Results
Senior Championship Group A
Castledaly 1-15 Maryland 1-11
Team 1 Eanna Duffy 2 Darragh Kelly 3 Liam Fitzpatrick 4 John Warburton 5 Enda Kelly 6 Alan Stone 7 Shane Fitzpatrick 8 Paddy Holloway 9 Gordon Duffy 10 Derek Heavin 11 Brendan Kelly 12 MJ Kelly 13 Lorcan Dolan 14 Fergal Hynes 15 Paul Kelly Subs used David Stone for Derek Heavin, Paul Costello for Enda Kelly, Russell Casey for Fergal Hynes, Justin Coughlan for Brendan Kelly. Damien Stone Mark Kearney James Farrell
In a difficult year so far Castledaly got their championship campaign back on a positive after losing three opening games that left them propping up the rest of the table. Castledaly were slow to settle in to this game, with Maryland attacking from the start and scoring three free kicks in as many minutes. Castledaly began to find their stride and their first score came from a well worked move finished by Lorcan Dolan, who was already showing signs of return to top form at this important part of the year. Maryland went wide with their next effort before Brendan Kelly kicked over a Castledaly free kick for foul on Dolan. Maryland added a free kick of their own but Castledaly replied with Alan Stone clearing from defence to Paul Kelly who found Lorcan Dolan in space to shoot and score on the turn. Lorcan added another point from play while Paul Kelly won a free kick that Brendan Kelly coolly clipped over. In defence Castledaly were back on strong form again with Liam Fitzpatrick intercepted few Maryland plays, Shane Fitzpatrick and Enda Kelly carrying the ball clear from danger area, John Warburton keeping close tabs on his opposite number and Alan Stone displaying great blocking skill on shot after shot. Derek Heavin intercepted a Maryland play and Derek set Fergal Hynes off on solo run up field to find Lorcan Dolan who beat two defenders before shooting narrowly over the crossbar to take the lead. Paddy Holloway and Gordon Duffy were strong in their midfield contest and Holloway's fine fielding and pass gave Paul Kelly the opportunity to turn at pace before setting colleague Dolan up for another point. The importance of this game to both teams was evident and some physical challenges brought the attention of the referee and a yellow card to one Maryland player. Alan Stone was on hand to again block a Maryland effort, playing the captains role and Gordon Duffy cleared the danger, passing to Dolan who was fouled as he sped towards goal. Dolan took charge of the free kick and added another point to his growing tally for Castledaly to lead 08 - 05. Castledaly forward line had their supporters cheering with delight moments later as a Derek Heavin Paul Kelly Brendan Kelly play stretched the Maryland defence leaving Lorcan Dolan in space to shoot for goal past the Maryland custodian, and lead Castledaly 1 08 Maryland 05. An MJ Kelly effort from distance went high and wide off the outside right and Brendan Kelly had a goal effort also narrowly wide as half time whistle sounded with score - Castledaly 1-08 05 Maryland.
In second half Castledaly started well and a point from resurgent Paul Kelly set the tone. Both teams were guilty of missed chances, with Maryland effort unlucky to come off upright before the follow-up went wide as Castledaly defence closed ranks and reduced shooting opportunities. As Maryland continued to fight back and seemed certain to add a goal of their own, Castledaly were stretched to defend before Liam Fitzpatrick performed an incredible block at short range - the resulting 45 was kicked wide off target. From the restart Shane Fitzpatrick brought the ball from defence on a surging solo run, linking with Paul Kelly and Brendan Kelly before Lorcan Dolan again showed his confidence, neatly ducked behind the defence and tapped over the bar from short range with "wrong foot". MJ Kelly was fouled and Brendan Kelly pointed for score line of 1.11 to 06
Maryland replied with scores from play after some loose Castledaly defending before Castledaly added scores from Paul Kelly and Lorcan Dolan, with Alan Stone involved both times turning defence into attack.
Maryland replied with a goal bound charge and referee Shane Maher awarded penalty that was duly converted to close score to 1.14 to 1.09
Castledaly rang the changes and sub David Stone replaced injured Derek Heavin, with Paul Costello introduced for Enda Kelly who had produced another high energy intense performance, while the experienced Russell Casey was introduced for Fergal Hynes and Justin Coughlan slotted in the forward line for injured Brendan Kelly. Maryland added another point from play but Castledaly replied with Paul Costello showing his ability with a well taken point from distance to finish his teams scoring for the day.
Castledaly face The Downs in two weeks and will need to repeat and improve this quality performance to ensure a respectable finish to this championship campaign.
Castledaly Senior Training continues Tuesday and Friday evenings 8pm.
Minor
Football Championship Division 1 Quarter Final Wednesday 31st August at 6.30 pm Rosemount/Castledaly vs Coralstown/Kinnegad in Rosemount.
U21
First Round Sunday morning next away vs Kilbeggan 11am
Underage Training continues Sunday mornings 11am
Well Done
Congratulation to Castledaly starlets Anna Sheerin, Ciara Nugent and Caoimhe Mc Donnell who reached Semi Final with Moate Ladies U14 v Coralstown/Kinnegad in Rosemount at weekend. Despite an energetic entertaining match they were narrowly beaten by smallest margin as a very strong and experienced Coralstown/Kinnegad team took the win. This heart filled display deserves highest credit to squad managers trainers and supporters who gave it their all. Well done everyone.
A Magnificent 7 former Castledaly players i.e. Sophie Ellen Grouden, Annie Duffy, Anna Cornally, Ella Grennan, Chloe Heavin, Eliza Jane Sheerin & Rachel Higgins have seen their GAA careers continue to grow as they play an important part in Moate Ladies U12 team and their successful run in the U12 County Championship
When their football careers seemed stalled with their club, these young ladies' love of their gaelic football spurned them on to join Moate Ladies where they were welcomed into the existing squad and have gone on to great things in a very short space of time. The team had a great match against Mullingar Shamrocks in the semi final and are now set to play in the County Final on Saturday. Congratulation to everyone involved with the team.
Quiz
Castledaly Footballers held a fundraising table quiz in Fitzgerald's Lounge last Friday night and a huge thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and donated spot prizes for raffle. A great fun night was had by all and special thanks to quizmaster Alan Duffy. On behalf of all Castledaly Club and players, go raibh mile mile maith agaibh a chairde.
The club sends its heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of James (Jimmy) MURRAY, Cooldorougha, Ballinahown, Athlone who passed away last week. Ar dheis De is a anam.