Junior A Football vs Erin go Breagh
Sun, 8th June 2003
Result: 2-10 to 0-10

ERIN GO BREAGH 0-10 CASTLEKNOCK 2-10

After a fortnight break due to Dublin’s Championship match last weekend, Castleknock returned to league action on Sunday Morning against Erin Go Breagh (8 June ’03). As Go Breagh are based in Porterstown, all that was required from the Castleknock lads was to encamp 100 metres to the “away” pitch.

Gerry Kelly was a non-starter for Castleknock, a big blow considering the form the half forward’s in at the moment. By all accounts, he was at home with the family practising penalties or something!!

From the off, the heat was obviously going to be a factor in the game, with the sun splitting the stones for the whole 60 minutes. Alas, Davy Leydon need not have used his St Tropez fake tan after-all then.

The ’knock started well and quickly had a few points on the board. Good work from Mick Geeney and David Dempsey, led to points for McBrearty, Farrelly and Smith. Erin Go Breagh responded with a couple of points of their own but Castleknock still led the way after twenty minutes, with Dec Reilly impressive in the middle.

Then 2 goals in quick succession gave Castleknock the initiative. The first was a scrappy goal, with full-forward Smith getting the final touch from 2 yards. The second was gifted to Castleknock. An Loach robbed the ball from an advancing defender and fed The Legend, who skilfully side footed the ball into the corner, ala Robbie Keane. Landsdowne Road, Croke Park, Porterstown, its all the same!! Castleknock entered the break with a final point from Leydon to leave the score 0-4 to 2-5 in favour of the away side.

The second half was a much tougher affair for Castleknock, who never really got into a rhythm after the break. Erin Go Breagh began to gnaw away at the ‘Knocks lead with a few unanswered points early on. And as the game went on, the home teams efforts for a goal became more desperate, with only great saves and tackles by Tom Quinn and the entire fullback line preventing what seemed an inevitable goal. With the heat baking the players, it seemed Castleknock were wilting in the sun. But a great response mid-way through the second half, saw several points kicked over by Farrelly and McKillen. These scores settled Castleknock and strangled any chances Go Breagh had of a comeback against their local rivals. The game finished on a sour note for Castleknock, with wing back Willie Fogarty falling awkwardly, with what seemed a possible dislocated shoulder. Luckily though, Tony Nulty was on hand to help, no better man in such a situation!! Get well soon Willie.

So Castleknock continued their campaign in Junior 3 with a hard fought victory. It may not have been very far away but an “away” victory it was and so Castleknock keep alive their chances of an outside play-off spot.

Team: Tom Quinn, Martin Griffen, Shane Reilly, Denis Lally, David Dempsey, Willie Fogarty, Mick Geeney, Declan Reilly, Eoghan O Callaghan, Peter McKillen, Barry Farrelly, Conal McBrearty, David Leydon, Dominic Smith, Patsy McGinnell.
Sub used: Tony Corcoran for Conal McBrearty.
Subs:Stephen, Ambrose and Paddy – the Cavan Mafia.