Junior A Football vs Naomh Fionbarra
Tue, 2nd May 2006

Result: 02-11 to 03-01

Castleknock adult footballers continued their steady progress in the league with a well disciplined win against Finbarrs on Wednesday night in Cabra. Conditions were perfect for a game of football until it started lashing rain five minutes before the throw in, which turned the ball and surface very greasy and made conditions difficult for both sets of players.

Castleknock were a bit slow to start from the throw in possibly showing signs of tiredness from their match on Sunday but they soon got into their stride after a couple of early chances from Finbarrs went wide. A well worked move up the left hand side found Barry Farrelly and the Monaghan made no mistake firing over from about 20 yards. Castleknock kept up the attacking and time and again they opened up the Finbarrs defence. Paddy Molloy cut inside for a fine point after some scandalous off the ball behaviour from his direct marker. Gerry Kelly was then presented with a gilt edged chance after a long ball from Cathal Gallagher but for the second week running Emile Heskey took over and his shot went wide.

At the other end the Castleknock defence were playing great stuff, superbly marshaled by John Mac who was assisted by speedsters Ger O’Brien and Damien Griffen on the wings. Unfortunately Ger had to come off injured due to a hamstring strain to be replaced by Brian Kelly JPY. Not Japanese Yen you dummy its Joint Player of the Year innit?  Castleknock closed out the half with another fine score from Farrelly and then from Paddy O’Brien who got on the end of a lightning fast move to go in at the break five points up.

Half Time: Finbarrs 0-0 Castleknock 0-5

More of the same from Castleknock in the second half where Barry Farrelly won a great ball early on and promptly stuck it over the bar. Finbarrs were putting a big effort to get into the game and managed to eke a goal following some strong play from their full forward. With Eoghan O Callaghan and Stephen Lynch in midfield beginning to get the measure of the big Barrs centre fielder, Castleknock responded in the best way possible. With Paddy Molloy picking up a loose ball in midfield, he spotted Paddy O’Brien making a run and played it over the defence straight into his chest. Paddy still had a bit of work to do but he waltzed around the keeper and stuck it in the back of the net.

Finbarrs’ heads dropped again and with players like Damien Griffin and Cathal Gallagher haring up and down the wings Castleknock extended their lead with a fine point from Griffin on the run and another from Gallagher following some good passing. With the game sealed up, concentration dropped a little bit and Finbarrs managed to get in for two late goals. Paddy Molloy responded in kind with a goal for Castleknock following a super pass from Iggy O Reilly. The only action left to take place was for the referee to give the Barrs corner back the line after kicking Barry on the ground.

As the ref blew the final whistle it meant another two points in the bag for the Castleknock men who keep up their 100% league record. It’s not many teams that’ll take points from the Barrs at home.

Also can Donal Cunningham replace the Yorkie bars he ’borrowed’ after the match? They’re not for girls you know. It’s not fair on lads who pay their membership to be denied their post match snack.

Team: Eoin O’Baoill, Stephen McCabe, Denis Lally, Alan Raftery, Damien Griffin, John McMennamin, Ger O’Brien, Stephen Lynch, Eoghan O’Callaghan, Paddy O’Brien (1-1), Iggy Reilly, Cathal Gallagher (0-1), Paddy Molloy (1-5), Gerry Kelly, Barry Farrelly (0-4)
Subs: Brian Kelly, James O Connor, Colm Byrne, Ambrose Galligan