Antrim SFC: ‘Pure relief’ as St Brigid’s claim first Antrim title

Higgins turned 19 on Friday and received the perfect belated birthday present in the form of the Padraig McNamee Cup as well as the player of the match award following his sharp shooting display.

“That’s what happens when you’re younger, you don’t have much fear. I kicked a few wides in the first half but I kept going,” he said.

“I had a good game against Dunloy (in the semi-final win) and I was still nervous for the final, but sometimes those nerves are good and they get you up for the game.”

His teammate Jack Dowling has been togging out for St Brigid’s for almost as long as Higgins has been alive, but the 34-year-old praised the teenager’s composure on the big stage.

“We did our job and just gave it to the shooters. JJ never does anything spectacular, but he does the simple things repetitively. He’s relentless at the simple things.”

Dowling’s father Dermot was one of St Brigid’s founders and Jack is one of the side’s most experienced players having been involved in the senior panel for 18 years.

Despite recent setbacks in which getting beyond the semi-final stage was a challenge for the club, he maintained an unwavering belief that they would eventually get to a final and get over the line.

Now, after turning dreams into reality, Dowling said it “didn’t seem real” that they have ended the long wait for a maiden title.

“I knew it would come. Someone said to me during the week they didn’t think it would ever come, but I knew it would come,” he continued.

“I thought it would be sooner than this, but this is sweet.”