Bridge Utd end long wait for McCalmont Cup title - Kilkenny Live
Bridge Utd 3-2 Freebooters
Bridge Utd's long wait for a McCalmont Cup title ended on Saturday evening as the Goresbridge outfit came from 2-0 down to beat defending champions Freebooters 3-2 in a game which brought a huge crowd to a wet Derdimus.
The 2024 finale of the long running competition certainly fitted into the bracket of a 'game of two halves' with three second half goals for Bridge Utd securing their first McCalmont Cup title since 1995.
Two first half goals from Jim Ryan on the 30th minute and a bullet of a header from David Rice courtesy of a Jason Hennessy corner on the brink of half-time put the city club in a commanding position heading in at the half-time break. However, a match that seemed smooth sailing on the scoreline at least for Freebooters in the first half, was turned on its head in the final 45 minutes.
A spirited Bridge Utd fought back in the second half and played on the front foot creating a number of threatening chances. Conor English's men eventually broke the deadlock 25 minutes into the half when a long high ball caught Freebooters unaware at the back with Patrick Purcell taking advantage of the opportunity.
The Goresbridge side had their tales up and within three minutes the teams were level when a corner kick delivered into the Freebooters box was squeezed home by Pierce Blanchfield setting up a grandstand finish.
Eoin Kavanagh, who impressed throughout the evening completed the Bridge Utd comeback with four minutes to go when he found himself in a one on one position deep into 'Booters territory and beat the last defender to score the decisive goal, receiving a jubilant reaction from the Bridge Utd support.
Freebooters to their credit never went away and did create some meaningful chances in an attempt to level the match before the call of time but a deserving Bridge Utd held on for victory on a soaking wet night at the Kilkenny venue, making conditions tough for everyone involved.
Check out this week's Kilkenny People for a full match report and photos from the day.