Reserve respite for Curraha
November 27, 2010Drawn in what was widely perceived to be the 'group of death' in the Junior Football Championship, Curraha's dreams of making an impact in the race for the Matthew Ginnity Cup were shattered once the names came out of the hat.
That was the opinion of some once Curraha were pitted against fancied trio Drumbaragh, Ratoath and Ballinabrackey. Indeed, there were plenty who pencilled them in for relegation.
But with Pat Coyle retuning to the helm of his home club, giant strides were made. No longer the whipping boys of the junior grade, the former Meath minor boss transformed Curraha into a formidable force in 2010.
They commenced their championship campaign in textbook fashion and a 1-13 to 1-8 victory over Drumconrath at Simonstown back in April and that seemed to instil confidence into the side.
Ratoath, widely considered to be one of the favourites for outright honours, proved to be too strong for Coyle's charges next time at Ashbourne and the Dublin-border side prevailed on a scoreline of 2-11 to 1-5.
But Curraha didn't let that setback knock them off their stride and they showed admirable character to recover from that loss to dispose of a fancied Wolfe Tones side when the junior action resumed at the end of May. They were full value for that 2-8 to 0-9 success.
At that stage, dreams of progressing to the knockout stages began to gather momentum. But their final two outings were against Ballinabrackey and Drumbaragh - two heavyweights of the JFC.
And it was eventual champions Ballinabrackey that put pay to Curraha's aspirations of reaching the last eight. However, while the 0-6 to 2-10 loss suggests that Coyle's men were comprehensively outclassed, their manager felt that the final scoreline failed to do their efforts justice.
"We were a bit unlucky against Ballinabrackey. We conceded two soft goals and that ended any chance we had. But we competed really well with them and given the fact that they went on to win it, it shows that we are not that far off the pace at all," Coyle said.
Luck again deserted Curraha in their final group outing as they succumbed to a minimum margin defeat to Drumbaragh, 1-9 to 1-10. But again it showed that they could mix it with the best in the business.
While their finished position in Group B of the JFC failed to reflect the progress made by Curraha this year, Coyle was keen to stress that the club was on an upward curve and spoke about the abundance of talented youngsters that are filtering through the club at present.
"We were a bit unlucky in the junior championship this year as we were drawn in the toughest group. But we certainly shown vast improvement on previous years and it my eyes it will go down as a good year for the club.
"We really should have beaten Drumbaragh and against Ballinabrackey things didn't go our way. But we put up some great performances and the lads can be very proud of themselves," Coyle stated.
According to Coyle, 2010 was a breakthrough year for Curraha with many of the younger generation who performed so well at underage level in the last decade stepping up onto the senior stage and making a big impact.
"We had an average of between 27 and 30 lads at training every night since we started up in January. A lot of the lads that I had from Under 12 all the way up to minor came into the team and did really well. They are the future of the club.
"We only lost two games in the league all year. They were against Ballinabrackey and Kilmainham and both of those got to the final so were unlucky not to get to the decider.
"Our aim at the beginning of the year was to finish in the top four of the league and we did that so next year we will focus on improving on that again.
"We are also in the semi-final of the Tailteann Cup so with a bit of luck we might just be able to get our hands on a bit of silverware.
"There is real talent coming up from underage level and we are a young team that will keep improving over the next few years," Coyle said.
The Junior Football Championship is an extremely competitive competition with several teams gunning for the title from the word go. This year it was Ballinabrackey that managed to make the breakthrough and Coyle feels that there is very little between the top few junior sides and those competing in the intermediate grade.
"The junior grade in Meath is very competitive and there is nothing between junior teams and intermediate teams. It is very hard to win it but with a bit of luck on our side we could make a real impact in years to come.
"If the young lads keep progressing as they are doing I'm sure it's only a matter of time before Curraha become a real force in junior football. You need a bit of luck on your side and that just deserted us this year, especially against Drumbaragh. But 2010 will go down as a good year for the club and progress is being made which is the most important thing."
