Castleknock went into the last game knowing a win only against league winners, Donaghmede, would give them another runners up medal to go with  two runnersup and one cup winners medal since this team has been together.

 

Opening exchanges had both teams looking for an opening chance with Donaghmede wanting to stamp their mark on this game.  But with Ian Martin and Ryan Hicky at the back, Castleknock soon found themselves pushing forward and putting Donaghmede's defence under pressure, which paid off in the 12th minute. Castleknock were awarded a free kick 25 yards out.  Eoin Norton stepped up to take it. Going for goal, his effort was cleared by a header which fell to Darragh Mc Gowan, who took a pot shot, which looked to be going wide.  Conor Mooney was onto the ball like lightning to smash home from 8 metres. 1-0

Donaghmede found out Castleknock were up for this one.  With 20 mins gone the Castleknock defence went to sleep and allowed the visitors to make it 1-1 with 2 good passes.  With Castleknock trying to push forward, gaps started to appear, which had managers Tony Hanlon and Dominic Martin reaching for the tranquilisers !!

Half time gave Castleknock time to regroup and tell the lads what had to be done.  Medals were at stake.  The second half started with Castleknock pushing forward but still keeping shape. The ref was in action having to give 2 yellow cards to Donaghmede as the tackles started to fly in.  Then with 12 mins gone in the half, a long clearance from Castleknock found Conor Mooney free on the left wing.  He set off down the flank, passing two players and into the box.  As he rounded the 3rd defender, he was brought down and a penalty was given but what followed was very ugly. As Sean Hanlon went to collect the ball to take the penalty he was headbutted by a Donaghmede back which gave the ref no choice but to show a red card.  After much debate, Sean kept his cool and slotted to the keeper's left to make it 2-1.

 

The next 10 mins saw some great football from both sides which saw Donaghmede show why they champions.  They hit the post from a great lob, which had the keeper beaten.  Castleknock dug deep for the last 5 mins with Paul Conway, David Barnes and Sean Hanlon all going close.  The best move of the game came with time running out as Paul McGrath picked the ball up in mid field and went on a solo run, which found him 1 on 1 with keeper only to see his chip scrape the bar.  4 mins into time added on, the final whistle went only to see another Donaghmede player sent off.  With Castleknock managers getting soaked with water bottles and another medel in the bag, this reporter's man of the match went to Paul McGrath for his last ten mins in midfeiled.

Congratulations again to this team who are a real credit to the club, their parents and of course themselves.