Sunday’s Leinster clash between neighbouring teams Carlow’s Naomh Brid and Kilkenny’s Erin’s Own provided an exciting spectacle for all in Nowlan Park. The game looked to be in Naomh Brid’s grasp, however, with late vital scores and conceding frees it wasn’t to be their day.
Naomh Brid were first on the score sheet when captain Brendan Lawlor scored two points in the space of six minutes giving his side a good start. It was 8 minutes on the clock before ‘Comer registered. This point came from a Ronan Ryan free. However ‘ Comer meant business when Jimmy Byrne raced through Naomh Brid’s defence and scored an excellent goal. Naomh Brid to their credit rallied, and an excellent Patrick Hickey point followed up by a Brendan Lawlor long-range free, and a James Kane point kept them in contention. David Buggy added one more for ‘Comer before Naomh Brid’s moment came. On the 28th minute Johnny Kavanagh delivered a savvy pass to Patrick Hickey who blasted home an unstoppable shot giving the Leighlingbridge men the lead. ‘Comer had a goal chance a minute later but that was well cleared by James Kehoe in goal. However, Naomh Brid dropped their guard and on the stroke of half time, Damien Fogarty scored a fluke goal giving his side the lead at the break.
Seconds into the restart, Brendan Lawlor scored a savage goal putting the Leighlingbridge men in front. From here on the game upped its tempo and the sides were level on many occasions. Jimmy Byrne and Martin Boran kept ‘Comer in touch while Brendan Lawlor helped Brid’s tally. Erin’s Own registered a number of wides and this will need to be improved on for their future games. Naomh Brid were without a few of their influential players on the day which didn’t help their cause.
Teams:
Erin’s Own: Tom Brophy, Aidan Moran, Sean Meally, Peter O’Donovan, Danny Byrne, Damien Fogarty, Colin Dunne, Ronan Ryan, Conor Fogarty, Eddie Brennan, Michael Moran, Michael Owens, Jimmy Byrne, David Buggy, Martin Boran.
Naomh Brid: James Kehoe, Aidan Nolan, Des Shaw, Declan Kelly, Eddie Kane, Hughie Kelly, Sean Watchorn, James Kane, Alan Brennan, Johny Kavanagh, Patrick Hickey, Brendan Lawlor, Johnny Sheehan, Mark Brennan, Colin Brennan.
