Brigids do the double

The Under 16 St Brigid’s girls football team finished the season in style on the 14th of December when they added the Division 1 league title to the championship which they won November 23rd .
The play-off arose when both Brigid’s and Scoil Ui Chonaill finished the league equal on ten points apiece. The exciting nature of this league is obvious with numerous high-scoring close matches recorded in the league table. In the head to head encounter Scoil had prevailed by five points but Scoil had been beaten by a point in their match with Na Fianna.
The 9th of December was the date agreed for the play-off. Under lights in Russell Park the teams contested strongly with the outcome a draw, 2-12 to 4-6. The lead changed several times with a thrilling finish as Scoil scored a goal and a point in injury time to finish at level score.
The replay took place on Sunday December 14th in Clontarf and was a great spectacle. Conditions underfoot were very heavy and the weather was raw, very cold, but dry.
Both teams wanted to bring the title to their own club and the match was skilfully contested and competitive throughout.
Scoil scored the first point, by the break the scores stood at 0-1 for Scoil with the Brigid’s score 1-4. The second half started with a point for Brigid’s, a few minutes later Scoil Ui Chonaill scored two goals in succession leaving just two points between the sides. The level of excitement on the sideline was obvious as parents friends and mentors enjoyed a thrilling encounter. Brigid’s teamwork foiled several more attacks on goal, and the perseverance of the visitors was rewarded by a second goal some minutes later. The final score was 2-9 to 2-5 in favour of Brigid’s. For both clubs all players contributed to the team effort and although it is difficult to single out players Emer Cassidy, Siobhán Killeen and Laura Chambers had great games for Scoil, while Aisling King, Olivia Smartt and Róisín Kane shone for Brigid’s.
Undoubtedly these teams will enjoy more encounters in 2009, in the meantime the boots and jerseys are in storage for a few short weeks until the new season.