Sun, 28th May 2006

Result: 1-15 to 1-10

Castleknock showed a determined spirit to win a close encounter with a competent and competitive Erins Isle side on Sunday morning last, in Porterstown Park. For the most part of the game, Castleknock led the scoring, but in a tit-for-tat manner, never pulling too far away from the men from Finglas.

Erins Isle opened the scoring with a brace of points from 40 yards out, but John O’Meara scooped a loose ball at the edge of the square to score a well-taken goal after 10 minutes, to set a narrow lead which remained for much of the match.

The momentum of play alternated between visitors and home side pretty much throughout the remainder of the game, with the Castleknock half backs performing well under considerable pressure throughout. Approaching the half time whistle, the Castleknock full back line, which defended otherwise solidly, allowed a ball to linger uncleared in front of the goal, which resulted in an opportunistic goal for the visitors, rising their challenge at a crucial juncture – the teams went into half time at 1-5 apiece.

It was a game where defences dominated much of play. Consequently, many of the scores were taken from over 30 yards out, and both sets of half forwards and midfielders covered considerable ground. In particular, Enda Shiels topped off a great performance with 3 points to his name, and fought very determinedly for every ball which came his way.

Into the last quarter, with puckouts landing into progressively more crowded midfield areas, it was a determined Castleknock side that managed to hit over three unanswered points to put some space between themselves and the visitors, ending in a victory by five points, which belies the close contest it was.

After recent rains, the pitch surface was in perfect playing condition, and many thanks to Ciaran Prunty and Mick Lynch for preparing the pitch so well for the game. Finally, thanks to all the supporters who came down to give the team a shout.

Castleknock: Brian Lawlor, Patsy Haugh, Vinny Needham, Keith O’ Brien, Aidan Hassett, Edwin Forrest, Derek ‘Dougie’ Cormican(0-1), Gerry Mulryan(0-2), Enda Shiels(0-3), Mick Geaney(0-3), Ciaran Callagy, Ciaran O’ Dwyer(0-3), John O’ Meara(1-1), Mick Stokes(0-1). Subs: James O’ Connor, Paul Sweeney, Nicky Moore, Terry O’ Brien, Donnacha Howard.