Being squeezed between the footballing strongholds of Tyrrellspass, Milltownpass and St. Mary's Rochfortbridge, St. Brigid's hurling club is really feeling the pinch. Their last intermediate success was in the year 2000, but while demands are growing, things are far from bleak for the Dalystown side, who competed a hat trick of U21 'B' final appearances in 2005, capturing their second title in-a-row. By Damian Maher. Naturally St. Brigid's would have preferred a much better run in the intermediate hurling championship, but the great win by Rom Deegan's U21 charges over Castlepollard in December gives all associated with the club a real boost. Deegan, a former St. Brigid's hurler, is a real club stalwart nowadays, doubling as U21 and intermediate boss and he's clearly having an influence. "Beating Castlepollard in the U21 final was a fine achievement and no more than this great bunch of hurlers deserved," declared the St. Brigid's supremo, proudly. Five years after their most recent intermediate triumph, St. Brigid's went into the intermediate championship determined to make an impact. However, they managed just one win over Southern Gaels and had to settle for an early exit yet again. Crookedwood, Turin, Cullion and Brownstown all proved too strong for the Dalystown men, who, alongside Southern Gaels, failed to make it to the knockout stages. The success of Crookedwood, another small club, will give St. Brigid's hope, but they are constantly being forced to contend with the dual player problem. While it's difficult juggling with club football, it's what's happening with the Westmeath senior footballers that's really concerning Rom Deegan. "It's very tough that the players like Denis Glennon who are part of the Westmeath senior football side can't play hurling with their club," he said. "I don't know where it's going to end and it seems like the hurling clubs are fighting a losing battle. It's a huge pity that players are being influenced, but I'm not sure what can be done about it. "There's no way you can play inter county senior football and hurling and I accept that. But county footballers should be able to play club hurling. We have a small club here is Dalystown and I know it would be acceptable if the county footballers just turned up for matches, but we're being forced to play without them." Rom Deegan enjoyed great success as a player with St. Brigid's, winning a junior and intermediate title and being part of a side which reached the senior championship semi-final. He was assisted in 2005 by intermediate selectors Jay Faulkner and Sean Gallagher, and at U21 level by Ger Kenny and Jay Faulkner. While not certain, at the time of writing, about what structures will be in place this year, Rom is sure to play some role, given his knowledge and experience. And there's no doubt that St. Brigid's will be looking to climb out of the lower ranked intermediate sides. While the intermediate hurlers failed to make headway, unquestionably the highlight of 2005 was the brilliant victory by St. Brigid's U21 side over Castlepollard in the 'B' Championship final at Ringtown. Rom Deegan's side went into the game as underdogs, but produced a great perforamcne to defeat the senior champions by 3-9 to 1-7, an eight points wining margin. Victory was no more than St. Brigid's deserved on the day as they retained the title they had won 12 months earlier against Turin. The fact that it was the Dalystown side's second U21 hurling title in three years was another fillip. The teams were level at 0-4 apiece after a low-key first half, but the intensity increased significantly in the second moiety. Between them the sides shared five second half goals and, crucially, three of those majors went to St. Brigid's. Tomas Geraghty was in inspirational form for Deegan's men as he bagged two priceless goals. Significantly, too, St. Brigid's conceded just three points from play in this game, a remarkable achievement for their defensive sextet. St. Brigid's first goal arrived early in the second half. After Michael Geraghty failed to grasp an opportunity, David Wright pounced to belt the ball past the Castlepollard net minder. From there, the victors never looked back. Castlepollard's frustration showed and they were reduced to 14 men, before Tomas Geraghty booted the ball to the net with 10 minutes remaining. And four minutes later, Tomas Geraghty rounded off a never to be forgotten display with his second goal. "Obviously the goals were very significant, but the overall display in the second half was great and provides plenty of promise for the future," reflected Rom Deegan. "Not only did we manage to outscore a Castlepollard team that were many peoples' fancy, our defence also held them very well." At the conclusion of the final, a delighted St. Brigid's captain, Larry Poynton (who was part of the '04 winning side) accepted the winners' trophy from Hurling Board Secretary, Matty Conaty. "Several of the team were U21 for the previous two years and were playing in their third final," said Deegan. "For them it was an extra special achievement and, naturally, we're hoping it can be carried forward into intermediate level this coming year." At underage level, people like Nollaig McEntaggart continue to do Trojan work for the St. Brigid's club. The U16 hurlers were the most successful, reaching the league final where they lost to Raharney, while they failed in the championship against Crookedwood at the penultimate stage. Meanwhile, the U12 hurlers had another good year, winning a number of games in their division, while the U14 side also made progress. Joe Quinn and Jimmy Keegan were the driving force behind the U16's great run to the final and both mentors can be pleased with what was achieved. St. Brigid's have been focussing much of their efforts on the U12 and U14 grades in recent years and Nollaig McEntaggart has received great support from people like Mossy Slevin, Marius Gavin, Mick Flanagan, Francis Murtagh and Paul Deegan. Although they failed to field a minor team in 2005, St. Brigid's are building for the future and are determined that the players will filter through in the coming years. "This year we will have a minor team and if the underage structure continues to work as it has in previous years, the future is far from gloomy," said Rom Deegan. "And with players coming through on the back of winning two U21 titles, we can make a bigger impression at intermediate level, which is our ultimate goal." Scorers for St. Brigid's in the U21 'B' final were: Tomás Geraghty 2-2, Michael Geraghty 0-5 (3 f), David Wright 1-0, Denis Glennon, Dermot Faulkner (f) 0-1 each. The winning team was: Darren Quinn; James Leogue, Aaron Gavin; T.J. Gonoud, Dermot Faulkner, Seamus Faulkner; Denis Glennon, Larry Poynton (c); David Wright, Tomás Geraghty, Andy Devine; Derek Gallagher, Michael Geraghty. Tweet

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