It was a performance that most could only ever dream about. On the big stage, in front of over 5000 spectators and the game being beamed out live on television Darragh McBrien showcased his talent.

And what a performance it was. McBrien ran the Omagh defence a merry dance throughout Monday’s MacRory Cup final, collecting the man of the match award after hitting eight points, six of which came from play, as St Michael’s deservedly collected the cup for a seventh time.

You would forgive the Belnaleck player for revelling in that type of display, but instead he was keen to deflect praise to his team-mates after the game.

“ It’s not about me, it is about the whole squad. It is a team effort and we are delighted to have won. What a day, it’s unreal,” he said.

Indeed, McBrien feels that it was a win built firstly on a solid defensive display as St Michael’s curtailed a talented Omagh attack.

“Omagh have a very strong forward line but our defence was brilliant and nullified them.

“We knew coming out for the game if we stopped their forwards we had a good chance and we did that,” he added.

Not only did St Michael’s do that but they blew away their opponents at the other end of the pitch were McBrien, Micheál Glynn and Conor Love gave the Tyrone side’s defence problems throughout the game.

“The midfielders got on the ball and got it in early into Curly, Micheál and myself and the shot selection was good.

“Not many were really giving us a chance, Omagh were strong favourites coming in but we were quietly confident. We were confident in our own ability and that we had a big performance in us and we showed that in the first half.

“Fair play to Omagh they came at us in the first ten minutes of the second half and got it back to two. We dug deep though after that and got the win.”

McBrien was also full of praise for the substitutes who came on and played their part.

“We were able to steady the ship and the subs that came on for us also made a difference and helped see us over the line. As I said, it is a squad effort,” he commented.

The fleet footed attacker though is keen to push on further with St Michael’s in Hogan Cup semi-final action next Wednesday, March 27.

“The squad is there and the talent is there and we’ll enjoy this and then get back down to work for that,” said the St Michael’s forward.