Brigid’s bid for final place as Castlehaven clash looms

By Eamon A. Donoghue

St Brigid’s are one win away from the All-Ireland club final as they prepare to meet Cork and Munster champions Castlehaven in this Sunday’s semi-final showdown at Semple Stadium, Thurles (1.45pm).

Starting out 2023 as slight championship favourites in Roscommon, St Brigid’s have seen off everyone in Roscommon and Connacht, including a reviving Corofin.

They dealt with every obstacle within their own county, some with ease against poor opposition, and they did enough to see off Roscommon Gaels and Boyle in the Roscommon semi-final and final respectively. What became noticeable was Brigid’s ability to get in front early, to control the game and see it out for wins.

Their wins in Roscommon were based on teamwork more than any individuals standing out. They had a clean bill of health also which helped.

Brigid’s have an excellent record in Connacht and, in their latest provincial campaign, they overcame Coolera/Strandhill (Sligo) and Mohill (Leitrim). But Brigid’s were actually lucky to come out with the win in the Connacht semi-final against Mohill. In what was predicted to be the easiest game in their campaign, it was the toughest. But they did enough and showed great maturity in holding out for the win.

Then came the first game of the championship in which Brigid’s were not favourites, the Connacht final against Corofin. But Ben O’Carroll was on fire in that game and Brian Stack brought his inter-county form to the plate and they dealt with Corofin quite comfortably. Again, one of the standout features of the game was the ability of Jerome Stack’s side to take an early lead, then control the game and see it out.

Now their next obstacle will be Castlehaven. In 2023, they won their first Cork championship in ten years and they weren’t overly impressive in Munster. They beat Clare champions Cratloe after extra-time, and they were very fortunate to beat Dingle of Kerry in the Munster final on penalties after extra-time couldn’t separate the sides.

But Castlehaven have players with an abundance of county experience. They are a big physical team and probably the only team Brigid’s have played that is similar to Castlehaven in terms of physique was Mohill, but Castlehaven have better individual players than the Leitrim outfit.

The Cahalane (Conor and Damien) and Hurley brothers (Brian and Michael) are among their marquee players. Rory Maguire, who will probably play at centre-back, and Brian Hurley are two of Cork’s best players. Both Conor Cahalane and Michael Hurley have played for the Cork seniors. No doubt Brian Stack will be given the role of picking up Brian Hurley. If Stack can continue his outstanding form, then that would be more than half the battle won for his side.

Castlehaven will see Ben O’Carroll as the player to stop. They will possibly give the marking task to Conor Cahalane and allow Rory Maguire more of a free role to drive his team forward from the back.

Those two battles could well be the deciding factor in the game. And if both Roscommon stars Stack and O’Carroll have outstanding games, Brigid’s are likely to be in the All-Ireland final come Sunday evening.

These games can be built up around a few individuals, but it can be other players that make all the difference. Pearse Frost will have a big task on the day; he could be asked to track Michael Hurley. Paul McGrath’s ability to cover across the half-back line and pick up breaking balls around the middle could be vital. He reads the game well, hoovering up possession like a magnet.

Ruaidhrí Fallon will also be crucial to the Brigid’s cause. Fallon has gradually gotten closer to his full potential since returning from rugby.

The Brigid’s midfield is a solid pairing and both are on the Roscommon senior squad. Shane Cunnane’s composure in possession and his use of the ball mixes perfectly with the bustling Eddie Nolan.

Brigid’s tackling will need to be at its best. Apparently, former Mayo and Kerry coach Donie Buckley has had sessions with the Kiltoom side, and he’s well known for his focus on quality tackling.

This will be Brigid’s first championship game to be played outside Roscommon during this campaign. Could this be an important factor? Could they get thrown off sync by playing in unfamiliar surroundings? But the good pitch surface in Semple Stadium should suit Brigid’s. Although the ground is in Munster and will be more familiar to Castlehaven, Thurles should suit Brigid’s also.

We’re still not sure how good this young Brigid’s side are. The opposition they have faced thus far hasn’t been hectic at times, but they saw off everyone with a maturity beyond their years.

Brigid’s were last in the All-Ireland final in 2013 when then they came from eight points behind to beat Ballymun Kickhams of Dublin, and they would dearly love to get back there again. And the Kiltoom/Cam outfit are definitely capable of doing so. Verdict: St Brigid’s.

AIB All-Ireland Club SFC semi-finals

Sunday, January 7 (live on TG4, extra-time and ‘WOTD’ if needed)

FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, 1.45pm: St Brigid's (Roscommon) v Castlehaven (Cork).

Páirc Esler, Newry, 3.45pm: Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) v Watty Graham's Glen (Derry).