09/11/2021
2021 IFC - HISTORY MAKERS: There was jubilation at the final whistle on Saturday evening last as two late goals clinched back-to-back county Intermediate titles for our club, St Brigid’s Killashee. Our team made a significant piece of Longford GAA history by winning the Hennessy Cup for the second time in the space of a couple of months following our win over Ardagh/Moydow in the delayed 2020 final back in August. On Saturday evening the team staged a dramatic late comeback to beat Ballymahon in the 2021 final on a scoreline of 2-04 to 0-05.
Saturday’s match was a scrappy one for the most part, a battle throughout and it took us well into the last quarter to assert superiority in the game. While some supporters were starting to get a little nervous, the team had other ideas. Their never-give-up attitude paid off in the 55th minute when Chris Dineen started a well worked move to set up attacking defender Johnny Casey to fire home a brilliant goal to put us back on level terms. Moments later, Dylan Farrell fired over the first point from play to put us in front. Ballymahon were now under serious pressure and already down to 14 from a straight red card in the 48th minute. Their title hopes faded when Dylan Farrell struck the killer blow in the 60th minute for the second goal and victory was assured. Hard luck to Ballymahon.
It was a proud moment for the large number of Killashee supporters who watched team captain Michael Farrell lift the Gerry Hennessy Cup for the second time in three months. An enormous amount of credit is due to manager Ray Curley and his selectors Francis Fallon, Tony Dooner and Mick Magan. And to the team for giving it everything and to retain the title and remain unbeaten while doing so. You have all given our parish something to be very proud of. Congratulations to Johnny Casey who received the very well deserved Man of the Match award.
This win was the icing on the cake and a brilliant year for our club with two intermediate championships in the bag and our extensive club development near completion. In the words of one wise supporter this win will shorten the winter in Killashee. The team will now be playing in the senior championship next year after their tremendous achievement in completing back-to-back Intermediate county titles and next up is the Leinster Club Championship first round clash at home to Offaly opponents Clara over the week ending Sunday November 21.
Thank you: Thanks to all our supporters, family and friends who flew the flags and were behind the team all the way. For those abroad, or were unable to make it, sent messages of support, watched the live stream, thank you. The club would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous sponsorship; M&A Couriers, McPartlands/The Richmond Inn, LF Engineering, Owen Johnston, Keepak Group, Johnston's Pharmacy Lanesboro, Peter Hanley Motors and Bord Na Mona.
Last Man Standing: With now under two weeks to go till the start of Our Last Man Standing Competition we really need to put on a big push to get in as many entries as we can to make this a successful fundraiser. Entries can be purchased online via clubforce link here: https://member.clubforce.com/tickets_m.asp?LL_ID=2314 or sign up in McPartlands or with any committee member. Entries cost €10 with a prize of €500 to be won. Games come thick and fast from November 20th to Christmas, so spread the word and get your entries in.
Congratulations: Congratulations to our star goalkeeper Pat Farrell and Emily Cullen on the birth of their baby daughter Grace. Double celebrations for Pat this weekend. Congrats also to Shane and Marie-Therese Leavy on the birth of their baby boy Noah recently. And well done to Mick Magan, a long time stalwart of St. Brigid's and team selector with our Intermediate team who was part of the Longford/Leitrim team who won the Gaelic Masters Challenge Trophy Final last week.
