Match Reports Juvenile

Under 12 - Jim McHugh Cup Final [28 October 2019]

Garrycastle 5-12, St. Manchans 2-10

Garrycastle welcomed St Manchan’s to AIT on Friday night last to play the Jim McHugh ‘Cup’ final. The lads knew what was at stake with this match as Garrycastle themselves have never gotten their hands on this particular piece of silverware. It carried a lot more weight this year as there were a couple of McHugh’s involved, with James captaining the team while his father Jim was on the management. Garrycastle took a good hold of proceedings by putting up a handful of scores without reply from the opposition in the opening minutes of the game. St Manchan’s however were not there to make up numbers and got right back in contention before the break; they had proven in the semi-finals when playing a very strong Shamrocks team that they never know when they’re beaten coming back from 8 points down at half-time to win by a couple of points.

Garrycastle were very aware of this threat and had to ride the storm for the first 10 minutes of the second half in very tough conditions. They then proceeded to take a firm hold of the game and saw it through to the end to secure a well-deserved victory on a scoreline of 5-12 to 2-10. It was befitting on the night that James McHugh received the Man of the Match trophy (chosen by the referee it must be added). James displayed a fine example of leadership and skill throughout the game. It must be noted that overall it was an outstanding team performance from this talented young bunch of players against a very strong St Manchan’s side.

Garrycastle panel: Cian Norris, Rían Gaynor, Van McKay, Oisin O'Donohue, Christopher Malone, Oisin Mulvihill, Dylan Frawley, Keelan McNamara, Andrew Henson, Níadh Shine, James McHugh , Aaron Keegan, Conor McCormack, Tyrece Quinn, Louie Shine, Darragh Glennon, Jack Dolan, Senan Nugent, Jack Dowling, Luke Quilty, James Kelly, James Derwin, Ronan Croughan, Rhys Larkin, Alex O'Conor.

Garrycastle GAA club would like to thank AIT for hosting the game at such short notice. Also a huge ‘Thank You’ must be extended to the Garrycastle Minor Board for their tireless work behind the scenes.

Under 14 Championship (Boys) [16 September 2019]

The Garrycastle U14 boys had a busy four days in the championship culminating with this hard earned draw against St. Josephs on a Sunday morning re-arranged fixture. On the previous Thursday evening they had a comfortable win against the The Downs and needed to keep up the momentum going into this game to keep their championship ambitions alive.

The game opened at a blistering pace with Jack Mulvihill scoring a goal right from the off. Garrycastle kept up the pressure and converted a couple of frees but St.Josephs piled on the pressure and dominated the closing stages of the first half taking some good scores including a goal to leave the Garrycastle lads two points down at the break.

In the second half Garrycastle had some excellent passages of play but were finding it difficult to break down the St.Joseph’s defence. They managed to outscore their opponents though in a tough second half thanks to some excellent free taking from Sean O’Donoghue to leave the teams level at the final whistle. They now go into the final round of games knowing that a win will advance them into the knock-out stages of the competition.

GARRYCASTLE: Conn O’Hara, Cian McCormack, Tom Daly, Killian Redmond, Anthony Mannion, David Carter, Matthew Connor, Jack Mulvihill (1-0), Sean O’Donoghue (0-5, 5f), Conor McCarthy, Brian Mulvihill, Killian Keegan (0-1), Oisin Nugent, Diarmaid Murtagh (0-1,1f), Nathan Mc Keon, Aaron Keegan, Nathan Jackson, Alex Bellassai, Brandon Devaney, Dean Grehan.

Under 12 League (Boys) [13 September 2019]

The U12s had a second outing of the week on Friday evening when they defeated a strong Coralstown Kinnegad team in the league with an impressive performance. After a close first half they dominated in the second and easily won a high scoring game. They were faster to the ball than the opposition, showed some very good team work as well as fielding ability and were able to take their scores when the chances came.

