving defenders a tough time. Sean Boylan showed quick thinking and anticipation, constantly breaking up Ashbourne attacks.
Paddy Whelan and Ian Collins brought leadership and clever use of the ball, linking defence to attack fluidly.The energy from Thomas Walsh and Lee Purcell kept Brigid’s on the front foot throughout the game, while Maurice Dunne displayed composure under pressure, always finding the right pass. David Condron was a commanding presence, especially in contested puck-outs, while Philip Coyne added flair with some eye-catching first touches and strikes.The engine of the team, Brian Mulcahy never stopped running, setting the tone with relentless tackling and support play.
Alan McGlanaghy and Ciaran O'Reilly offered cool heads in the heat of battle, showing real vision in open play. Hugh McMahon and Brendan Hall rounded off a fantastic squad performance, each producing moments of skill and determination that lifted the whole team.
As the final whistle blew, it was clear this was more than just a match – it was a marker of how far this St. Brigid’s team has come. Every player contributed, and the team as a whole is becoming more tuned and cohesive with each outing. The camaraderie and competitive edge on show were second to none.With more challenge matches lined up, St. Brigid’s are only going from strength to strength.
The spirit of the Dads and Lads initiative is alive and thriving – and if this performance is anything to go by, there’s a lot more to come.