There was better luck for Curraha's second string, as they annexed the B FL Division 7 title with a stunning final triumph over Drumbaragh at Slane in early October.
Curraha had only suffered a solitary reversal in seven outings before that decider and renewed rivalry with Drumbaragh after the pair had shared the spoils earlier in the year on a scoreline of 1-10 apiece.
The stage was set for a cracking conclusion to the competition and Curraha certainly didn't disappoint their supporters. A beautiful autumn afternoon set the scene for an intriguing encounter in which Curraha just shaded the first half exchanges before accelerating into a higher gear on the resumption and galloping clear for a decisive 1-11 to 0-9 success.
David Dunne and Sean Prenderville were the key ingredients in the tasty Curraha dish, registering 0-5 and 1-2 respectively and they popped over early points to ease the early nerves.
Neil Shorthall was also on target before the break as Curraha raced into a 0-6 to 0-4 interval advantage. The game was still in the melting pot at that stage but Curraha had more left in the tank and they came out all guns blazing after the change of ends.
Dunne extended their advantage with a brace of fine points but the decisive score arrived when Prenderville found the net from an acute angle after evading several Drumbaragh challenges.
Drumbaragh had no more left to give and points from Noel Keogh and Mark Jackson in the closing stages added some gloss to the final scoreline. It was a performance that was worthy of a trophy and it was all the sweeter given that it was the first reserve title ever won by the club.
"It was fantastic to see Curraha win a B League title. We have never had a second team winning a league competition and it goes to show how far the club has come that we can not only enter a second team in the league but win it too.
"It was a brilliant final against Drumbaragh and the lads thoroughly deserved to come out on top. They put up a first class performance and it certainly bodes well for the future of Castletown," Coyle concluded.
The future certainly appears bright for Curraha and should Coyle decide to remain at the helm of his home club, they will be many peoples list of potential candidates for the Matthew Ginnity Cup in 2011.
The Curraha side that captured the B FL Division 7 title following a 1-11 to 0-9 victory over Drumbaragh at Slane was as follows: A. Dowling; R. Mooney, S. Dardis, S. Morgan; M. Jackson (0-1), G. Dowling, N. Shorthall (0-2); N. Keogh (0-1), C. McManus; S. Prenderville (1-2), D. Dunne (0-5), D. Coyle; D. Landers, D. Hanley, B. Cosgrave. Subs - P. O'Hanrahan for Mooney, S. Laffey for Landers, P.J McMahon for Cosgrave, J. Hogan for O'Hanrahan, R. Dunne for Coyle.
BFL 7: Curraha in final win over Drumbaragh
Curraha won their first ever reserve trophy when capturing the B league Division 7 trophy at Slane, with a 1-11 to 0-9 final win over Drumbaragh.
Both sides had strong line-outs and provided an entertaining game of football in perfect conditions.
Curraha started well and points from David Dunne, Sean Prendiville and Neil Shorthall had them three points clear after 10 minutes. Drumbaragh then had a period on top themselves and levelled the game at 0-3 apiece in the 22nd minute. Curraha notched three more points before the break, with Dunne, Prendiville and Shorthall again providing the scores. Drumbaragh notched one point in the same period and Curraha led 0-6 to 0-4 at the break.
Two David Dunne frees opened a four point lead for Curraha after the restart. In the 18th minute of the half, a well worked Curraha move ended with Sean Prendiville finding the net from a tight angle. That left Curraha 1-9 to 0-6 ahead and was probably the decisive score. A point from Noel Keogh and a superb individual effort from Mark Jackson closed the scoring for the east Meath men.
Curraha: A Dowling, R Mooney, S Dardis, S Morgan, M Jackson (0-1), G Dowling, N Shorthall (0-2), N Keogh (0-1), C McManus, S Prendiville (1-2), D Dunne (0-5), D Coyle, D Landers, D Hanley, B Cosgrave. Subs: P O'Hanrahan for Mooney, S Laffey for Landers, PJ McMahon for Cosgrave, J Hogan for O'Hanrahan, R Dunne for Coyle.
