Edendork edge past St Brigid’s in Ulster quarter-final
Edendork narrowly defeated St Brigid’s in a gripping Ulster Club SFC quarter-final, securing a place in the semi-final. The clash at O'Neill's Healy Park showcased youthful brilliance and fierce competition, with Edendork holding on amid a late St Brigid’s surge.
Key moments and standout performers
Teenage sensation John McLernon impressed with a goal and 1-3 overall, while experienced forward Darren McCurry contributed five crucial points from play. Their combined efforts proved decisive as St Brigid’s mounted a late comeback, narrowing the deficit to just one point.
The Tyrone champions led by five points with five minutes remaining before a penalty converted by Paul Bradley for St Brigid’s brought the Antrim side back into contention. Despite intense pressure in the closing stages, Edendork held firm to advance to a semi-final showdown against the renowned Crossmaglen.
Match progression and tactical highlights
St Brigid’s started brightly with Ronan McGrady opening the scoring, followed by a long-range effort from goalkeeper Niall Morgan. McCurry then propelled Edendork ahead with a series of skilful points, extending their lead to seven by the midway point. However, a goal from Joe Finnegan revived St Brigid’s hopes, with Dara Quinn also contributing to close the gap.
Edendork responded strongly late in the first half, with McCurry adding further scores before McLernon capitalised on an intercepted kick-out to net a crucial goal, taking the teams into halftime at 1-10 to 1-5.
In the second half, St Brigid’s Niall Duffy caused significant problems, assisting key points as his team fought back. JJ Higgins’s accuracy reduced the deficit to three points, and with the game entering its final quarter, the visitors grew increasingly confident.
Edendork relied on counter-attacks and defensive resilience, including a vital point from corner back Dinal Maneely. McCurry’s composure extended their lead to five points, but a late penalty goal from Paul Bradley and scores from Joe Logan brought St Brigid’s within striking distance. However, they were unable to find the equaliser before the final whistle.
Scorers and team line-ups
Edendork scorers: John McLernon 1-3, Darren McCurry 0-5, Harry Og Conlan and Niall Morgan (two points from play) 0-2 each; Patrick McLernon, Dinal Maneely, Ben Cullen 0-1 each.
St Brigid’s scorers: Joe Finnegan and Paul Bradley (penalty) 1-0 each; JJ Higgins 0-3 (including 1 free), Niall Duffy and Ronan McGrady 0-2 each; Dara Quinn, Patrick Finnegan, James Smith, Joe Logan 0-1 each.
Edendork starting line-up: Niall Morgan; Dinal Maneely, F. Devlin, Patrick Donnelly; F. Nelis, Ben Cullen, C. Bell; C. Kilpatrick, L. Ferguson; Patrick McLernon, C. Mallon, Harry Og Conlan; Darren McCurry, J. Fearon, John McLernon.
Substitution: R. Nelis replaced J. Fearon (55th minute).
St Brigid’s starting line-up: D. Heery; O. Downey, J. Morgan, S. Campbell; S. Downey, Joe Finnegan, R. Boyle; J. Dowling, Patrick Finnegan; Ronan McGrady, Dara Quinn, Paul Bradley; Niall Duffy, James Smith, JJ Higgins.
Substitutions: P. King for J. Dowling (42), J. Logan for R. McGrady (42), B. McGurk for J. Smith (53), R. Carleton for S. Campbell (59).
Referee: C. Dourneen (Cavan).
Edendork’s victory sets up a highly anticipated semi-final against Crossmaglen, offering them a chance to continue their historic provincial campaign.