Consolation for the boys in blue
OYLEGATE-GLENBRIEN CASTLETOWN 2-14 3-7 (AET) WHILE TAKING the Gorey Guardian Juvenile football Premier shield against Castletown on Wednesday in St. Patrick’s Park couldn’t make up for their hurling loss four days earlier, it at least gave Oylegate-Glenbrien something tangible at the end of a fantastic season in both codes.
Losses in finals are quickly forgotten by all those not involved, but they can linger for the players in the heat of battle. The Enniscorthy District side didn’t let that disappointment impinge on their performance as they out-lasted a gallant Castletown side.
It was a compelling game of football through. One point separated the sides - it was 2-3 to 1-5 in Castletown’s favour - after a thoroughly entertaining first-half. Many games can be close at half-time before one team runs away with it, but this was clearly going to be different as it went all the way to extra-time.
If Oylegate-Glenbrien had more of the ‘wildcards’ and moments of magic from different areas of the field, their opponents had the football knowledge and skills. It was crystal clear that Castletown were a solid unit when defending, had excellent tackling skills and have clearly been working hard in training.
They were a typical Castletown team on the break too, showing just what they were about in the opening minute when Mark Boyle handpassed across to Frankie Kavanagh who fisted to the net with the minimum of fuss.
Oylegate-Glenbrien scored the next 1-4 without reply. With Garry Conroy in the area, Joe Dunne seemed to get the final touch to beat Tom Kavanagh, after Fiachra Hourihane’s initial effort had ricocheted down off the upright.
Trailing by 1-4 to 1-0, Castletown responded with a powerful finish to the half. Moments after Danny Ryan had added his second score for Oylegate-Glenbrien, Liam Coleman cut in from the left and forced Bobby Freeman into a fine save, but the ball bounced out to Daniel Cranch and he made no mistake with the rebound.
Again Oylegate-Glenbrien had the better of the third quarter, with Adam Gethings and Hourihane adding points. However, the swings in momentum continued as Coleman drew his club level with a pair of dead-balls.
Twice the eventual champions looked to have won it, with scores from Niall Parker and Danny Ryan in the dying embers, but twice Ciarán Power responded with classy points to sent the game to extra-time (1-10 to 2-7).
Unfortunately for Castletown, their immense effort in the first 60 minutes looked to tell in overtime. Paudie Casey’s close-range major from Joe Dunne’s feed across the square, plus points from Hourihane and Ryan, gave Oylegate-Glenbrien a 2-13 to 2-7 lead after the first period of extra-time.
Tomás Cosgrave had added a score before Mark Boyle rattled the net from a clever, quick Chris Callanan free-kick, but it was too little, too late for the unrelenting north county club as Oylegate-Glenbrien held on to take the plaque.
Oylegate-Glenbrien: Bobby Freeman; Tomás Cosgrave (0-1), Peter Rowley, Mikey Nolan; Conor Nolan, Micheál Kinsella, Joseph Whelan; Niall Parker (0-1), Garry Conroy; Danny Ryan (capt., 0-4), Paudie Casey (1-0), Fiachra Hourihane (0-6, 4 frees); Kevin Cosgrave, Joe Dunne (1-0), Adam Gethings (0-2). Subs. - James Moulton for K. Cosgrave (60+1), also Adam Byrne, Mikey Kelly, Niall Mernagh.
Castletown: Tom Kavanagh; Kevin Cleary, Brian O’Leary, Dylan Goland; Mike Fenlon, Chris Callanan, Seán O’Loughlin; Cathal Meenagh, Liam Coleman (capt., 0-3 frees); Ciarán Power (0-2), Frankie Kavanagh (1-1), Darragh Canavan; Mark Doyle, Mark Boyle (1-0), Daniel Cranch (1-1). Subs. - Geoffrey Lande for Meenagh (59), Niall Roche for Lande, black card (70+1), Patrick McCarthy for Doyle (79), also Darragh Heffernan, Andy Kinsella, Shane Lambert, Colm Meenagh, Niall Roche, Seán Og Stafford, Joe Tallon, Joseph Roche, Niall Roche.
Referee: Paddy Campbell (Shelmaliers).