Curraha under 14 review
Although we have no silverware to show this year, overall it was a very success year for the under 14 team. We won four out of our five league games and were denied a place in the final by a single point. We also exited the championship at the semi final stage, beaten narrowly by Na Fianna in a game that Curraha had what looked a legitimate goal disallowed. Our summer league ended at the play off stage also at the hands of Na Fianna.
Curraha got the league off to a winning start, when they hit eight goals past hosts Ballivor in the under 14 league to claim victory - Ballivor 4-5 Curraha 8 - 7. Although the winning margins might suggest otherwise this was a close fought contest. Ballivor began well and threatened the Curraha goal on numerous occasions in the early minutes but were wasteful with several efforts off target. Curraha seemed more efficient as every time they attacked scores resulted. A single point separated the sides at half time Curraha leading 3 - 1 to 2 -3.
Like the first half Ballivor began the second half very well. They were ahead within a minute with a well taken goal. However, Curraha fought hard and with some great teamwork, they got two well taken goals to reclaim the lead. This seemed to spur them on and they gained full control hitting another brace of goals and kicking 6 points to run out comfortable winners. Best for the winners were Niall Murphy, Craig Doyle, Brian Murphy, Kevin Laffey and Graham McDermott.
Curraha made it two wins out of two with victory over Blackhall Gaels - Curraha 2 -11 Blackhall Gaels 3-5. Overall, it was a very close and competitive match throughout. Curraha having mostly the upper hand could never put away a very determined and gutsy Blackhall Gaels side who scored goals at vital stages to keep their hopes alive. Curraha were first to open the scoring with a well taken point by Andrew Coyle. Sean O Hanrahran followed up with Brain Murphy and Conor Moriarty kicking one each to leave the half time score Curraha 0 -5 to Blackhall's 1 -2.
Curraha began the second half in blistering pace with Conor Moriarty firing in a goal within minutes of the resumption. This was followed by three unanswered points by Neil O Dowd, Andrew Coyle and Moriarty. Things looked ominous for the visitors but they dug deep and were right back in contention when they struck for a brace of goals in quick succession midway through the second half. Curraha fought hard with excellent defensive work by Craig Doyle, Robert Reid and Niall Murphy. A turning point came with five minutes remaining when Andrew Coyle found the net for Curraha. This gave them the lift that was needed as points rained in then for Curraha, two from Brian Murphy and the final one from Conor Moriarty.
Curraha maintained their unbeaten run with a nine point win over visitors Na Fianna - Curraha 6 -8 Na Fianna 4 - 3. Andrew Coyle opened the scoring for Curraha with a well taken point, but this was quickly cancelled out when Na Fianna struck for a goal. Curraha responded well with defenders Craig Doyle, Niall Moriarty and Niall Murphy gaining the upper hand and supplying good ball to the lads up front. Curraha were richly rewarded for their excellent teamwork and pinpoint passing as they hit the net three times in that first half. Sean O Hanrahran was first to strike and then Conor Moriarty hit two to leave Curraha leading 3 - 5 to 2 - 1 at half time.
Curraha's first half form seemed to have temporarily deserted them for the first twenty minutes of the second half. Na Fianna dominating with several threatening attacks right through the Curraha defence. They eventually made the break through with a well taken goal. This was followed up with two unanswered points. Curraha eventually began to click again with Brian Murphy and Neil O Dowd working hard at midfield while up front Ciaran Phelan and Sean Keogh restored Curraha's advantage with two superb goals. From there to the end Curraha had the upper hand and ran out comfortable winners 6 -8 to 4 -3.
