📸 Photos courtesy of Chris Lynam

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Following on from our Senior Footballers’ championship win last weekend, it’s quite fitting that we mark the fifteen-year anniversary of St Brigid’s Dublin Senior Football Championship triumph in 2011 with three surviving members from that team who are part of the 2026 winning team - Phily Ryan, Sean Murray & Stephen Moore.

On Sunday 6th November 2011, Brigid’s supporters travelled to Parnell Park to support the Senior Footballers as they took on local rivals St Oliver Plunkett/Eoghan Ruadh in the Dublin Senior Football Championship Final.

What followed was a tense, hard-fought encounter, with Brigid’s eventually coming out on top beating Plunketts by 2 points on a score line of 0-10 to 0-8.

Having last claimed the Dublin title in 2003, Brigid’s were determined to bring the trophy back to Russell Park, against a strong Plunkett’s side packed with many intercounty players.

The opening half was a tight affair, with both defences on top and scoring opportunities difficult to come by. Brigid’s showed plenty of patience in possession but found it difficult to break down a well-organised Plunkett’s defence going into half time level at four points apiece.

Brigid’s defensive organisation was outstanding throughout, with Sean Murray particularly effective in keeping Bernard Brogan quiet. The back line worked tirelessly, limiting the opportunities for a Plunkett’s forward division that included both Bernard and Alan Brogan, as well as Jason Sherlock.

As the game entered its closing stages, the contest was still very much in the balance. One of the defining moments came when Alan Brogan found himself through on goal in the latter minutes of the game only for Gavin Kane to produce a magnificent block on the Footballer of the Year, denying what looked a certain goal and allowing Brigid’s to clear their lines. It was a huge moment in the championship decider.

The introduction of Lorcan McCarthy proved equally decisive. Coming off the bench, McCarthy made an immediate impact, contributing three crucial points, including two outstanding long-range frees from distance. His scoring helped turn the game in Brigid’s favour at the most important time.

Paddy Andrews also registered a vital point, with McCarthy playing a key role in creating the opportunity. Ken Darcy and Mark Cahill continued to contribute on the scoreboard, while the entire team showed tremendous composure as the final minutes approached.

Further points from Ken Darcy and Odhran McCann helped Brigid’s stretch their advantage, and although Plunkett’s managed a late score through Ross McConnell, there was no denying Brigid’s their deserved victory.

When the final whistle sounded, Brigid’s had defeated Plunketts by 2 points on a scoreline of 0-10 to 0-8 - denying them their first title, with the Russell Park lads taking home their second Dublin Senior Football Championship title.

The celebrations that followed reflected the significance of the occasion, as captain Shane Supple proudly lifting the Clerys Cup.

It was a victory built on teamwork, defensive discipline, determination and some outstanding individual performances. While the attacking contribution of Lorcan McCarthy proved decisive, the collective effort across the field was what ultimately secured the title.

Fifteen years on, the achievement remains a special chapter in the history of St Brigid’s GAA and a reminder of what can be achieved through commitment, belief and a strong team spirit.

ST BRIGID'S: S Supple; A Daly, M Cahill, G Norton; C Moran, S Murray, G Kane; B Cahill, J O'Loughlin; G McIntyre (0-1), P Andrews (0-1), M Cahill (0-1, a free); K Kilmurray; K Darcy (0-3, two frees), P Ryan. Subs: L McCarthy (0-3, two frees) for Ryan (43 mins), C Mullins for McIntyre (45), O McCann (0-1) for Kilmurray (54), C Doyle for M Cahill (60).

Referee: G McCormack (Naomh Barróg).

Take a look back at some of the match reports from the final.

The Irish Times

Dublin SFC Final

St Brigid’s 0-10 St Oliver Plunkett’s 0-08 St Brigid’s are the Dublin champions for the first time since 2003 after seeing off Navan Road rivals St Oliver Plunkett’s. Both sides spurned a host of chances in a tight contest in Parnell Park before Brigid’s substitute Lorcan McCarthy’s three second-half points drove Brigid’s over the line.