Under 8 Go Games [14 September 2019]

On a great Saturday morning for football, the Garrycastle Under 8 Squad made the trip to Castletown-Geoghegan to take on Lilliput Gaels in the penultimate match of the 2019 Westmeath GAA Go Games.

Fielding two teams on the day, the Garrycastle players got to test themselves in different positions, showing great determination and team work against good opposition.

Big thank you to our hosts Lilliput Geals for the fantastic hospitality shown to our players and coaches. We look forward to future battles next season.

Next up for the Super 8’s is the short trip to Kilbeggan on Saturday 28th September for the final match in the hugely enjoyable Go Games Series.

Garrycastle Reds: Daragh Dolan, David Dolan, Eoghan McCormack, James Cahill, Jamie Costello, Michael Kelly, Oliver Costello.

Garrycastle Greens: Aidan Martin, Callum Lowe, Darragh Donegan, Jason Doolan, Kealan McCormack, Senan Keena. Senan Kelly, William Francis-Redmond.

Under 8 Go Games [31 August 2019]

Despite the early morning rain, the Under 8 squad welcomed Castledaly to Garrycastle for the final home match of the Westmeath GAA Go Games Series.

Fielding two teams on the day, the Garrycastle players performed very well in difficult conditions. Using the clubs astroturf facility the sides had a chance to play a match on “dry land” while also getting to grips with the heavy conditions on the main pitch.

Credit to our neighbours Castledaly for providing very strong opposition; and having played each other home, away and on neutral ground, we look forward to doing battle again next year.

The remaining fixtures in the Westmeath GAA Go Games see Garrycastle travel to Lilliput Gaels on Saturday 14th September, while on Saturday 28th September they make the short trip to Kilbeggan.

Additional challenge matches are in the pipeline and with the Garrycastle Street Leagues now underway there is still plenty of football to be played.

Garrycastle Reds: Aaron Costello, Breandan Galvin, Brian Feeney, Daniel Murphy, Daniel Sleator, Kealan McCormack, Michael Kelly, Oliver Costello, Robert Connor, Senan Keena, William Francis-Redmond.

Garrycastle Greens: Aidan Martin, Callum Lowe, Daragh Dolan, Darragh Donegan, James Cahill, Jamie Costello, Jan Pozarowski, Jason Doolan, Kealan Byrne, Senan Kelly.

Under 14 Championship (Div 2) Boys [2 September 2019]

Caulry 4-09 4-08 Garrycastle

This was a game Garrycastle left behind them losing out by the narrowest of margins to Caulry. Garrycastle had a very strong opening quarter scoring 1-5 and led at the break 2-7 to 2-2. Caulry started the second half strongly but Garrycastle kept responding with scores of their own. A late rally from Caulry saw them add 1-4 to push them into the lead right at the end. Garrycastle had a couple of more chances before the final whistle to take something from the game but unfortunately were unable to convert. It was a very stong performance from all the team with some standout contributions from Killian Keegan (scoring three goals) and Conn O’Hara (two superb second half saves in goal).

GARRYCASTLE: Conn O’Hara, Cian McCormack, Tom Daly, Killian Redmond, Anthony Mannion, David Carter, Matthew Connor, Jack Mulvihill (0-1), Sean O’Donoghue (0-1), Aaron Keegan (0-1), Brian Mulvihill (1-2), Killian Keegan (3-0), Jamie Carroll (0-2), Diarmaid Murtagh, Nathan Mc Keon (0-1), Oisin Nugent, Conor McCarthy, Nathan Jackson, Alex Bellassai.

Under 8 Blitz [17 August 2019]

On a blustery Saturday morning, the Garrycastle Under 8 squad travelled the short distance to neighbours Caulry for the Westmeath GAA Go Games Centralised Blitz. Taking on their counterparts from Caulry, Tubberclair, Athlone and Castledaly, the Garrycastle team faced strong competition in all games as they continue to build up their Gaelic football and teamwork skills. The next round of the Westmeath GAA Go Games takes place on Saturday 31th August when Garrycastle play host to Castledaly and Mullingar Shamrocks.