Curraha maintained their unbeaten run with an eight point win over visitors Simonstown - Curraha 4 -7 Simonstown 2 - 5. Curraha dominated this game from the start with excellent first half performances from Ciaran Phelan who kicked two points, Neil O Dowd one and goals from Sean O Hanrahran and Graham McDermott to leave Curraha leading 2 - 4 to 1 - 2 at half time.
Simonstown rallied in the opening minutes of the second half and were rewarded with an excellently taken goal. Curraha however, restored their authority mid way through the half when O Hanrahran and McDermott repeated their first half act and struck again for a goal each. Curraha's defence were rock solid throughout with Brian Joyce, Luke McCarthy and Kevin Laffey in outstanding form, while up front Ciaran Phelan, Graham McDermott Donal McLarnon and Andrew Coyle were to the fore.
Curraha's four game unbeaten run ended in a one point defeat to hosts Oldcastle - Oldcastle 6 - 7 Curraha 5 -9. The first half was a very close affair with Curraha kicking five great points. Oldcastle ensured they were in contention though as they hit three goals in that first period. The hosts held a two point advantage at the break scoring 3- 4 to Curraha's 2-5.
The first twenty minutes of the second half belonged to Curraha who seemed to be coasting to victory when leading by seven points at one stage. However, Oldcastle rose to the challenge and hit the visitors for three more goals in the closing minutes to snatch victory. Curraha had excellent performers Brian Joyce, Sean O Hanrahran, Donal McLarnon and Craig Doyle.
Curraha were denied a place in the league final by Blackhall Gaels who got through by the narrowest of margins - Curraha 4 -10 Blackhall Gaels 3-15. Blackhall dominated the first half with some well taken long range points. They also hit Curraha for three goals in that first half and lead 3-9 to 0-5 at half time.
Curraha's fight back began immediately after the break and they were back on level terms with ten minutes remaining. The final few minutes were nail biting and saw the play swing end to end with each score the possible winner. A draw would have been a fair result but Blackhall manage to squeeze ahead in the last minute. Curraha had excellent performers in Conor Moriarty, Brian Murphy, Craig Doyle, Robert Reid, Sean O Hanrahran and Kevin Laffey.
Team - Brian Joyce, Niall Murphy, Niall Moriarty, Luke McCarthy , Neil O Dowd, Craig Doyle, Oisin Carey, Robert Reid, Brian Murphy, Kevin Laffey, Andrew Coyle, Ciaran Phelan, Conor Moriarty, Séan O Hanrahan, Donal McLarnon. Subs: Graham McDermott for Donal McLarnon Stephen Mooney for Kevin Laffey, Sean Keogh, James Gibney.
Curraha/St Vincent's
Minor Championship
Wins over St. Patrick's in the quarter-final and St. Colmcille's in the semi-final left them paired against Dunboyne in the final on the 30th July. In a closely fought contest they were beaten after extra time by two points. Well done and thanks to the managers, the players and to those that helped out along the way.
U16 Championship and Summer League
This team got to the U15 final last year so there were high hopes for a repeat performance. They started well with wins over Walterstown, Dunderry, Ashbourne and Skryne and lost just one group match. They played Dunderry in a tough semi-final on the 21st of May and despite the best efforts of the players they lost the match 2-17 to 2-13.
The U16 Fair Play League was introduced this year for the first time and played during the summer months. It was a good competition as it gave these players more games than previous years.
U15 League
This team was entered into Division 2, hoping to do well. With wins over Summerhill, Na Fianna and Seneschalstown they were paired against Na Fianna in the semi-final. This game was played on the 25th Sep. and while they were without some key players through injury they performed very well and were narrowly beaten 2-10 to 3-9 following a nail biting finish to game.
U17 League
After winning the U16 Championship last year, this team was put into a high division and this showed as they struggled to survive. They played two games and were well beaten in both, barely managing to field a team.
Thanks to all Curraha managers for their hard work during the year.
Tony McEntee, John Hogan, Jimmy Shortall and Pat Moriarty. Tweet
