A late Glen rally saw St. Brigids suffer a heartbreaking defeat in the All-Ireland club football final at Croke Park.
Conor Glass’ stunning late goal provided the catalyst for a magnificent comeback. Shane Cunnane subsequently made it a one-point game before missing a last-gasp free to force extra time.
St. Brigids started impressively, showing plenty of attacking endeavor in the opening stages.
Ben O’Carroll hit the post with his first effort two minutes in. Three minutes later, the Connacht champions took the lead with Brian Stack on target.
Glen eventually settled into the game. Emmet Bradley scored two points in as many minutes as the Ulster champions led 0-2 to 0-1 on ten minutes.
St. Brigids almost found the net on 13 minutes. Ruaidhri Fallon played in Ben O’Carroll, the latter’s shot was saved by Glen goalkeeper Connlan Bradley.
A free was subsequently awarded for an earlier infringement and O’Carroll restored parity. 60 seconds later, the corner-forward added another pointed free as the Connacht champions took the lead.
Ciaran Sugrue doubled St. Brigid’s advantage on 19 minutes. Further points from Ben O’Carroll and Eddie Nolan made it a four-point game.
Conor Glass and Eddie Nolan subsequently traded scores before the Ulster champions restored parity.
Jodie McDermott scored a goal on 29 minutes. Conleth McGuckian and Danny Tallon combined to set up the Glen substitute who finished to the net.
McDermott followed up with a point within 60 seconds as the Ulster champions restored parity at half-time; 0-8 to 1-5.
St Brigid’s scored a goal within two minutes of the restart. Brian Derwin palmed to the net after collecting a perfectly-weighted pass from Ben O'Carroll.
St. Brigid’s received another major boost on 48 minutes as Glen’s Cathal Mulholland received a black card. The Connacht champions had an extra man for the next ten minutes.
Eddie Nolan pushed St. Brigid’s four points clear on 55 minutes before the late Glen resurgence followed.
Michael Warnock registered a point before Conor Glass scored a goal two minutes later.
The Glen midfielder collected a quickly-taken free before firing a 20-metre shot to the net. Suddenly the sides were level; 1-11 to 2-8.
#GAABEO 58 nóim @WattyGrahamsGAA 2-08@StBrigidsRos 1-11
Báite san eangach ag Conor Glass! 😍👀
What a finish to the net by Conor Glass and the teams are level!
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV 📺#GAA @GAA_BEO pic.twitter.com/9HskbHF5lV
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 21, 2024
Further points followed from Emmett Bradley (free) and Conleth McGuckian. Shane Cunnane subsequently made it a one-point game deep into injury time.
St. Brigid’s were awarded a 45-metre free right at the death. Cunnane’s effort was unsuccessful however as Jerome Stack’s men suffered a narrow defeat.