Training for the Under 8 group continues Wednesday evening 6pm on the Garrycastle Astro, and Sunday morning 11am on the training pitch.

Garrycastle Reds: Aaron Costello, Aidan Martin, Brian Feeney, Callum Lowe, Daragh Dolan, David Dolan, Harry Doran, James Cahill, Kealan McCormack, Senan Kelly, Tyler Conlon.

Garrycastle Greens: Daniel Murphy, Daniel Sleator, Darragh Donegan, Eoghan McCormack, Jamie Costello, Jan Pozarowski, Jason Doolan, Oliver Costello, Robert Connor, Senan Keena.

Under 14 Championship (Div 2) Boys [12 August 2019]

Garrycastle 2-08 Tubberclair 4-06

Garrycastle u14 travelled to Tubberclair to play the third round of the division 2 championship.

With a few players missing due to holidays Garrycastle still had 17 players togged out in the red and green. As the game started there was a strong breeze favouring Tubberclair and this showed as the home team started the brighter and scored the first two points. Garrycastle adjusted well to the wind and started running at their opponents and were rewarded by numerous frees. We were unlucky not to convert a couple of frees close in and also had a few chances cleared off the Tubberclair line. Long balls from Tubberclair eventually broke our defence and the home team scored a goal and some poor decisions gave Tubberclair another two points. Our lads kept working and were rewarded by some fine runs from the backline and midfield scoring two points in concession which was keeping us in the game. A long range shot from Tubberclair hit the upright and the ball fell kindly into the forward who scored another goal. The Garrycastle lads never gave up and just before halftime were rewarded with a goal that left the score at Garrycastle 1-02 Tubberclair 2-04 with all to play for in the second half.

Tubberclair started the second half with a quick point and followed up with a goal. Garrycastle started to pass the ball around and when they got into a scoring position started to take their points. We had two penalties awarded to us but only converted one. Garrycastle were having a purple patch and started to kick over some fine points from play. A lapse in concentration allowed Tubberclair to pass the ball through our defence and they scored an easy goal. With minutes to go the Garrycastle players were searching for goals when pointing the ball may have been the better decision. Outscoring the home team in the second half was great but just not enough time left in the clock to get the win. Still lots to improve on but we are getting better with every performance. Thanks to all parents for their support. The final score was Garrycastle 2-08 Tubberclaire 4-06.

Panel on the evening: Conn O'Hara, Killian Redmond, Tom Daly, Anthony Mannion, Killian Keegan, David Carter, Oisin Nugent, Diarmaid Murtagh (0-04), Jack Mulvihill (1-01), Brian Mulvihill (0-01), Aaron Keegan (1-01), Mathew Connor, Nathan McKeon, Brandon Devaney, Jake Hannify, Dean Grehan Monaghan, Alessandro Bellassai.

Under 14 championship (Boys) [29 July 2019]

Garrycastle 9-10 Cill Oige 2-06

Garrycastle had a very good win over Cill Oige to give them two wins from their opening two rounds of the U14 championship. Garrycastle opened strongly despite playing into a strong breeze. There were some excellent passages of play that yielded some fine scores including 2-1 from Jake Hanniffy and Garrycastle went into the break with a good lead of 3-5 to 0-3.

Cill Oige came out strongly in the second half and scored the first three points of the half to narrow the deficit. The Garrycastle midfield then started to dominate and three excellent goals from Jack Mulvihill helped Garrycastle to secure the game.

GARRYCASTLE: Conn O’Hara, Cian McCormack, Tom Daly, Killian Redmond, Oisin Nugent, David Carter (1-0), Killian Keegan, Jack Mulvihill (4-1), Diarmaid Murtagh, Brian Mulvihill, Jamie Carroll (0-1), Nathan Mc Keon (0-2), Brandon Devaney, Jake Hanniffy (3-1), Aaron Keegan (1-4), Nathan Jackson, Dean Grehan (0-1).

