This is the Junior A Team page.

News, Fixtures and Photos of the Junior A Team will appear here from
now on.


JUNIOR TEAM MANAGEMENT 2010

The Junior A team will be managed by Aidan Dunning.

FOOTBALL COMPETITION DRAWS 2010

Junior Championship

Garrycastle Junior A side are in Section B, which is made up of the following 8 teams: Garrycastle, Corlastown/Kinnegad, Mullingar Shamrocks, The Downs, Tyrrellspass, Castledaly, Athlone and St Lomans. Garrycastle will start their campaign against The Downs.

 

All County Football Leagues

Garrycastle’s Junior A side will compete in Division 4.

FIXTURES

Please note that the Division 4 game against Mullingar Shamrocks has been postponed. Date of re-fixture to be confirmed.

K.C. Sports Junior Football Championship (Section B): Tuesday 3rd August at 7.30pm in Garrycastle: Garrycastle –v- St Lomans (Liam McDaniel, Referee).

 

RESULTS

K.C. SPORT JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP (Section B - 19/7/10)

GARRYCASTLE 0 - 8 ATHLONE 1 - 5

Garrycastle welcomed their closest neighbours to Garrycastle last Monday evening and both sides had to be content with a point from this drawn encounter.

Kevin Dunne got the home side off to a good start with a well taken point in the 2nd minute. Athlone responded with a point. At this stage Justin McAteer and Noel Galvin were winning a lot of ball in midfield. However, the Garrycastle forwards were wasteful and hit a number of wides. Justin McAteer had a point in the 8th minute to put his side in front but Athlone hit back with a point a minute later. Justin was on hand again to put the green and red in front but again Athlone hit back almost immediately. Athlone hit the front for the first time with a good point on the stroke of half time to leave it 0-4 to 0-3 in the visitor’s favour.

Garrycastle had a lot of possession at the start of the second half but their shooting was way off and the wides mounted up. Substitute, Damien Rush, did get an equaliser after 5 minutes with a well taken point. The same player then put Garrycastle in front with a point from a free after he was fouled. Athlone had a point to level matters again in the 49th minute. Garrycastle enjoyed their best period of domination and points from Damien Rush, a free from another substitute, Kevin Hogan, gave the home side a 2 point advantage as we entered the final 5 minutes of the game. Another Damien Rush point put his side 3 points in front with just a minute remaining. However, Athlone never gave up and launched one last attack. A mistake in the Garrycastle defence allowed Athlone to grab a draw with a goal with almost the last kick of the game. The final score was 0-8 to 1-5.

Garrycastle had enough chances to have won this game and were punished for the large number of wides during the game. The Athlone side was also guilty of some glaring misses. John Murphy and Sean Brennan were prominent in defence. Justin McAteer started brightly but faded somewhat towards the end. Kevin Dunne and Damien Rush were to the fore in attack.

GARRYCASTLE: Stephen McGuire, John Murphy, Anthony Duignan, Alan Fox, Gary Mullery, Sean Brennan, Padraig Donoghue, Justin McAteer (0-2), Noel Galvin, Brian Carty, Neil Rattigan, Kevin Dunne (0-1), Peadar Mulvihill, Robbie Shine and Padraig Cosgrove.
SUBS: Damien Rush for R Shine (0-4, 1f; h/t, inj); Kevin Hogan (0-1, 1f) for N Rattigan (44 min); Paul Donovan for P Mulvihill (47 min); Gary McCallon for P Donoghue (50 min) and Ian Turley for B Carty (58 min).

JFC (B) : P 4; W 1; D 2; L 1; Pts 4


ALL COUNTY LEAGUE (DIVISION 4 - 13/7/10)

GARRYCASTLE 4-9 ST LOMANS 2-9

The Garrycastle Junior A side maintained their 100% league record with a hard fought but merited win over the home side in Lakepoint Park last Tuesday evening. This win means that if Garrycastle can secure at least a draw their final game against Mullingar Shamrocks they will win this division.

