'They're just a phenomenal bunch'- St Brigid's manager Brian Bowe following semi-final defeat to Clanmaurice

Brian Bowe and his St Brigid’s team saw their remarkable 2024 camogie journey come to a heartbreaking end as two late points from Clanmaurice captain Patrice Diggin secured a narrow two-point win for the reigning All-Ireland champions.

Despite the defeat, Bowe expressed immense pride in his team and is optimistic about their future.

“I just said to the girls coming off there, every one of them can hold their heads up high. They should be fiercely proud of themselves for what they've achieved this year,” Bowe reflected after the game. “Just so unlucky there, we thought we were going to steal it at the end, but look, just not to be today. Hopefully, the girls will come back stronger next year.”

St Brigid’s resilience, a hallmark of their successful Laois and Leinster campaigns, was on full display again as they clawed back from a six-point deficit. They leveled the game in the 62nd minute thanks to a Clodagh Tynan free that found the net.

“They never leave anything behind,” Bowe said. “You've seen them all year; they leave absolutely nothing behind, that group of girls. They're just a phenomenal bunch, and maybe if one or two things had gone our way today, we'd be coming off the pitch a little bit happier. But look, that's sport at the end of the day.”

Even after falling behind late on, Bowe maintained faith in his team’s fighting spirit, which has been a defining feature all season.

“Our girls never give up; that's just the way they’ve been all year,” he said. “Even at six points down, I knew they wouldn't give in. We could've pinched it at the end, not to be today, and that's sport, unfortunately.”

The sea of purple and gold supporters in Galtee Rovers GAA Club, Bansha, was another testament to the passion surrounding St Brigid’s. Despite the rain, their fans turned out in droves to cheer on their team.

“It was unbelievable,” Bowe said of the support. “I don't know where the other crowd stayed for the rain, but we had it plenty full there. The supporters got a great show there today, and the girls have done them proud all year.”

While the loss to Clanmaurice marks the end of their campaign, St Brigid’s can look back on an incredible season that saw them crowned Laois Intermediate champions and Leinster title winners after a memorable victory over Naas.

It’s been an unforgettable journey for Bowe and his team, one that sets a strong foundation for the future.