For Glen, last year can now be forgotten. They exacted revenge on Kilmacud in this season’s semi-final and somehow completed the job despite operating well below their maximum against a St Brigid’s side inspired, in the first half at least, by all-action Roscommon forward Ben O’Carroll.
While Jody McDermott’s smash-and-grab goal allowed Glen to go in level at the break, St Brigid’s quickly regained control in the second half with a brilliant 1-1 from Brian Derwin.
With several Glen shots going awry and St Brigid’s moving four points clear in the 54th minute thanks to a fine Eddie Nolan score, it looked as though the men from Maghera were on course for an equally gut-wrenching sequel to last year’s loss.
But after a Michael Warnock point, Glass’ goal and injury-time scores from Emmett Bradley and McGuckian, Glen found themselves two ahead, hanging on in a nerve-shredding denouement after Shane Cunnane sent his last-gasp free wide.
“After they went four points up and we got the black card, I thought we were done and buried,” admitted 2022 All-Star Glass, who has also won three Derry titles, two Ulster club crowns and two Ulster Championships with Derry since returning from Australia.
“Between the 50th minute and 60th minute, that 10-minute spell just went by like that and there were multiple times when I thought the game was done and buried.
“The point Michael Warnock got to bring it back to a one-score game was absolutely huge. Our shot selection all day was absolutely terrible, but we just got on with it. Short-term memory.
“Forget about those misses and focus on what we can control and what we could control was the next kick-out, the next attack.
“It shows the character this team has.
“I definitely questioned it over the last 12 months, would we ever get there, especially with Derry as well. Although I didn’t say that, those thoughts go through your mind 100%.”