Garrycastle made a solid start and had a point from Robbie Shine in the 3rd minute. A goal followed from Noel Galvin to put his side 4 points to the good. Rory McGowan stretched the lead to 5 with a well taken point after 9 minutes. St Lomans registered a point in the 14th minute and followed this up with a second point a minute later. However, the home side were rocked back when a second Garrycastle goal came in the 16th minute, courtesy of the boot of Rory McGowan. However, St Lomans responded well to that setback and goat a vital goal in the 17th minute to leave just 3 points between the sides. Conor Cosgrove had his side’s 3rd point of the half with a good score. St Lomans responded with points in the 22nd and 27th minutes to leave the score at 2-3 to 1-4 in Garrycastle’s favour at the break.

Garrycastle were fastest out of the traps in the second half with points from Shane Mulvihill and Noel Galvin in the first couple of attacks. A third Garrycastle goal arrived in the 35th minute from Conor Cosgrove to increase their lead to 7 points. Shane Mulvihill had his second point almost immediately and it established a significant lead at that stage. St Lomans hit back with two pointed frees and were exerting some pressure on the Garrycastle defence. Conor Cosgrove lifted the siege with a well taken point, but St Lomans hit back with yet another point from a free. Two points in quick succession from the home side reduced the gap to 6 points before a point from Robbie Shine steadied the Garrycastle ship. A goal from Justin McAteer mad the result safe in the 55th minute and this was followed up with a fine point from Padraig Cosgrove. St Lomans replied with a goal of their own with just 2 minutes remaining, but it was too late for a recovery. The final score was 4-9 to 2-9 in Garrycastle’s favour at Brendan Keena’s whistle.

Garrycastle did enough to win this encounter and set up a decisive final game with an excellent chance of winning the division 4 league title. There were good performances on the night from John Murphy, Anthony Larkin and Tom McHugh in defence. Noel Galvin and Justin McAteer held sway in the midfield battle as well as each contributing important goals, while Robbie Fox (before he had to retire with an injury), Rory McGowan, Conor Cosgrove and Robbie Shine took the scoring honours. A feature of the game was the fact that all of the Garycastle scores came from open play.

GARRYCASTLE: Stephen McGuire, John Murphy, Sean Brennan, Anthony Duignan, Gary Mullery, Tom McHugh, Anthony Larkin, Noel Galvin (1-1), Justin McAteer (1-0), Padraig Cosgrove (0-1), Shane Mulvihill (0-2), Robbie Fox, Conor Cosgrove (1-2), Rory McGowan (1-1) and Robbie Shine (0-2).
SUBS: Brian Carty for R Fox (inj, 26 min); James Duignan for S Mulvihill (inj, 47 min) and Alan Fox for A Duignan (49 min).

ACL Div 4: P 6; W 6; D 0; L 0; Pts 12

K.C. Sport Junior Football Championship (Section B – 27/6/10)

GARRYCASTLE 0 - 16 CORALSTOWN/KINNEGAD 2 - 10

Garrycastle junior side came away from Kinnegad last Saturday evening with a point after a titanic battle against the home side. Garrycastle were missing so many regulars that they had only 15 players available and each and every one put in a fine performance.

Garrycastle found themselves a goal and two points in arrears after only 5 minute of play and at that stage it looked like Coralstown/Kinnegad would record an easy win over the depleted visitors. However, the Garrycastle boys showed their battling qualities and slowly but surely got themselves back into the game. A point from Robbie Shine in the 6th minute was their first score of the game and the same player had his second point in the 11th minute. A good point from Paul Donovan left just 2 points between the sides. A pointed free from Robbie Shine reduced the margin to the minimum after 15 minutes. A Coralstown/Kinnegad point put them further ahead and Garrycastle were thankful to their goalkeeper, Stephen McGuire, a minute later when he made a wonderful save from a penalty to keep his side in touch. Justin McAteer then hit over a point after a strong run to reduce the margin to 1 point again. Garrycastle were level in the 23rd minute when Paul Donovan got his second score after good approach play. However, disaster struck for the visitors in the 25th minute when Tom McHugh lost his footing as he was about to field a high ball and this allowed a Coralstown/Kinnegad forward to gain possession and fire the ball to the net for their second goal. Garrycastle again responded with determination and had the last score of the half, when Damien Rush pointed from close range to leave the score 2-3 to 0-7 in favour of Coralstown/Kinnegad at the break.

