Latest St. Brigid's crop yields rich harvest

The excitement around the parish of Kiltoom/Cam will be at fever pitch in the coming days, with supporters being given a golden opportunity to see their local heroes grace the Hallowed Turf on Jones’ Road on the biggest stage.

Brian Lennon — who alongside his twin brother Tom are hugely popular stalwarts around St. Brigid’s — will be among the travelling contingent taking the journey up the M6 to see their club potentially add a second Andy Merrigan Cup to its illustrious roll of honour.

“I’m looking forward to it. In the times we’re in, it’s great to be looking forward to big games. Little did we think in 2024 that we’d be there again within two years, but that’s a testament to the players in the squad and the management, and the massive work that has been done,” reflected Brian, who won a county title with St. Brigid’s in 1997.

Having been present for Brigid’s semi-final clash in Kingspan Breffni, Lennon feels that the battle against the Ulster champions was a good challenge to get on their journey to Croke Park.

“It was a great game. Any team that comes from the north is strong. You go through clubs from Derry and Tyrone. Kilcoo are past masters at this level. The way the games are, there’s only a kick of a ball between any team.

“Against Scotstown, Brigid’s were worthy winners. It was a great battle, end-to-end the whole game. The Brigid’s defence was excellent from the word go, they were well-tuned in, and thank God we got through in the end,” he smiled.

Watching on from the sidelines, Lennon has witnessed the close contests Brigid’s had to come through in the Roscommon championship, paying testament to the resilience any club team that emerges from the county has built up.

“You come out of the Roscommon club championship, and you’re well fit for Connacht and the All-Ireland Series,” he stated, pointing towards the competitiveness of both Strokestown and St. Croan’s in their respective provincial championships.

Many of the current St. Brigid’s panel would have played on teams that won five minor championships in a row, and Lennon believes that those players who witnessed All-Ireland success as children were influenced by the high levels of their predecessors — something they have been able to maintain.

“It’s a very young team. A lot of those players would have played between 2011 and 2013 in those Go Games matches at the time. They have matured over the last few years, and to be in a second final in three years is massive,” said Lennon.

Brian went on to pay tribute to everyone involved with those underage teams throughout the years.

“In any club, you want to bring on the youth. The coaching structures in all clubs, especially in Brigid’s over the last number of years, there’s great work being done where a lot of them are ready to play for different teams within the club.” 

This has been aided by the fantastic facilities the club has in Kiltoom, ranging from the clubhouse to the gym. Indeed, the club’s rising tide has been reflected in the St. Brigid’s ladies’ footballers who won the county championship and made a provincial final this year.

“The ladies’ committee has been putting in huge work, they won a county championship and got to a provincial final themselves.

"There’s great work being done throughout the club. It’s a community effort. Everyone likes being involved down there from all levels, from playing at nursery up along.” 

 The consistently strong crop of underage teams coming through St. Brigid’s allowed them to field four adult teams last year, a unique position for a Roscommon club to be in.

“There are teams in the club for lads to play with. Playing football — it’s the whole ethos of the GAA.” 

Looking at this Sunday’s opposition, Lennon acknowledged “the great pedigree” the men from Kerry have from winning All-Ireland minor medals and Hogan Cups. He highlighted players such as the Geaneys, Mark O’Connor and Tom O’Sullivan who will pose a “danger” to Brigid’s All-Ireland ambitions.

Casting his mind back to his own playing days, Lennon spoke of the challenge games organised by former captain Tom Óg O’Brien against Dingle.

“I remember years ago we played Dingle in a challenge game and Seán and Colm Geaney were playing. Their sons are playing now, it’s mad the way the years go.” 

 On Sunday, the likes of Dylan and Conor Geaney will be playing against Brian’s nephew Conor Hand.

“It’s amazing the pedigree, no more than our own lads,” said Lennon.

Lennon hopes that St. Brigid’s will be able to put their best foot forward in the hope that the Andy Merrigan Cup is coming back to Kiltoom.

“We’re looking forward to Sunday. It’s going to be a savage battle. It’s why every player puts on the jersey at any level. They want to play at the highest level and there’s no better place to shine than in Croke Park,” Lennon concluded.