St Brigid’s claim historic first Antrim Senior Football Championship title
St Brigid’s Belfast made history on Sunday, 18 October, by winning their first Antrim Senior Football Championship title, defeating O’Donovan Rossa 0-21 to 1-16 in an all-Belfast final at Corrigan Park.
The two-point victory capped a remarkable championship run for St Brigid’s, who reached the senior final for the first time. They held their nerve in a tense finish after Rossa threatened to take control during the second half.
Rossa made a fast start, with Stephen Beatty scoring a two-pointer inside the opening two minutes. St Brigid’s responded through Ronan McGrady, who helped keep the sides close as they traded scores.
McGrady and JJ Higgins were central to St Brigid’s first-half scoring, and the Biddies went in at the break with a 0-10 to 0-8 lead.
Rossa fought back after half-time. Diarmaid Rogan’s goal swung momentum and brought the sides level, setting up a tense final quarter. Dominic McEnhill also contributed key scores as Rossa pushed for a first senior title since 1991.
St Brigid’s regained control through scores from Paul Bradley, James Smith and Dara Quinn. Higgins then landed crucial points in the closing stages, while Niall Duffy added a score to help create breathing space. Rossa kept pressing, but St Brigid’s saw out the finish to secure the cup.
Higgins finished with seven points, while McGrady added six. James Smith and Bradley scored two each, with Quinn, Jack Dowling, Duffy and Patrick Finnegan also on the scoresheet.
Rossa’s goal came from Rogan, who finished with 1-0. Beatty, McEnhill, Liam McEnhill, Gerard Walsh, Thomas Morgan and Michael Byrne also contributed to their total.
The result marks a landmark moment for the Belfast club after its first appearance in an Antrim senior football final. St Brigid’s now move on as county champions, while Rossa’s bid to end a 35-year wait for the title fell just short.
External link: Irish Examiner match report
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