Coralstown/Kinnegad made the better start to the second half and had points in the 33rd minute (a free) and the 34th minute. Garrycastle responded with points from Damien Rush, Justin McAteer and a Robbie Shine free to again reduce the gap to the minimum after 36 minutes. Garrycastle’s hopes received a sever blow soon afterwards when Johnny McGuire was injured and as Garrycastle had no substitute available, he had to swap places with his brother Stephen and take up duty (on one foot) between the posts. The game was in the melting pot at this stage and both sides were attacking at will. Coralstown/Kinnegad had a point in the 43rd minute but Padraig Cosgrove responded with a point for Garrycastle. Another Coralstown/Kinnegad point came almost immediately but Robbie Fox hit over a point and a fisted effort from Robbie Shine put his side level for the first time in the 50th minute. Coralstown/Kinnegad jumped ahead again a couple of minutes later only for Garrycastle to draw level when Paul Donovan shot over a point with six minutes of normal time remaining. Garrycastle grabbed the lead in the 57th minute when Robbie Shine shot over a point; however, Coralstown/Kinnegad drew level again a minute later. Damien Rush put his side into the lead with a well taken point in the 59th minute. Coralstown/Kinnegad pressed forward and struck over the levelling point in the 2nd minute of injury time. This was to be the last of the action in what was an action packed encounter.

Garrycastle battled well after a poor start and showed great resolve to forge ahead in the closing stages. However, they were not able to hold on for a win and had to share the points on offer. There were good displays from Gary Mullery, Justin McAteer, Paul Donovan, Robbie Shine and Damien Rush.

GARRYCASTLE: Stephen McGuire, Gary Mullery, Tom McHugh, Sean Brennan, Brian Carty, Johnny McGuire, Peadar Mulvihill, Noel Galvin, Justin McAteer (0-2, 1f), Kevin Dunne, Padraig Cosgrove (0-1), Robbie Fox (0-1), Paul Donovan (0-3), Damien Rush (0-3) and Robbie Shine (0-6, 2f).

ALL COUNTY LEAGUE (Division 4) 24/6/10

GARRYCASTLE 4-10 BALLYCOMOYLE 1-6

Garrycastle Junior A side made the long journey to Ballycomoyle last Thursday evening and came away with their perfect league record intact having secured a well deserved win over the home side.

Damien Rush got Garrycastle off to a good start when he got possession and a smart turn gave him the opportunity to fire over the opening point in the 3rd minute. Ballycomoyle responded a couple of minutes later when they converted a free to level matters. Justin McAteer made a good run from midfield and seemed to lose control of the ball as he was about to shoot. However, he reacted quickly and smashed the loose ball to the net to raise the game’s first green flag in the 6th minute. Conor Cosgrove hit over his side’s second point in the 9th minute to stretch the lead to 4 points. The home side hit back strongly and points in the 11th and 12th minutes, the latter coming from a free, to reduced the margin. Garrycastle now established a strong hold on midfield and this resulted in a lot of good ball being played into the Garrycastle forwards. A point from Robbie Shine was followed-up with a second Garrycastle goal from Rory McGowan after good approach play. Rory was also on hand a couple of minutes later to grab his second and Garrycastle’s third goal of the game to put his side 3-3 to 0-3 ahead in the 20th minute. Points from Robbie Shine and Padraig Cosgrove increased the Garrycastle lead. However, the home side had the last score of the half with a good point from play to leave the visitors in the lead by 3-5 to 0-4 at the break.

