Junior A Football vs Ballinteer St. Johns
Sun, 16th February 2003
Result: 2-07 to 1-08

Castleknock 2-7 Ballinteer St Johns 1-8

Castleknock returned to Porterstown on Sunday morning after a few games “on the road”, to record a fantastic victory over Ballinteer. After some early season defeats, Castleknock got back on the wagon, to produce a performance which could have graced any balmy July evening.

St Johns were promoted from junior 3 last season, the league in which the Castleknock men will be plying their trade this year. This only goes to emphasis the effort and commitment put in by all the players on Sunday.

The game was actually delayed for 20 minutes – crowd congestion we believe (thankfully the Gardaí said everything passed off peacefully and the fans were a credit to the club!!). On such a bitterly cold day, the delay was not what the doctor ordered.

When the match did get underway, the sheer physical intensity was there for all to see, with powerful hits ten-a-penny. In what was a high quality first half, Castleknock were driven on by Stephen Lynch in midfield. The young man emphasised his class with a magnificent performance. But he was ably supported by the equally impressive quartet of David Dempsey, Peter McKillen, Barry Farrelly and Tony Nulty between the posts.

At half time, Castleknock trailed by 0-3 to 0-5. The 3 points came from a Dominic Smith free, and 2 from the irrepressible Peter “roadrunner” Mckillen. 

Inside the first few minutes of the second half, Castleknock conceded a goal. It was desperately unlucky as the ball hit the post, only to fall into the hands of an on-rushing forward. But this set back only seemed to galvanise Castleknock, who from that moment on took the game to their more illustrious opponents.

A great goal from Barry Farrelly, was quickly followed by another from Niall Tutty, as Castleknock upped the pace. Further points from the rampant Barry Farrelly and David Leydon put Castleknock into an unassailable lead. A fantastic victory, just the fillet for next week.

Sunday’s match saw the emergence of new players, who are sure to be the backbone of Castleknock’s season. But the whole team was fantastic at the weekend against what were classy opponents. Even P. Wade put in a great performance as umpire – “his composure was a joy to watch” was just one of many favourable remarks after the match!!!

Team and Scorers: Tony Nulty, Michael Geaney, Shane Reilly, Dennis Lally, Colm McGuckian, David Leydon (0-1), David Dempsey, Stephen Lynch, Declan Reilly, Peter McKillen (0-2), Barry Farrelly (1-3), Conal McBrearty, Niall Tutty (1-0), Dominic Smith (0-1), Martin Griffen. Subs Used: Eoghan Maloney, Stephen Keogan.