From struggles to success: St Brigid's GAA Club's remarkable transformation
In recent years, the underage hurling scene at St. Brigid's GAA Club has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once struggling to field teams, the club now boasts squads at every age group, from nursery up to minor level, and this year they have two adult teams in the league. With great men like the late Sean Gallagher and in more recent times Noel Gavin almost single handily keeping underage hurling alive in the area, this resurgence is a testament to their hard work and their efforts have laid a strong foundation, allowing the club to flourish today.
The backbone of St Brigid's current Féile success can be traced back to a dedicated group of players who have been together since they were seven years old, guided by coaches Brian Hanley and Paddy Brogan. While most players hail from Rochfortbridge, recent recruitment from Milltownpass and Tyrrellspass has bolstered the ranks, elevating the team's performance and standards. The current Féile team exemplifies this progress. Members of this squad topped Division 2 at U13 last season and became the first St. Brigid's underage team in over 30 years to compete in the Division 1 Championship. Although it was a steep learning curve, the experience has instilled confidence in the players, proving they can compete at the highest levels. Additionally, the squad includes members who won the U15 shield final last year, further highlighting their potential.
Dalystown remains the heart of St Brigid's hurling, with local schools contributing significantly to the sport's revival. The recent Cuman Na Munscol title win by Dalystown National School and Rochfortbridge semi-final run in Division 2 underscore the positive impact of reintroducing hurling into the local schools. It was a huge honour to see Féile team member Aodhán Berry tasting victory in TEG Cusack Park and huge credit must go to both sets of teachers for their outstanding work. At a recent AGM, Underage Secretary Eoghan Dunbar was tasked with finding new coaches to help with the increasing numbers looking to play hurling in the area. Akin to signing Jose Mourinho and Alex Ferguson to a league of Ireland club, Eoghan secured the services of two St Brigid’s legends Eamonn Gallagher and Rom Deegan to join the coaching ticket for the Féile and U16 teams. Their extensive experience of managing county champions and intercounty teams and their passion for the game have been invaluable, raising the standards and helping guide these teams to new heights. Under their mentorship, the U16s have reached the Division 2 league final, and the Féile team has made it to the regional finals for the first time. The path to the Féile finals was hard-fought. A narrow victory over Southern Gaels and a thrilling extra-time win against Delvin showcased the team's determination and skill. As the regional finals in Longford approach, the club is rallying support and securing sponsors to ensure the players are well-prepared for their day out. The revival of St. Brigid's is not just a positive for the club but for Westmeath hurling as a whole. With many clubs in the region struggling for numbers, St. Brigid's aims to remain a stand-alone club, increase participation, and nurture a love for hurling among its players. Who knows the future of Westmeath hurling may very well depend on the strength and success of clubs like St. Brigid's, Fr. Dalton's, and Southern Gaels in the South of the county.
We now have boys involved with all the Westmeath development squads and this exposure to the highest standards of training and conditioning can only help to raise the levels within the club. As the Féile regional finals draw near, the entire community is getting behind St. Brigid's and proud of how far they've come and hopeful for a bright future ahead.
(Paddy Brogan assistant coach U14, Féile & U16 and assistant PRO).