29 Jul 2020

Castleknock 1-10 Naomh Barróg 2-12

In spite of a much improved second-half when Castleknock outscored Naomh Barróg by 1-6 0-5 in this Senior ‘B’ Hurling Championship Round Two match in Somerton this evening (July 29) the real damage had already been done by Barróg goals in the 5th and 25th minutes of a torrid first-half.

Just to emphasise the way the game ran for the home team all evening, while Barróg goaled twice, one a kicked effort, the Barróg goalkeeper made two brilliant penalty shot saves from Cian Boyle, one in each half, a huge turnaround in any game.

While Cian Boyle got Castleknock off to a good start with a pointed free on 90 seconds Naomh Barróg hit back, as the rain poured down, scoring 1-3 in the next 5 minutes to register a commanding lead.

The pressure was on Castleknock for much of the first 30 minutes and Jack Banks had to clear three times from just under his crossbar.

Meanwhile Castleknock struggled throughout with the physicality of the visitors and had to fight hard to forge points from Brian Hughes when put through by Davy Bohan, James Tolan on the run and Ronan Conway just before half-time to leave it 0-4 2-7 at the break, a difference of nine points.

The second-half was no less physical with Colm Breslin needing extensive treatment after going down off the ball, quickly followed by three Barróg points from play in as many minutes to propel them into what looked like an unassailable 12 point lead, 0-4 2-10.

After substitute Eoin Sawyer’s goal-bound shot was put out for a 65 Castleknock rallied. Cian Boyle landed the 65 along with two more frees and Colm Breslin recovered from his earlier knock sent over a beauty from the left.

Chasing a goal Castleknock won a second penalty but once again the Barróg goalkeeper was equal to it. The goal did eventually come on 28 minutes from Cian Boyle but unfortunately it was too little to save the day.

A disappointing performance then but Castleknock continued to fight until the bitter end and when you consider the team was short Niall O’Callaghan, Luke Whelan and Tadgh Kelleher through injury perhaps the overall display makes more sense.

Castleknock: Jack Banks; Jack King; Darragh McCormack; Eoghan Dalton; Liam Quinn; Cian O’Dulaing: Ciarán Murphy; Davy Bohan; Ronan Conway (0-1); Colm Breslin (0-1); Cian Boyle (1-6); James Tolan (0-1); Conal Purcell; Ciaran Carey; Brian Hughes (0-1). Subs: Eoin Sawyer; Eoghan Lyons; Conor Chawke; Max Byrne; Sean Ryan.

Manager: Emmet O’Carroll
Match report: Kevin Mallon