The second half took a similar pattern to the first with Garrycastle enjoying the majority of the possession. However, Garrycastle were guilty of some over-elaboration and passed up some good opportunities to take points by opting to shoot unsuccessfully for goals. Points from Conor Cosgrove, Robbie Shine (a free), Justin McAteer and Rory McGowan pushed the visitors even further ahead with 13 minutes of the second half elapsed. Garrycastle seemed to ease up a bit at that stage and Ballycomoyle responded with their best period of the game. Points for Ballycomoyle in the 46th and 54th minutes reduced the gap between the sides. A good incisive attack by Ballycomoyle saw then raise a green flag, although given that this was in the 58th minute it was something of a consolation score. Robbie Shine was rewarded for his good performance when he was on the end of a good passing move to register his side’s fourth goal in the final minute of normal time. There was just enough time for the visitors to complete the scoring when wing back, Peadar Mulvihill, exchanged passes and slotted over a good point from the left to leave the final score 4-10 to 1-6 in Garrycastle’s favour.

This was a good team performance and given the absence of some regulars from this game will give Manager, Aidan Dunning, and his selectors a number of team selection question going into the remaining games. John O’Shaughnessy and James Duignan anchored the defence. Seanie O’Donoghue and Justin McAteer held sway throughout in the middle of the park. There were good displays in attack from Rory McGowan, Robbie Fox and Robbie Shine.

GARRYCASTLE: Stephen McGuire, Gary Mullery, John O’Shaughnessy, Sean Brennan, Peadar Mulvihill (0-1), James Duignan, Anthony Larkin, Justin McAteer (1-1), Seanie O’Donoghue, Padraig Cosgrove (0-1), Rory McGowan (2-1), Robbie Fox (1-0), Conor Cosgrove (0-2), Damien Rush (0-1) and Robbie Shine (0-3, 1f).
SUB: Kevin Dunne for D Rush (inj, 38 min).

ALL COUNTY LEAGUE (Division 4 - 8 June 2010)

GARRYCASTLE 4 – 15 BALLYNACARGY 1 – 3

Garrycastle Junior A side made it four wins out of four in Division 4 in Garrycastle last Tuesday evening. The game was played in wet conditions, which made it difficult for the players on both sides to handle the ball and maintain their footing.

The visitors got off to the better start and were rewarded in the 2nd minute with a point from a close range free. Garrycastle’s first score however was a goal from Conor Cosgrove after some good approach play. Alan Daly struck over a point from the next attack to increase the lead for the home side. The Ballynacargy goalkeeper made a very good save from Alan Daly at the expense of a 45 meter kick, which Conor Cosgrove expertly converted in the 13th minute. Alan Daly was again on hand to score a point and Conor Cosgrove had his own and Garrycastle’s second goal in the 17th minute. The game was all but ended as a contest a minute later when Justin McAteer was on hand to steer the ball past the goalkeeper to the net for Garrycastle’s third goal. Shane Mulvihill hit over a smart point from 35 meters before Ballynacargy responded with a point from play. Patrick Mulvihill had a point in the 23rd minute which proved to be the last score of the half, leaving Garrycastle in the lead by 3-5 to 0-2 at the break.

A point from Alan Daly stretched Garrycastle’s lead at the start of the second half. Ballynacargy responded with a point a minute later. James Duignan and Justin McAteer converted a free each to put Garrycastle further ahead. Rory McGowan had two points in a row before another Alan Daly free put daylight between the sides. However, Ballynacargy were given some hope when they carved open the Garrycastle defence to raise a green flag. This was soon cancelled out with a fourth Garrycastle goal in the 53rd minute of play from Rory McGowan. Points from substitutes Padraig Cosgrove, Peadar Mulvihill (who got 2) and David McHugh completed the scoring.

This was a comprehensive win for Garrycastle and puts them in a strong position in this division. There were good performances from John Murphy and Tom McHugh at the back. James Duignan and Noel Galvin held sway in the middle. The forwards caused many problems for the visiting defence with Patrick Mulvihill, Justin McAteer, Alan Daly and Conor Cosgrove most prominent.

