Castleknock Celtic 2 Swords Rovers 1 Saturday,5^th April 2003

It was a game of missed chances that would have put a different complexion on the scoreline. Another cracker of a day, with the sun shining brightly on the cheeks of our prized possessions. Anthony Healy was captain and kicked off to Ross Kennedy to start an attack. After a few minutes we knew we had a different kettle of fish to deal with. The Swords outfit were a very useful team with some very gifted players. Of course, our guys and gals were an equal match!!

Within a minute, the first shot on goal saw a Ross Kennedy effort saved by the keeper. Swords Rovers’ first attack was cut out by consistent star defender, Darragh McCaffrey. The first corner of the match was taken by Eve Farrelly, who passed to Luke Henshaw. There was a lot of commotion in the box but Luke held onto the ball and passed to Anthony, who shot at the goal but was inches wide. Other attacks produced very close misses by Ross Ward and Ross Kennedy.

Swords began to put on the pressure but one attack was broken up deep in the Celtic half by Eve Farrelly, who raced with the ball up the wing. This was greeted with…"You're mighty, Eve…. mighty" by Eoin O' Donnchú 's Dad, Seán. Whether she heard this or not it's great to get encouragement from the side-line. She transformed defence into attack by that run up the wing and winning a throw in at the opposite end. She threw to Eoin who passed to Anthony whose shot just scraped the wrong side of the post and wide.

Ross Ward was probing up front also and was very unlucky not to score as the ball trickled past the post. There was a lot of anxiety on the side-line, but the tension was broken when Anthony Healy picked up the ball inside the box and shot into the left corner of the net to put Castleknock one goal up.

Tom Fogarty was brought down in a challenge with one of Swords defenders. He fell awkwardly and hurt his knee on the hard ground. He was stretchered off and replaced by Eoin O'Donnchú. At half time, Tom declared himself fit for action and he certainly proved it. Tom was central to setting up several attacks from his new mid-field position. It culminated with Ross Ward passing to Ross Kennedy, who passed to Tom outside the box. Tom fired a shot on target, to score his first goal for the team. There was jubilation on the sideline from three generations of the Fogarty / McDonnell Clan…….all very proud of their goal scoring hero.

Hannah Hanlon was in goal for thirty minutes of the match. She kept another clean sheet and dealt with any shots that came her way. In the last quarter, fair play to Swords as they kept up the pressure. It paid dividends when, one of their forwards broke through the defence on the left side and cut through, to bury the ball past the keeper who had no chance. Swords began to press for an equalizer, but Tom, Darragh and Eve seemed to have erected a sign 'they shall not pass'. Nothing went by them. When the ball was cleared, possession was retained by Luke Henshaw. When he gets the ball, it is very hard to get it off him. Castleknock held on to pick up another three points.

After the match, David said that at times it was important that our defence should remain strong when the game is close. As a result of this, it means that some players could be taken off twice in a game.

It was decided that the parents should choose "Man of the Match", as several players were in with a chance. White smoke arose from the sideline and Eve Farrelly was deemed "Person of the Match"…..her words ,not mine !

Team: Hannah Hanlon, Darragh McCaffrey, Tom Fogarty, Eve Farrelly, Eoin O'Donnchú, Ross Kennedy, Ross Ward, Anthony Healy (Capt.), Luke Henshaw.

Manager: David Fogarty