Naomh Brid come good in second half to defeat N Padraig, Lifford

Naomh Brid, after getting a shock in the opening half with a two goal Naomh Padraig, Lifford salvo, took  control in the second period to run out comfortable winners in the Yes Chef Division 3 tie at a sunny Trummon.

Playing against the breeze in the opening half Naomh Brid dominated the first 23 minutes and led 0-6 to 0-1.

The points were well worked with Calum Gallagher getting the opening two, one from play and one from a ‘45’. The lively Darren Russell added another from a free before Brian Breslin converted a free on a rare Naomh Padraig attack.

Darren Russell won and pointed another free while Declan McCafferty and Liam Duffy pushed the margin out to five.

But then Naomh Padraig struck for two goals in a minute with Brian Breslin central to both. He scored the first after breaking through and when it looked like the defence had done their job he turned on to his left and found the corner of the net.

A minute later he went for a point and the Naomh Brid defence failed to clear and Kevin Lynch was on hand to fire home from close range. Unbelievably, Naomh Padraig were a point to the good.

Naomh Brid had the chance to hit back immediately when Calum McCafferty won a penalty but Calum Gallagher’s sidefooted effort went wide of the post. They had another good goal chance on 28 minutes but Tadhg McGarrigle elected to take control of the ball rather than palm home and his effort was saved on the line.

In added time Darren Russell and Brian Breslin traded points to leave the half-time score: Naomh Brid 0-7, Naomh Padraig, Lifford 2-2.

Naomh Brid brought in Gearoid Gallagher, Sean Gormley and Ryan Brogan at half-time and with the breeze at their backs they dominated the second period.

Darren Russell hit four (3 frees) with further points from Calum McCafferty, Gearoid Gallagher, Declan McCafferty, Eoin Quinn, Calum Gallagher and Eoin Rush while Eoin McGarrigle fired home a goal.

Naomh Padraig were limited to two Brian Breslin frees and the day ended on a sour note for Breslin, one of four brothers lining out for the side, as he picked up a red card.

Naomh Brid scorers: Darren Russell 0-7,5f; Calum Gallagher 0-3,one ‘45’; Eoin McGarrigle 1-0; Declan McCafferty 0-2; Liam Duffy, Calum McCafferty, Gearoid Gallagher, Eoin Quinn, Eoin Rush 0-1 each.

Naomh Padraig, Lifford scorers: Brian Breslin 1-4,3f; Kevin Lynch 1-0.

Naomh Brid: Pauric McDaid; Richard Walsh, Gary McCafferty, Patrick Gormley; Liam Duffy, Eoin McGarrigle, Donal Gallagher; Cale Breslin, Calum Gallagher; Billy Harron, Darren Russell, Calum McCafferty; Declan McCafferty, Paul McGrory, Tadhg McGarrigle.

Subs: Gearoid Gallagher, Sean Gormley, Ryan Brogan for T McGarrigle, G McCafferty and B Harron (ht); Eoin Quinn for Calum McCafferty (40); Eoin Rush for D McCafferty (52).

Naomh Padraig, Lifford: Johnny Mahon; Rory Brennan, Marty McHugh, Gary Vambeck; Conor Breslin, Seamus Breslin, Oran Gallen; James Russell, Marty Mongan; Paul Lynch, Kevin Lynch, Mickey McBrearty; Eoin Breslin, Brian Breslin, Johnny Robb.

Subs: Sean Browne, Cameron Mahon, Kyle Martin.

Referee: Declan Callaghan (Kilcar);