GARRYCASTLE: Stephen McGuire, Gary Mullery, John O’Shaughnessy, John Murphy, Sean Brennan, Tom McHugh, Anthony Larkin, James Duignan (0-1, 1f), Noel Galvin, Shane Mulvihill (0-1), Patrick Mulvihill (0-1), Justin McAteer (1-1, 0-1f), Alan Daly (0-4, 1f), Rory McGowan (1-2) and Conor Cosgrove (2-1, 0-1 45mt).

SUBS: Padraig Cosgrove (0-1) for Conor Cosgrove (38 min); David McHugh (0-1) for Shane Mulvihill (38 min); Sean O’Donoghue for Sean Brennan (inj, 40 min); Peadar Mulvihill (0-2) for Patrick Mulvihill (42 min) and Brian Carty for James Duignan (45 min).

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP (Section B - 1 June 2010)

TYRRELLSPASS 2-9 GARRYCASTLE 2-7

Garrycastle welcomed Tyrrellspass in this re-arranged game last Tuesday evening in Garrycastle. However, the visitors went away with the spoils after a close and hard fought encounter.

Garrycastle stated brightly and took the lead within 30 seconds, when Justin McAteer went on a strong run right thought the centre of the Tyrrellspass defence and hit over a point. Tyrrellspass responded with a point soon after and Garrycastle regained the lead when Padraig Cosgrove hit over a free in the 6th minute. The same player was on hand a minute later to finish a good move by scoring a goal. Tyrrellspass again responded with a point but Peadar Mulvihill restored Garrycastle’s lead with a well taken point from play. A couple of Tyrrellspass points reduced the margin with about 20 minutes on the clock. Stephen McGuire then brought off a fine save to deny Tyrrellspass a goal. A further Tyrrellspass point reduced the margin further. The visitors were then thankful to their goalkeeper for a fine save to prevent Justin McAteer’s shot from finding the net. Tyrrellspass had another point. Justin was then on hand to hit over a point to leave his side in the lead by 1-4 to 0-5 at the break.

Tyrrellspass got the first score of the second period but Padraig Cosgrove responded with a point to keep his side 2 points to the good. Justin McAteer again went on a strong run and was fouled. However, Referee Liam McDaniel cancelled the free and threw up the ball because of dissent by a Garrycastle player. They were made to pay, as Tyrrellspass went up the field and hit over a point. The visitors took the lead in the 41st minute when the found the net. Another point for the visitors put them further ahead. A Padraig Cosgrove free kept his side in touch and Noel Galvin chipped in with a good point to leave them a point in arrears. A Tyrrellspass point was followed by a second goal as time ran out. Garrycastle’s Johnny McGuire was shown a second yellow card (flowed by a red card) in the final minutes of the game. Garrycastle did have one more attack and Justin McAteer was fouled close in and shot to the net from the resulting free. However, there was no time left for Garrycastle to get the necessary scores.

Garrycastle will be very disappointed to have lost this game, particularly as they had enough opportunities to have sealed a win. There were good displays from Stephen McGuire, Anthony Duignan and Tom McHugh in defence. Noel Galvin worked hard throughout. Johnny McGuire and Padraig Cosgrove were most prominent in attack.

GARRYCASTLE: Stephen McGuire, Gary Mullery, Anthony Duignan, Padraig Donoghue, Sean Brennan, Tom McHugh, Anthony Larkin, Justin McAteer (1-2, 0-1 f), Noel Galvin (0-1), David McHugh, Colman Gantley, Peadar Mulvihill (0-1), Brian Carty, Johnny McGuire and Padraig Cosgrove (1-3, 0-2f).
SUB: Ian Turley for C Gantley (42 min).

