"Any day Newbridge win a title is special" - Padraig McGrogan

The John McLaughlin Cup will reside in Newbridge for a second successive year after a thrilling and hard-fought victory over Magherafelt at Celtic Park on Sunday afternoon.
The defending champions put in a composed and determined performance to edge out their spirited opponents, with the game ultimately finishing 1-17 to 1-15.
The ‘Bridge seized control early in the second half with a dominant spell that appeared to put the game beyond Magherafelt. However, a gutsy fightback from the Rossa men, led superbly by Shane Heavron — who finished with a remarkable personal tally of 1-8 — saw them claw their way back into contention.
Newbridge held a slender one-point lead at the break, 1-6 to 1-5, but by the end of the third quarter had pushed ahead by six points, a cushion they would ultimately need as Magherafelt mounted their comeback. With just a single point separating the sides in the dying moments, it was Eamon Young who steadied nerves with a vital score to seal a two-point win.
This back-to-back championship success is only the second time in the club’s proud history they’ve achieved such a feat, the last coming in 1966 and 1967 — coincidentally, also against Magherafelt.
Captain Conor McAteer climbed the steps to lift the trophy once again to rapturous cheers from the Newbridge supporters. His contribution on the pitch was immense, leading from the front and finishing with five points, including a crucial two-pointer at a key stage.
Speaking after the game, a visibly delighted McAteer said: “It’s hard to put into words. We’ve put in so much work to get back here, especially considering how the championship started for us. It’s a testament to the character and commitment of this group, and I’m just so glad we got over the line today.”
Reflecting on the team's journey and mindset, he added: “We tend to take the hard route — maybe we even perform better when we’re the underdogs. The new rules have been a breath of fresh air in my opinion, and I think we’ve adapted really well to them. I’m just so happy.”
Padraig McGrogan missed last year’s final due to injury, was central to Sunday’s win. “It doesn’t matter who is on the pitch or not on the pitch, any day Newbridge win a title is special,” McGrogan said. “Just look at the people here. This win is for them — it’s for the people of Newbridge.”
He also praised the younger players in the squad for raising the bar in recent years.
“There are so many young lads in this team who have set new standards. Before they came in, we were seen as a bit of a yo-yo club. But they’ve come in and really pushed the whole thing forward. They have set the standards — it’s made all the difference.”
Next up for the newly crowned Derry senior champions is an Ulster Club Championship clash at Celtic Park against Antrim champions Dunloy on Saturday, November 1. It promises to be another stern test as they begin their provincial journey.
Elsewhere over the weekend, Glenullin claimed the Intermediate Football Championship with a 2-16 to 2-13 victory over Foreglen in Owenbeg on Saturday. On Sunday, Slaughtmanus took the Junior title after an impressive 2-15 to 1-10 win over Doire Trasna.
In camogie, Dungiven were crowned Intermediate champions after edging Ballinderry in extra time. Meanwhile, Claudy’s ladies footballers made a successful start to their Ulster Junior Championship campaign with a dramatic extra-time win over Rossa of Antrim, decided by the narrowest of margins.