Saturday was a day for finals. While sports fans across Ireland were tuned into the Leinster Minor Hurling Final, the Champions Cup Final, and the FA Cup Final, Kilkenny soccer fans had their eyes firmly set on the KCLR McCalmont Cup final. Derdimus Park was the venue, and it played host to a thrilling encounter that will be remembered for years to come.
The atmosphere was electric as a big crowd gathered, showing the significance of the match to the local community. The Goresbridge area, in particular, was well-represented, with their Under-10 team leading the Bridge United side onto the field as mascots, underscoring the importance of the event to all ages.
Freebooters, the defending champions took an early lead and seemed destined for victory by halftime. Jim Ryan opened the scoring with a well-taken goal, and centre-back David Rice doubled their lead with a powerful header, evoking memories of last season when Booters defeated Bridge United in two separate finals. It seemed like another heartache was on the cards for Bridge United supporters.
However, the second half told a different story. Bridge United emerged with renewed vigor and determination. Patrick Purcell’s goal was the turning point injecting much-needed confidence into the team. Soon after, a corner kick found its way into the six-yard box, and Pierce Blanchfield managed to bundle the ball over the line, leveling the score and setting up a nail-biting finish.
Booters attempted to regain control, bringing on Eddie Nugent, who nearly scored with his first touch, but his effort went over the bar. The tension continued to build, and the rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the Bridge United supporters. Their vocal support grew louder with each tackle and interception, creating a palpable sense of anticipation.
The decisive moment came when Eoin Kavanagh etched his name into Bridge United’s history books. He capitalized on a sliced cross, positioning himself perfectly to score the winning goal. It was far from an easy finish, but Kavanagh bore the weight of a 29-year wait for this moment and delivered when it mattered most. With just five minutes left, Bridge United was on the verge of a historic victory.
As the final whistle blew, an outpouring of emotion erupted from the Bridge United supporters. The pitch was swarmed with jubilant fans celebrating their new heroes. The sight of grown men shedding tears highlighted the significance of this victory for the club and its community. Junior soccer, at its core, is about these heartfelt moments and the passion it ignites.
Look at the photo below, this is what we do this for, moments like this, shared between family and friends.
History in the making
— bridge utd goresbridge (@UtdBridge) May 26, 2024
We have won the McCalmont Cup twice
Back row
1st McCalmont Cup winners 1995 David Stan O'Neill Joe English Paddy Murphy
Front row
2nd McCalmont Cup winners 2024 their sons Eoin O'Neill Conor English Sean Murphy🔵⚽️🟡 pic.twitter.com/GHKKeppR3F
In the post-match interview, player-manager Conor English was surrounded by young Bridge United players who looked up to him as a superhero. English, ever the gentleman, pointed to the club’s burgeoning youth success, acknowledging that this victory was not just for the present but also for the future of the club.
“These boys are winning lots of things, under 9’s, 10’s, 12’s you can see the numbers. This is healthy for the club, I am praying and praying and praying we can continue this because this is healthy for everyone.”
I didn’t want to keep him, winning something with your club, is not always guaranteed to happen. As I thanked Conor for his time and told him to lift that trophy, he thanked me and left the middle of the pitch to a huge cheer from the youths he just praised. He ran off with a group following after him. I just said to myself “Deadly.”
Bridge United’s 3-2 victory over Freebooters in the KCLR McCalmont Cup final is a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the pure joy of junior soccer. It was a day when dreams were realized, and a community came together to celebrate a long-awaited triumph.