ACL (Division 4 - 28/5/10)

GARRYCASTLE 3 – 11 CASTLEDALY 1 – 5

Garrycastle’s Junior A side made the short journey to Castledaly for this re-arranged league tie last Friday evening. Having gained maximum points to date the visitors were determined to keep up their challenge for the league title and got off to a blistering start, scoring a goal and two points within 3 minutes of the throw-in. The goal arrived almost from the start when a shot for goal by Johnny McGuire was blocked but Alan Daly displayed all of his predatory instincts and pounced on the loose ball to crash it to the Castledaly net. James Duignan followed up with a point from play and Alan Daly was again on target with a point from play. As expected Castledaly responded in determined fashion, scoring a point from play a minute later. Patrick Mulvihill was unlucky when a well drilled shot hit the post and rebounded to safety. Castledaly got right back into the game in the 9th minute, when referee Seamus McCormack awarded a penalty for a foul in the large rectangle, which was dispatched to the Garrycastle net to leave just a point between the sides. A point from Conor Cosgrove pushed Garrycastle further ahead and this was soon followed by a point from Patrick Mulvihill. The same player then had a chance to further increase his side’s lead, when Garrycastle were awarded the game’s second penalty for a foul on Rory McGowan as he bore down on goal. However, Patrick’s penalty kick was wide on the left. Alan Daly was on target with a point from a free and them Shane Mulvihill fisted a point as we approached the 22nd minute. A second Garrycastle goal came soon afterwards after good approach play, full forward Johnny McGuire drilled a powerful shot to the net. Castledaly responded with a point from a close in free but Conor Cosgrove had the final say in the scoring stakes in the last minute of the half with a well taken point to leave the score 2-7 to 1-2 in Garrycastle’s favour at the break.

It was no surprise that the home side took the game to Garrycastle at the start of the second half. They were rewarded with points in the 36th and 37th minutes to help reduce the gap to six points. However, Garrycastle responded well and a point from Sean Brennan had his side scoring again. Garrycastle dominated play for the remainder of the game, with points from Alan Daly, Conor Cosgrove (2 – 1 from a 45 meter kick and one from a free) and a second goal from Alan Daly in the final minute to leave the scorline 3-11 to 1-5 at the end.

Team Manager, Aidan Dunning, and his selectors will be pleased at this win over tough opposition. However, there were times that they were sloppy and could have taken points rather than going for goal. There were good displays from John Murphy, Sean Brennan and Tom McHugh in defence. James Duignan and Noel Galvin dominated the centre and gave a plentiful supply to the forwards. Patrick Mulvihill (who gave a display of high fielding in the second half), Alan Daly and Conor Cosgrove were prominent in attack.

GARRYCASTLE: Stephen McGuire, Gary Mullery, Anthony Duignan, John Murphy, Sean Brennan (0-1), Tom McHugh, Anthony Larkin, Noel Galvin, James Duignan (0-1), Shane Mulvihill (0-1), Patrick Mulvihill (0-1), Rory McGowan, Alan Daly (2-3, 0-1f), Johnny McGuire (1-0) and Conor Cosgrove (0-4, 1f, 1 45m).
SUBS: Peadar Mulvihill for S Mulvihill (45 min); Colman Gantley for J McGuire (45 min); Brian Carty for R McGowan (51 min); Adam Kennedy for G Mullery (54 min) and Padraig Donoghue for A Duignan (58 min).

ACL DIVISION 4 (20/5/10)

GARRYCASTLE 1 - 11 THE DOWNS 2 - 6

For the third time in recent weeks Garrycastle faced The Downs at adult level in the league last Tuesday. Garrycastle had edged out their opponents in both Senior and Junior championship so The Downs arrived in Garrycastle determined to avoid a third defeat. Garrycastle had the better of the first half but an obsession with scoring goals when points were there for the taking cost them several scores. Nevertheless, there were well-taken points from play by Paddy Mulvihill (2), Robbie Fox, Alan Daly, Johnny McGuire and Mark McCallon. Good work by Shane Mulvihill set up a goal from the alert Alan Daly and Garrycastle led by 1-6 to 0-3 at half time.

