Newbridge Secures Derry SFC Title, Ending Glen’s Reign

Newbridge has claimed the Derry title, marking their first victory in 35 years. All-Ireland champions Glen were defeated 1-12 to 2-8 by Newbridge in the Derry Senior Football final, an outcome that surprised many. Ciaran Brooks scored the decisive point in injury time, securing Newbridge’s first Derry title in 35 years. The unexpected result at Celtic Park brought an end to Glen’s three-year dominance in the competition. Following the final whistle, Newbridge supporters celebrated by entering the pitch, while Glen players and fans were left in disbelief as their aspirations to defend their Derry, Ulster, and All-Ireland titles concluded suddenly. Newbridge’s next fixture is against Armagh champions Clann Eireann in the Ulster club SFC quarter-final, scheduled for 10 November at Celtic Park. Newbridge held a 0-7 to 0-5 lead at half-time, having benefited from the wind in the initial half, but Glen appeared to be reasserting control after Conleth McGuckian scored a goal following a swift counter-attack. Conor Glass converted a ’45’ to give Glen a 1-8 to 0-9 advantage, however, Newbridge, considered underdogs, responded impressively when Shane McGrogan fisted the ball into the net for a goal in the 52nd minute. Despite trailing for a significant portion of the match, Glen drew level in the final minute of normal time when Ryan Dougan appeared to save the champions, converting a long ball into an equalising goal. With extra time seemingly imminent, Brooks intervened with an unexpected winning score, thereby preventing Glen from securing their fourth consecutive Derry title. Glen had been strong favourites, aiming to match the achievements of Bellaghy (1958-61) and Slaughtneil (2014-2017) by winning four successive Derry titles, especially against an opponent that had not claimed the title since 1989 or even reached a final since 1991. Nevertheless, Newbridge, who had advanced after a hard-fought semi-final victory against Magherafelt, demonstrated strong competitiveness in the first half, refusing to passively accept their underdog status. Benefiting from a strong breeze, Newbridge’s Sean Young opened the scoring with a long-range point after two minutes, setting the early pace. Glen had to maneuver the ball closer to the goal, and Tiarnan Flanagan quickly equalized; however, a controversial decision followed when Ethan Doherty’s shot, which appeared to curl wide, was nevertheless awarded as a point. The reigning champions then took the lead for the first time, with Emmett Bradley accurately converting left-footed free-kicks against the wind. Glen led 0-4 to 0-3 after 15 minutes, but Newbridge secured four of the subsequent five points before half-time, with Conleth McGrogan’s score from near the sideline being particularly notable. Odhran McGlone displayed significant determination, creating a scoring opportunity for himself from an unpromising situation. This well-executed play underscored Newbridge’s strong self-belief as they extended their lead to 0-7 to 0-5 four minutes before the interval. At that point, it was uncertain if a two-point lead would suffice given the wind’s strength, but the challenging team demonstrated their resolve and capability to compete effectively against the champions. The match concluded with contrasting emotions as Newbridge delivered a stunning defeat to Glen. Newbridge continued their momentum into the second half, with Oisin Doherty converting another free kick four minutes in, establishing a three-point lead for the first time. Nine minutes into the second half, Danny Tallon scored a crucial free for the champions, and Tiarnan Flanagan, for the second time in the game, surged forward from defense to register a well-taken point following a pass from substitute Jack Doherty. Glen subsequently increased their intensity, narrowing the deficit to just one point. The game’s first significant turning point occurred after 48 minutes when Conleth McGuckin scored the opening goal, following a rapid advance up the field and rolling the ball low into the near post. Conor Glass then expertly converted a ’45’ and celebrated, marking what appeared to be a pivotal moment as Glen intensified their pressure to take a 1-8 to 0-9 lead. Nevertheless, four minutes later, Shane McGrogan scored a goal by palming the ball into the net from Conor McAteer’s cross, with appeals for a square ball being dismissed as the goal was awarded. Glen scored a few frees, and their hold on their Derry, Ulster, and All-Ireland titles appeared to be weakening until Dougan’s intervention, who connected with a high ball, seemingly securing a draw for Glen and forcing extra-time. Newbridge, however, maintained their drive for a final effort, and Brooks scored the winning point in the first of two minutes of added time, a moment that the Newbridge club is expected to celebrate extensively for years. Glen’s team sheet included: C Bradley; M Warnock, R Dougan (1-0), C Carville; T Flanagan (0-2), D McDermott, J McDermott; C Glass (0-1, a ‘45’), E Bradley (0-3, 3f); C Convery, E Mulholland, C Mulholland; C McGuckian (1-0), D Tallon (0-1, f), E Doherty (0-1). Substitutions for Glen were: J McGuckian replacing Mulholland (Half-Time), J Doherty replacing Convery (39th minute), and S O’Hara replacing Tallon (55th minute). Newbridge’s lineup featured: J Gribbin; C Brooks (0-1), K Burke, M McGrogan; M Doherty (0-1), P McMullan (0-1), Conor McGrogan; C Doherty, Conleth McGrogan (0-1); S Young (0-2), Callum McGrogan, C McAteer (0-1); O McGlone (0-1), S McGrogan (1-0), O Doherty (0-4, 3f). Newbridge made one substitution: A McGlone for O McGlone (60th minute). The match referee was Martin McErlane.