In the Derry Senior Football Championship final, Newbridge accomplished their first county victory since 1989, toppling current champions Glen in an exhilarating showdown at Celtic Park.
The Glens, who uphold the Ulster and All-Ireland titles, fought gallantly in an attempt to keep their Derry crown. However, the day belonged to Newbridge as Ciaran Brooks secured their victory by scoring the decisive point during overtime.
A last-minute goal from Ryan Dougan seemed to be pushing the game into extra time, but Newbridge managed to carve out a crucial win with a final point scored right at the last second.
The confidence of the Newbridge team got a boost straight from the start, as Sean Young’s score from the first attack helped to set the tone of the game. The Glens pushed back, with Tiarnan Flanagan’s kick leading to a score in the fourth minute. Ethan Doherty and Emmett Bradley’s efforts extended Glen’s lead before Patrick McMullan’s dynamic attack evened the score for Newbridge, leading them to a superior second quarter.
Despite a second free score from Bradley putting Glen in the lead, Newbridge responded with three successive points to take them ahead. This included a strong score from Conleth McGrogan, following two from Oisin Doherty, taking the score to 0-6 to 0-4 after 20 minutes.
The second half commenced with Sean Young’s second score, which helped to maintain Newbridge’s lead. Not long after, Glen struck their first out of two scores. Conor Glass’ succeeded in the ’45, inching Glen past Newbridge 1-8 to 0-9.
Newbridge retaliated vehemently. Shane McGrogan’s 50th-minute goal reclaimed the lead for the O’Leary’s. Further points from Mark Doherty and Conor McAteer propelled Newbridge’s score to 1-11 to 1-8. The team was ahead, marking a triumphant finish to an intense match.
Ryan Dougan’s spectacular equaliser at the sixty minute mark saw him blast a goal from close proximity. However, the plot twist came when Brooks, in the dying minutes of the injury time, nudged the decisive goal, sealing the much coveted John McLaughlin Cup for Newbridge.
The team for Newbridge comprised of James Gribbin, Ciaran Brooks (0-1), Killian Burke, Mark McGrogan, Mark Doherty (0-1), Patrick McMullan (0-1), Conor McGrogan, Conor Doherty, Conleth McGrogan (0-1), Sean Young (0-2), Callum McGrogan, Conor McAteer (0-1), Odhran McGlone (0-1), Shane McGrogan (1-0), and Oisin Doherty (0-4, 3f). Odhran McGlone was substituted for Aidan McGlone after sixty minutes into the game.
On the other hand, the Glen team consisted of Connlan Bradley, Michael Warnock, Ryan Dougan (1-0), Connor Carville, Tiarnan Flanagan (0-2), Danny McDermott, Jody McDermott, Conor Glass (0-1f), Emmett Bradley (0-3, 3f), Conor Convery, Eunan Mulholland, Cathal Mulholland, Conleth McGuckian (1-0), Danny Tallon (0-1f), and Ethan Doherty (0-1). Substitutions included Johnny McGuckian replacing Cathal Mulholland at halftime, Jack Doherty coming in for Conor Convery at thirty-nine minutes, and Stevie O’Hara replacing Danny Tallon at fifty-five minutes.
The game was officiated by referee Martin McErlane.