An early Johnny McGuire point after the break should have given Garrycastle the impetus to build up a winning total but a lack of urgency and application allowed The Downs back into the game. The Downs’ drew encouragement from a missed penalty by Garrycastle, and they landed two points, followed by a goal to reduce the deficit to two points with 15 minutes remaining. Garrycastle’s response was impressive, as Shane Mulvihill and Conor Cosgrove (2) sent over three points of the highest quality. The Downs responded with a point before Alan Daly pointed a free to give Garrycastle an apparently comfortable five point lead. Typically, however, The Downs refused to concede defeat and were right back in the game when Joe Corroon notched their second goal with three minutes remaining. After a few anxious minutes the final whistle sounded to signal a narrow victory for the home team.

Garrycastle will be relieved to collect two valuable points from this fixture, but will be concerned at their failure to build on a good start. Of more concern will be the injuries sustained by Robbie Fox, Mark McCallon and Paddy Mulvihill which could prove costly over the next few weeks. On a brighter note, it was great to see Tom McHugh back in competitive action following his recent illness.

The next leaguefixture for this team is a visit to Castledaly on Friday next, 28th May.

GARRYCASTLE: Stephen McGuire, Conor Harrington, Anthony Duignan, Gary Mullery, Anthony Larkin, Sean Brennan, Mark McCallon (0-1), James Duignan, Noel Galvin, Shane Mulvihill (0-1), Paddy Mulvihill (0-2), Robbie Fox (0-1), Alan Daly (1-2), Johnny McGuire (0-2), Conor Cosgrove (0-2).

SUBS: Padraig Cosgrove (for Fox), Tom McHugh (for Mullery), John Murphy (for McCallon), Peadar Mulvihill (for Shane Mulvihill), Colman Gantley.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP (Section B - 6/5/10)

GARRYCASTLE 1 – 9 THE DOWNS 1 – 7

Garrycastle junior side got their junior championship off to a winning start with a hard fought but deserved win over the home team in this re-arranged fixture last Thursday evening. Garrycastle got off to a flyer, when full-forward Johnny McGuire won possession from a long delivery from the throw-in and shot over a point in his side’s first attack. They increased their lead a minute later, when wing back, Robbie Fox, broke forward and hit over a good point. Garrycastle were rocked back in the 3rd minute, when possession was surrendered in an attack and The Downs broke forward with speed to carve open the Garrycastle defense and raise a green flag. Garrycastle leveled matter in the 5th minute with a point from Padraig Cosgrove. The Downs then started to dictate the play and registered 3 unanswered points, the first of which came from a free, to put the home side into a 3 point lead as the mid point of the half approached. However, Garrycastle’s cause was given a major boost a minute later, when Stephen McGuire brought off a wonderful save to keep his side in the game. Garrycastle had the next score, a point from Peadar Mulvihill to reduce the margin to 2 points. The home side had a point from play to again lead by 3, but Garrycastle responded with a fisted point from Johnny McGuire, a point from wing back Anthony Larkin and a point in injury time from Justin McAteer to leave the scores level at the break on 0-7 to 1-4.
Garrycastle got off to the better start in the second period and took the lead with a point from a free by Padraig Cosgrove. A significant score arrived a couple of minutes later, when Johnny McGuire was fed possession and he powered on to lash the ball to the net, leaving his side 4 points to the good. Pointed frees in the 42nd and 45th minutes saw The Downs reduce the gap to 2 points with plenty of time remaining. A pointed free from Justin McAteer restored Garrycastle’s 3 point advantage, but this was cancelled out with a point for the Downs in the 49th minute. Both sides had chances to score but the remaining 11 minutes, and some 4 minutes of injury time, failed to produce any scores.
There were some excellent individual performances; however, it was a battling team effort throughout that brought about this win. Conor Harrington, John Murphy, John Brennean, and Robbie Fox were solid throughout. The midfield pair of Justin McAteer and Noel Galvin gave Garrycastle the edge in that sector. Johnny McGuire was the most prominent forward, but received good support from David McHugh and Padraig Cosgrove.

