Premier A final too close to call
THE most coveted league trophy of Kerry soccer is up for grabs at Mounthawk Park next Sunday when Listowel Celtic and Castleisland meet in the Denny Premier A final.
Seldom has a final aroused so much widespread interest and a bumper crowd is anticipated for the big showdown. With both teams vying for this major accolade it should make a great game with very little between two sides.
Listowel Celtic qualified for the final with plenty to spare as they were undefeated in 20 games winning 14 and drawing six, while Castleisland just lost one game. Celtic are a young team that play an attractive brand of football and they have been scoring a lot of goals.
Meanwhile, Castleisland had to battle harder for their place in the final with their win over The Park assuring them a place in the decider. In their two meetings in the league Listowel won 6 - 1 in Listowel and the game in Castleisland ended scoreless.
Castleisland reached the Premier A final two years ago and lost in a replay to The Park on penalties. The sides play different styles of football with Celtic keeping the ball on the deck as often as possible, while Castleisland and a much more physical and are particularly dangerous in set piece and dead ball situations.
On the form book Listowel Celtic would seem to have the capability of going all the way, but Castleisland have a wealth of experience behind them and this will stand to them when the chips are down.
The big question facing Listowel Celtic is “Will they be able to deal with the physical strength and aerial bombardment that Castleisland engage in, while Celtic will rightly have the tag of favouritism Castleisland can close the gate if they go ahead and this capability could see them over the line. The last time the sides met in a major final was in 1995 The Greyhound Bar Cup and Listowel won 1-0 with Alan Grimes getting the winning goal. Among the big names on the side on that occasion for Castleisland were Edmond Harnett, Tom Lynch, Tommy Hickey, Tom Horan, John Lordan, Tommy O’Connor, Pa O’Rourke and Tom Cox.
The big names on the Celtic included Jerome and Stephen Stack, Sean Carey, Mikey Kelliher, Pat Canavan and Alan Grimes. They met in the League final in 2001 with Listowel also winning with Mikey Paul Kelliher getting both of their goals.
Listowel Celtic manager Aiden O’Connor is optimistic that his side can go all the way.
“We are unbeaten in the league all season and we would like to round it all off by winning the final. There is very little between the sides so it's a 50/50 affair. We have had a fantastic season with great commitment given by all the squad.
“We have scored a lot of goals and Darragh O’Shea has been excellent in goals. The attitude of the players has been excellent all season and that has contributed in a major way to their success story.”
Meanwhile, Castleisland boss Mike McCarthy is upbeat regarding his sides chances.
“It is a 50/50 game with very little between the sides but I think we have a good chance of winning the game if we play up to scratch. We play different styles of football and have done well with our own systems. Finals are difficult to predict and anything can happen on the day.
Listowel Celtic's unbeaten run in the league speaks for itself and they have the capability of bringing the silverware back to the banks of the Feale on Sunday evening. It is a game that should go right down to the wire and don't be surprised if it takes a replay to decide the issue.