Junior B Football vs Naomh Barróg
Sat, 24th July 2004

Result: 1-11 to 2-03

On Saturday evening, in breezy conditions, Castleknock continued their march towards a play-off position with a well-merited victory on the road over a game Naomh Barrog side. Greater efficiency in front of goal resulted in a five point win by 1-11 to 2-3. Midfield did well in supplying the forwards who displayed some slick movement to run up 1-9 from play, with all 6 getting on the scoresheet.

Castleknock sent a number of early high balls into the danger area which caused havoc, and debut man Eoin Baoile pounced on one to calmly send it to the net when under pressure. 2 nice points from Stephen Keoghan set up a good platform for the visitors and was augmented by a point by John Corkery. John Canavan also won some good ball and it resulted in a number of scores before Alan Rafferty played a one-two with J P Corkery resulting in the midfielder sending a pile-driver narrowly wide. Mick Conner continued to forage well in midfield and his physical presence put off the Barrog midfield on many occasions, though he was booked for one over-exuberant challenge. In addition to this, the Castleknock half lines were more alert in winning the breaking ball from kickouts which was vital in keeping them in front.

Barrog created a number of chances and managed to hit the post but their forwards were always under pressure from a tight marking Castleknock full back line. The result of this was that the home side only had one point to show for their efforts at half time, with the visitors leading 1-5 to 0-1 at the break.

Despite Castleknock playing into the breeze there was no let-up for Barrog in the second half. Centre back Dave Leydon won an amount of ball at this stage which he used well to set up attacks. The forwards continued to find good space and J P Corkery sent over 2 early points from play to extend the lead. Naomh Barrog did find the net to make a contest of it, and then were awarded a controversial penalty after Mick Stokes was harshly adjudged to have held onto his marker. Fionan McDonagh showed his years of experience to remain clam and save the spot kick. Tony Corcoran continued to win possession at full forward for the Dublin 15 men and created a number of frees which J P Corkery converted to leave some breathing space between the teams.

There was a tense finish as Naomh Barrog scored a fortuitous goal to get within 4 points with 5 minutes to go. There was a number of hard hits from both sides as they went in search of victory but the visitors gave as good as they got in an entertaining match. At the death Tony Corcoran pounced on a weak kick out to score himself to leave 5 points in front at the finish.

Castleknock: Fionan McDonagh; Donal Cunningham, Mick Stokes, Barry Reilly; Paddy Gaffney, Dave Leydon, Cathal Carolan; Alan Rafferty, Mick Conner; Stephen Keoghan (0-2), J P Corkery (0-6,), John Canavan (0-1); John Corkery (0-1), Tony Corcoran (0-1), Eoin Baille (1-0). Sub Karl Conway for John Corkery.