Junior B Football vs St. Vincent’s
Sun, 23rd September 2007
Result: Castleknock 2-11 to St. Vincents 2-13

So close and yet so far for the Junior B footballers of Castleknock. Football is only a game but at times like this it seems a lot more than just that. Making a first appearance in the Junior D championship final in Parnell Park and supported by family and friends Castleknock did the Parish proud.

St Vincent’s started well with centre and full forward controlling matters and getting some well taken points. Wing forward Jason Corbett finished off a great move to the net with a super goal midway through the first half for the Knock. Towards the end of the half, Dan Stewart took a heavy knock to the head resulting in minor concussion. The Knock went in 0-7 to 1-3 down at half time but would have the wind at their backs in the second half.

At half time it was all to play for and the Donal rallied the troops for a repeat of the same as in the St Pats semi. Centre forward Cathal Gallagher had to move back to wingback with Tony Corcoran entering the fray. However it was Vincent’s who got the early scores and began to move out of sight. At this stage Woodsie moved outfield, big Eric came on, big Dec began to motor again and the scores came.

Castleknock managed to reel in the deficit and we were all set for a grand stand finish. Ace freetaker Deco Mahon slotted over some difficult points to bring the margin to a goal. Comeit the hour, comeit the man. Star wing-forward Jayo stepped up once again jinking through the Vincent’s defence before unleashing an unstoppable shot past the Castleknock club coach, Daire O’Neill in the Vincents goal.

All eyes switched to the referee as we were well into injury time but it looked like there was more time to play. The Knock won possession once again and a free was awarded out left. Reminding the crowd of a young Barney Rock, Deco curled over the deadball. However Vincents still had time to work the ball downfield and score another point. Draw-game, we would do it all again. With 8 minutes injury time on the clock there could be time for no more. However there was. Mathew, who had been in great form all day, kicked the ball out, only for the centre forward to win possession and launch the ball hopefully towards the posts. Misjudging the flight of the ball, the ball ended up in the net and the final whistle blew. Vincents ecstatic, Castleknock dumbstruck. Unjust but that’s sport and it is only a game after. Roll on the league quarter final when we will get to tangle with Vincents again at home in Porterstown.

Special mention to our mentors Donal Cunningham (the main man who keeps this team going through thick and thin), John Corkery (the man with the Munster connections) and Alfie Sawyer (player / selector who will be back in action next year). Thanks also to Mick Marron who prepared the team on the day. Finally, all the best to Deco and Jayo who headed off on their world travels on Tuesday.

Team: Mathew Griffin, Mick Geaney, James O’Connor, Liam Costello, Danny Stewart, Eoin Dineen, John Green, Darach McNamara, Declan Cunningham, Declan Mahon, Cathal Gallagher, Jason Corbett, Niall Tutty, Mick Stokes, Colin Woods
Subs: Tony Corcoran, Eric O’Neill, Paul Warnock, Ger Geraghty, Ollie Mannion, Noel McCroary, Keith O’Brien, Alex Griffith