GARRYCASTLE: Stephen McGuire, Gary Mullery, Conor Harrington, John Murphy, Anthony Larkin (0-1), Sean Brennan, Robbie Fox (0-1), Justin McAteer (0-2, 0-1f), Noel Galvin, David McHugh, Padraig Cosgrove (Capt, 0-2, 0-1f), Brian Carty, Paul Mulvihill, Johnny McGuire (1-2) and Peadar Mulvihill (0-1).
SUBS: Gary McCallon for Paul Mulvihill (half time); Padraig Donoghue for Brian Carty (48 min) and Michael O’Donoghue for Peadar Mulvihill (57 min).

 

ALL COUNTY LEAGUE (DIVISION 4 - 14/4/2010)

GARRYCASTLE 4-17 ST JOSEPHS 0-10

Garrycastle Junior A team got their league campaign off to a winning start against St Josephs in Garrycastle last Wednesday evening, the game having being brought forward from Sunday.

Garrycastle started in fine fashion and had their first point from the boot of Noel Galvin in under 60 seconds. A second point from Rory McGowan soon followed as Garrycastle dominated possession in the early stages. A point from Conor Gosgrove was followed within a minute by a goal from the same player to put Garrycastle into a 1-3 lead with only 8 minutes elapsed. St Josephs had their first score in the 9th minute, a point from play. However, Garrycastle continued to dominate and points from James Duignan, Shane Mulvihill and Anthony Larkin established a good lead midway through the first half. St Josephs steadied and had their best period of attacking play at this stage. Points in the 16th 18th and 19th minutes, all of which came from play, reduced the gap and gave the visitors some encouragement. However, Garrycastle struck for their second goal of the game in the 21st minute when Patrick Mulvihill was on the end of a slick move to flick the ball to the net. St Josephs responded with a point from a free. Garrycastle pressed on and got points from Shane Mulvihill, James Duignan and Padraig Cosgrove as the half drew to a close. St Josephs had the last score of the half, a pointed free, just before Liam McDaniel’s whistle blew for the break leaving Garrycastle ahead by 2-9 to 0-6.

If anything the second period was a more one-sided affair. Points from Conor Cosgrove and substitute, Robbie Fox, pushed the home side further ahead. St Josephs had a point in the 40th minute before a free was put over the bar by Patrick Mulvihill. St Josephs had another point, but Patrick Mulvihill cancelled that out with another point from play. St Josephs had a golden opportunity to raise a green flag when a penalty was awarded following a foul close to the Garrycastle goal at the mid point of the half. However, Johnny McGuire who was deputising in goal in the absence of this brother Stephen, made a good save and the danger was cleared. The result was effectively decided with a two goal burst from the home side when Mark McCallon and Patrick Mulvihill each raised the green flag. Points from substitute, Damien Rush and Noel Galvin stretched the lead even further. St Josephs showed good spirit and hit back with two points of their own, both frees, in the 56th and 57th minutes. However, Garrycastle were determined to press home their advantage and Justin McAteer struck over two points from open play in the final minutes.

Manager, Aidan Dunning, and his selectors will be well pleased with the result and the overall performance. There was a good spread of scores throughout the team. However, there is still room for improvement as this league progresses. There were good performances from Conor Harrington, Justin McAteer and Anthony Larkin in defence. James Duignan and Noel Galvin dominated midfield throughout. Patrick Mulvihill, Conor Cosgrove and Shane Mulvihill (in the first half) impressed in attack.

GARRYCASTLE: Johnny McGuire, Sean Brennan, Anthony Duignan, Conor Harrington, Mark McCallon (1-0), Justin McAteer (0-2), Anthony Larkin (0-1), James Duignan (0-2), Noel Galvin (0-2), Shane Mulvihill (0-2), Patrick Mulvihill (2-2, 0-1f), Rory McGowan (0-1), Conor Cosgrove (1-2), Alan Daly and Padraig Cosgrove (0-1).
SUBS: Robbie Fox (0-1) for S Mulvihill (half-time); Damien Rush (0-1) for A Daly (half-time); Gary Mullery for S Brennan (34 min); David McHugh for P Cosgrove (38 min) and Peadar Mulvihill for C Cosgrove (49 min).

PHOTOS