RESULT OF THE DAY

DDSL U-17 Major : Athlone Town 1 Castleknock Celtic 1

Having suffered a reverse in their first game at home to Templeogue Utd on Thursday night, this was a very tough assignment for Celtic travelling West to meet the illustrious Athlone Town.  It was a very entertaining game, with goals, all the footballing skills on show.  

Celtic dominated proceedings in the first half as they revelled on the carpet-like surface of St Mels Park.  They got their reward for their dominance with a goal which started with keeper Dave O'Connor.  The ball was flicked on by Keith English, and as the Town keeper hesitated, Lorcan McCarthy turned on the after-burners and was round the keeper in a flash, and from the most acute of angles, he slotted home to make it 1-0.

However, it was a game of two halves.  Athlone justly levelled matters 15 minutes into the second half.  Noel McGee seized on his chance and it was 1-1.  Town's man of the match was Jimmy Duignan.  For Celtic, it was a team performance.  But special mention must be made of Peter Troy at full back, and Feargal Cusack, who unfortunately was badly injured and we wish him a speedy recovery to full fitness.

NDSL U-14 Premier : Castleknock Celtic 2  Ashbourne  0

Celtic were promoted to Premier football after a great season last term.  They must have been a little nervous about their opener against Ashbourne.  But their nerves were settled after 4 minutes.  Eoghan Furlong split the Ashbourne defence with a perfect through ball to Chris Hoey, who made no mistake as he stroked the ball home. 

Ricky Flanagan made his usual decisive contribution, when after 67 minutes, he superbly lobbed the retreating Ashbourne keeper.  2-0 to Celtic to get them off to a winning start in the top flight.  Man of the match was Jordan McMillian, who was his powerful self in the heart of the defence, and was unlucky not to convert one of his headers from corner kicks, which is a feature of the game that Jimmy Ennis has been concentrating on lately.

DDSL U-18 Major : Castleknock Celtic  1  Leixlip Utd  0 

After their very successful season when they won the Cup and got runners up in the League, Celtic were keen to make a good start at home in Porterstown against Leixlip Utd.  They had a good attitude, they dominated the game from the beginning.  It was a fine overall performance, with everyone giving their utmost.  

The home side had a host of chances.  Danny Kenny was just wide with his effort, Neil Ahearne made a marvellous run without just reward.  Adam O’Callaghan was unlucky with his numerous efforts, as was Colm Brady, Ian Flood and Simon Fleming.  Danny Kenny had another great effort stopped by the in-form Leixlip keeper, Keith Sullivan. 

MATCH OF THE DAY

DDSL U-16A1 : Castleknock Celtic  3  St Josephs Boys (Joeys)  0 

Celtic were anxious to maintain their 100 per cent record.  Having beaten Ballybrack last week 3-0, they started off like a train, and within 7 minutes, they were in front again against southside opposition.  This time it was their recent signing from Verona, Simon Feeley, who took his opportunity to score.  It followed good holding work by John Moriarty, who slipped it to Eoin Smyth, whose through ball was inch-perfect for Simon to finish.  1-0 to Celtic. 

John Moriarty was himself unlucky on 27 minutes when his shot was stopped superbly by Mickey Browne, in Joeys goal. 

Celtic were not having it all their own way.  Daniel Smig O’Mahony had to be alert to prevent a goal from a Joeys corner kick.  Andrew Gillick went close for Joeys on 35 minutes when his shot was just over the bar as the ball broke loose in the Celtic box. 

But the significant difference between the teams was the finishing.  On 32 minutes, Simon Feeley became provider.  He threaded his pass through to Brian Cummiskey, who made no mistake with a superb finish. 2-0 Celtic. 

On 42 minutes, John Moriarty cleverly put Brian Cummiskey through, and the prolific Celtic striker made no mistake as he buried his shot in the back of the net.  3-0 Celtic.

Minutes later, Gary Masterson, who was very accomplished at right full, combined well with Colm O’Reilly in the middle of the park.  Gary put Eoin Smyth in for a shot that was brilliantly saved by Mickey Browne in goal.  Just before half time, Robert Plunkett was unlucky for Joeys when his shot was just over. 

Early in the second half, Brian Cummiskey looked like he was going to go home with the match ball.  He flicked over the central defender, raced through on goal.  The advancing keeper was unable to get to the ball.  Brian rounded him, only to see his shot skim the angle of the goal.  Indeed, a near miss for the visitors. 

Joeys continued to battle.  Their Ian Mahon headed over from a corner.  He was also unlucky after dispossessing the Celtic defender.  Paul Kelly made a magnificent interception as Mahon again threatened after springing the Celtic offside trap. 

Full credit to Stephen Simpson, who battled hard and long in the middle of the park.  Ciaran Finn was very effective alongside Molloy and the industrious Hargadon at the back.  Mathew O’Gorman fought hard when he came on, while Philip Cooney caused lots of problems up front when he was introduced for Celtic.

NDSL U-16B : Castleknock Celtic  5  Dunboyne  1 

This was a fine opening match for Celtic, with Jim Kelly continuing as manager for yet another season.  He must be a candidate for a gold watch for his 50-plus years of service. 

Paddy Troy got Celtic’s first, set up by Ciaran Egan.  Paddy also got the second.  Ciaran got the third himself.  Cillian Meade was on hand to make it four.  Christian Martin rounded up the scoring for Celtic.  Ciaran Egan made no less than three of the goals and scoring his own.  Man of the match however was Daniel Walsh at full back.

NDSL U-11 Premier : Rivervalley Rangers  0  Castleknock Celtic  8

What a marvellous start to the season.  Celtic had shown excellent pre-season form after defeating teams like Tolka Rovers during the break.  They also enjoyed their trip to see Bohs and Shamrock Rovers recently.  The most significant feature of their game today was however how they kept a good solid shape in this their first season in the 11-a-side game. Obviously, fast learners.