Located in the village of Leighlinbridge, County Carlow, Naomh Bríd Hurling club was established in 1996 through the amalgamation of St Fintan's in Ballinabranna and Parnells of Leighlinbridge and Old Leighlin.
Maiden Success Former Wexford hurler, Christy Keogh, was the team's first manager and the local newspaper at the time hailed that Naomh Bríd had ‘hit the jackpot at the first attempt’ by winning the senior county championship in its maiden year defeating St. Mullins. This early success justified the hard work done by both sides and subsequently led to the amalgamation of the clubs at juvenile level. This juvenile, parish team was initially called Bríd Óg (to allow underage players return to their former club to play at Intermediate / Junior levels) but was renamed to Naomh Bríd in 1999 when all teams were finally amalgamated.
1996 SHC winners
Further Senior Success The club went on to achieve further success winning the Carlow SHC championship in 2004 and 2008 defeating Ballinkillen and MLR respectively.
2004 SHC winners
2008 SHC winners
Choice of Name
The choice of the name Naomh Bríd and the use of maroon and white as club colours are outlined in the following extract from the 1996 county final programme:
‘When Parnells and St Fintans decided to form a club this year, there were many suggestions for names but none of them proved to be fully acceptable. Then a lifelong Gael said there was an ancient church and cemetery of St Brigid in Tomard and Tomard embraced the Old Leighlin, Leighlinbridge and Ballinabranna area - hence the name Naomh Bríd. The decision to wear the maroon and white of Galway and Westmeath was so as not to clash with any other hurling club in the county.’
County Involvement
Our club has proudly produced countless county representatives over the years. Among them, the legendary dual star Johnny Nevin stands out on his own. Another historic milestone was Mark Brennan captaining Carlow senior hurlers to Christy Ring Cup success in 2009, becoming the first Carlow native to lift adult silverware on the steps of the Hogan Stand.
Naomh Bríd Camogie
Naomh Bríd Camogie Club was formed in 1986 and played under the name Leighlinbridge until 1997 when the club changed colours and its name to Naomh Bríd Camogie Club.
On Sunday 18th July 1999, Naomh Brid made history by winning Carlow’s first ever 15 a side championship final. The cramped short pitch and 12 a side format to be replaced by the full playing area with 15 players on each team. This was Naomh Brid’s 3rd senior title having previously won the Tom Nolan Cup in 1990 & 1991 under the club name Leighlinbridge. Naomh Bríd have finished as runners up in 17 senior finals - 1989,1992 1993,1994,1995,1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2012, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 - a stat we hope to rectify very soon!
1999 Carlow Camogie winners
The club won the Junior Championship in 2017 by defeating St Mullins, a title retained in 2018 overcoming Muinebheag in the final. The 9th July 1998 was a historic occasion for Naomh Brid camogie when we won our first ever underage title defeating Ballinkillen in the U12 B final played in Dr Cullen Park.
In 1999, Naomh Bríd camogie won their first U16 & U18 titles, the minor title was retained in 2000. Further minor A titles were achieved in 2016 & 2019. June 2015 was another momentous occasion for Naomh Brid, winning the All-Ireland Feile na nGael Cup.
County Involvement Naomh Brid camogie has always been well represented on county panels with many of our players going on to win All Ireland titles with Carlow. Some notable county achievements include:
2007 Carlow win the County’s first All-Ireland title by winning the Maire Ni Chinneide Cup. Naomh Brid were represented by Valerie Craan (Capt), Tracey Condell, Eilish O Neill, Marion Hynes & Kate Purcell
2016 All Ireland Premier Junior Championship success in Croke Park with Naomh Brid Players Tracey Condell, Emma Brennan & Rachel Sawyer all playing their part. Managed by Naomh Brid hurler Mark Brennan.
2024 All Ireland U16 B champions. Naomh Brid representatives were Kate Burke, Eimear O Toole, Amy Farrell, Colette O Brien & Eva Dooley. Managed by Naomh Brid clubman Anthony O'Brien and ably supported by Tina Minogue.
The continuous growth and success of Naomh Brid Camogie club would not be possible if it were not for our players, the hard work of the club committees, countless volunteers and generous sponsors. To all these people and our players we say a big thank you and well done.
Roll of Honour
Both the hurling and camogie clubs have achieved success at all levels since their inception [see Roll of Honour here].
Superbowl Complex
In 2010, the Superbowl complex opened in Leighlinbridge, giving the club its own training and playing grounds for the first time. Our intention is to ensure we have a facility that is at the heart of the local community and provides a meeting point, a centre for participation and a centre of excellence for all. This continues to be a work in progress with significant developments on the horizon.
One Club
In 2024, the club adopted the One Club model by merging both the hurling & camogie clubs into one club structure as part of a newly formed Naomh Bríd GAA club. This will enable us to unify and simplify all aspects of club operations including:
Coaching & Games Development
Finance & Fundraising
Communications
Membership
Structures & Governance
We look forward to embarking on this new structure as we continue to serve the community together.
