Adult Hurling vs St. Vincent’s
Thu, 15th April 2004
Result: 1.10 to 1.10

Hard Fought Dramatic Draw for Castleknock Hurlers

Castleknock hurlers earned a dramatic last minute draw against St. Vincent’s on Thursday 15 April. It was a high intensity game that pulsated end to end. Eventually the sides could not be separated as Donnacha Howard scored a magnificent point from half way in the dying seconds.

The Castleknock never say die attitude was apparent throughout as it became clear that St. Vincent’s were very determined to win the game. The match started with great gusto and St. Vincent’s scored first through a free. Tommy Corcoran of Waterford IT fame scored a beautiful point from play on the run. Soon after Tommy was caught by a mad swinging hurl (often seen in junior hurling) and had to go off injured. He was replaced by the legend Paul Morrissey. Mick Stokes & Mick Daly (from here on in known as the “Management”) put Morrissey in the forwards as a target man and it worked a treat.

Both sides traded points, but Vincent’s scored a wonderful point mid way through the first half. A high dropping ball was latched onto by speed by their corner forward and sent to the top corner of the net, giving Brian Lalor, the Castleknock goalkeeper no chance. Castleknock replied with points from Liam Cullen and Cuan MacAogain. At half time, the scores were a tight St. Vincent’s 1.5 Castleknock 0.5. The tie was still very much alive.

The second half roared into action and was very close throughout. The highlight of which was a superb goal by Paul Morrissey. He broke free form his marker, swivelled and on the run, buried the ball in the back of the net. St. Vincent’s were rattled but replied with a couple of good points. Patsy Haugh was very solid at full back, while the half back were beginning to dominate. John O’Meara, all star in the making was living up to his reputation and was a huge influence in defence. Liam Cullen and Cuan MacAogain scored again with a couple of points to set up a nail-biting finale.

The management brought on Enda Shiels to inject some pace into the forward line and it had its desired effect. There was nothing in it going into the final minutes and Donnacha Howard, who had a great game at midfield, scored a wonderful point from play.

Castleknock got a deserved draw from hard fought game of tough hurling.

Castleknock Scores: Cuan MacAogain (0.5). Paul Morrissey (1.0), Liam Cullen (0.3), Tommy Corcoran (0.1), Donnacha Howard (0.1).