Castletown cruise to victory
Strong Adamstown challenge faltered in second-half
CASTLETOWN ADAMSTOWN 4-9 1-3
A POWERFUL Castletown performance against the breeze in the second-half ensured they went home from St. Patrick’s Park, Enniscorthy, recently with the Rackard League boys’ football Roinn ‘B’ title.
The game looked finely balanced, with a tricky breeze slightly aiding the Castletown, Coolgreany and Tara Hill National School team in the first-half.
However, they found another gear after the interval and were sensational in accelerating past Adamstown.
It all started deep in their own half, with the confidence of goalkeeper Emmet Slator spreading throughout the team.
It was a little easier to be confident with such a strong full-back line protecting him, and Diarmuid O’Shaughnessy, Liam Kenny and Conn Ó Duibhlaing were all outstanding.
Needing a strong showing to turn the game in their favour, Luca Clopin set the tone at centre-back, with his wingmen, Eoin Kinsella and Seán McLoughlin, constant outlets for his spreading of possession.
The strong running and attacking play of Conor Fanning and Odhrán Morris gave Adamstown problems they struggled to solve.
The fact that five of the Castletown forwards scored, with Mark O’Donnell working tirelessly to chip in assisting, meant the opposition’s defence never had a breather.
It was 1-2 to nil when the excellent Dylan Bealin set the tone with an early scoring burst.
Adamstown had their best spell after the initial burst, as Jack Buckley and Martin Sinnott scored points while Alfie White poked home a goal to pull their side within one (1-3 to 1-2) after 16 minutes.
Castletown didn’t panic, and instead they chipped away with scores. Morris had earlier opened his account, but Bealin (two) and Ryan Murphy were also on target before the half-time change of ends to leave their side 1-6 to 1-2 up.
It seemed like Adamstown had every chance heading into the second-half, but Castletown didn’t let them settle.
Morris got a vital goal that dipped into the roof of the net six minutes in, and Jack Fanning forced another home three minutes later as they took control (3-6 to 1-2).
Conor Fanning, Morris and Niall Kavanagh added points to keep the scoreboard ticking over, while Cian Keating stole possession high up the field and coolly nabbed his goal later on.
Darragh Sinnott kicked a late free for Adamstown, but it was Castletown’s night as they took the Roinn ‘B’ title in style.
Castletown: Emmet Slator; Diarmuid O’Shaughnessy, Liam Kenny, Conn Ó Duibhlaing; Eoin Kinsella, Luca Clopin, Seán McLoughlin; Conor Fanning (0-1), Odhrán Morris (1-2); Niall Kavanagh (0-1), Dylan Bealin (14, 0-2 frees), Cian Keating (1-0); Jack Fanning (1-0), Ryan Murphy (0-1), Mark O’Donnell. Subs. (rolling) - Jamie McGuire, Dan Gregan, Rían Kavanagh, Matthew Redwick, Mark Barrett, Seán Weekes, Liam McNamara, Seán Kavanagh, Ethan Nolan.
Adamstown: Tristan Martin-Newsome; Charles Kent, Tadhg Furlong, James Prendergast; Jack Furlong, Jack O’Shea, Seán Murray; Darragh Sinnott (0-1 free), James Furlong; Darragh Guinan, Martin Sinnott (0-1 free), Luke Siggins; Alfie White (1-0), Jack Buckley (0-1), Thomas McDonald. Subs. (rolling) - Callum Martin, Paddy Connors, Luke Doyle, Róan English, Seán Óg Murphy, Cillian Whelan, Ben Fitzgerald, Patrick Dunleavy.
Referee: Martin Conway (Na Fianna Clonard).