30^th April, 2005

                                                                                                                                Murial McCrory Cup

                                                                                                                                Semi - Final

 Classic Display by evenly matched sides

Castleknock Celtic   2      St. Columbans   2    

(Moore Kearney.R.,O’Dunnchu,E.) 

Celtic were looking for another “A” Division scalp after disposing of Premiership leaders, Baldoyle, out of the Cup in magnificent style (See report 16/4/05).  Today, they were entertaining St.Columbans who are lying second in the 9A League.  The butterflies were fluttering in the stomachs of the management teams but the occasion did not appear to affect either side. Celtic started off strong and more than held their own in the opening quarter.  

On the restart, Castleknock piled on the pressure. One long clearance from ‘keeper, Eoin Sweeney, was met on the volley by the sweet right foot of Ryan Moore Kearney. The ball rattled the post and would surely have been a contender for goal of the season if it had gone in. The opposition goal was now being pounded and Celtic were rewarded when Phillip Fitzpatrick broke down the right wing and hit an in-swinger to Ryan who slotted it past the keeper. Soon after this, Ryan collected the ball outside the box and beat a couple of defenders and went by the keeper but was cruelly taken down. Unfortunately, it was just outside the box. Celtic were awarded a free and the ‘keeper was cautioned. There were a few more near misses from Ryan and Phillip and they deserved to go in at the break with a couple more goals in the bank. 

St. Columbans had fire in their belly in the second half and hit an unstoppable shot to draw level. They surged forward again and Eoin saved well initially but was beaten on the rebound. 2 – 1 at the end of the third quarter.

Things were looking a little bleak for Celtic as St Columbans began to dominate. However with a minute to go, somehow Celtic pushed forward and there was a scramble in the away goalmouth and Eoghan O’Donnchu scored. Ten minutes of extra-time failed to separate the sides. One player who stood head and shoulders above everyone was Luke Henshaw. His tackling was excellent and despite his stature he did not give an inch. David Fogarty praised all the players and nominated Luke ….Man of the Match. The replay will probably be at St Columbans next week. 

Team : Eoin Sweeney,  Eve Farrelly, Tom Fogarty(Capt.),Luke Henshaw, Dan Ring, Danny Byrne, Ryan Moore Kearney, Phillip Fitzpatrick. Eoghan O’Donnchu. 

Manager : David Fogarty      

Sponsor : Rocca Holdings.