Central League U16 Div 3 Semi Final
Austin Stacks B 0-6 Castlegregory 1-10
This scoreline doesn’t do our valliant U16 B side justice as we squandered a hatful of goal chances, missed a penalty, had a goal controversially disallowed before we were hit with a sucker goal punch at the death. Fortune certainly didn’t favour us from the start as we had to start without star U15 James O’Connor and when captain Aidan McQuinn limped off after 5 mins it dealt our chances a severe blow. In a game played in very difficult conditions we led by 2 pts at the break playing with a strong wind thanks to points from Timmy Murphy, Adam Barrett and two from the impressive Richard Hurley. However Castle started the second period stronger and edged ahead and didn’t relinquish the lead thereafter. We piled on the pressure with Niall Carroll Cane and Ciaran Flanagan dominant at midfield and Dylan Harnett rock solid at the back. Trailing by 3 the flying Sean Ryan broke through on goal but the keeper saved well to maintain Castle lead. We then seemingly had the ball in the net but the ball was adjudged never to have crossed the line according to the Castlegregory umpire! A minute later Adam Barrett was upheld in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. However Niall Carroll Cane shot was once again saved by the Castle custodian and Castle broke downfield for the killer goal. A dissapointing finale to a fine campaign for the 16B’s but we look forward to the County League in the summer with great anticipation. Man of the Match- Ciaran Flanagan. Team-Cillian Comerford, Sam Nealon, Aidan McQuinn, Anthony Moynihan, Craig Corcoran, Dylan Harnett, Ciaran Flanagan (0-2), Niall Carroll Cane, Adam Barrett(0-1), Sean Ryan, Timmy Murphy(0-1), Jack O’Donnell, Richard Hurley(0-2). Subs Robert Prenderville, James O’Connor.