Under 8 Go Games [20 July 2019]

On Saturday morning, the Garrycastle Under 8 squad took the long winding road to Ballynacargy for Round 7 of the Westmeath GAA Go Games.

Facing stiff competition from both the hosts and fellow guests Lilliput Gaels, the Garrycastle players put in a fantastic performance in all matches. Their dedication to training paid off as the gave a great show of skills and teamwork throughout a great mornings football.

Garrycastle Reds: Daragh Dolan, David Dolan, Eoghan McCormack, James Cahill, Jamie Costello, Keelan McCormack, and Tyler Conlon.

Garrycastle Greens: Adam Wojcik, Callum Lowe, Daniel Murphy, Jason Doolan, Kealan Byrne and William Francis-Redmond.

Under 14 Championship (Boys) [15 July 2019]

Garrycastle 8-11 Killucan 3-2

Garrycastle had a good away win against Killucan in the first round of the championship.

Garrycastle scored the first point and Killucan hit back with a point, but the Garrycastle boys hit the net with a great selection of passes from Jack Mulvihill, Jake Hanniffy who put Aaron Keegan through on goal to finish to the bottom corner of the net. The Killucan boys hit back with a point, but Garrycastle got on top with another two goals and two points. Killucan finished the half with a goal to make the score line of 1-2 to 3-3 at the break in favour of our boys. Killucan started the second half strongly with a goal but Garrycastle battled hard and hit two points and 3 goals to make it 6-5 to 2-2. Killucan added a goal which was to their last score as the Garrycastle players went on a scoring spree, adding another 2-6 leaving the final score at Killucan 3-2 Garrycastle 8-11.

GARRYCASTLE: Conn O'Hara, Killian Redmond, Tom Daly, Cian McCormack, Oisin Nugent, David Carter, Killian Keegan (c), Jack Mulvihill, Diarmaid Murtagh, Mathew Connor, Brian Mulvihill, Aaron Keegan, Nathan McKeon, Jake Hanniffy, Jamie Carroll, Dean Monaghan, Brandon Devaney.

Minor League (Div 2) Boys [15 July 2019]

Garrycastle 0-13 Athlone 1-07

Garrycastle minors put in a dominant display in the local derby this week as they overcame Athlone on Wednesday evening. From the off, Garrycastle took control of the game and used a slight breeze to their advantage to take some very well worked points, going in at the break 0-9 to 0-0 up. Athlone to their credit never gave up and came out strongly in the second half, quickly reducing Garrycastle's lead to 5 points. Garrycastle however managed to contain the onslaught in defence, while also taking full advantage of their opportunities in front of goal. Athlone managed to finish with a quick succession of points at the very death to reduce the lead to 3, however Garrycastle can come away satisfied with their overall performance. We can keep an eye on this talented group of players as championship approaches.

GARRYCASTLE: Tommy Devery, John Dylan O’Shea, Daniel Guinan, Adam Mulvihill, Cian Dowling, Cathal Redmond, Unity Oviawe, Tommy Stephens, Dylan Keegan, Darragh Kenna, Andrew Monaghan, Ben Kilkenny, Daniel McManus, Ryan Cornally. Stephen Gaffey.

Subs: Luke Clinton, Corey Nugent, Andrew Ruane.

Under 8 Go Games - Series 2 [6 July 2019]

Having completed the first series of Westmeath GAA Go Games with a recent trip to Cusack Park , the Under 8 squad kicked off Series 2 by welcoming Caulry and Tyrrellspass to Garrycastle for some Saturday morning football.

Fielding two teams on the day, the Garrycastle players continued to put their hard work in training into practice as they tested themselves in all positions against tough opposition.

Huge excitement at full time as the team got to celebrate with the ACFL Division 1 Cup, won by the Garrycastle senior team the evening before.

Thanks to our friends in Caury and Tyrrellspass for great games, and we wish you the best of luck for the rest of the season.

Garrycastle Squad: Adam Wojcik, Aidan Martin, Brian Feeney, Callum Lowe, Daniel Murphy, Daniel Sleator, Daragh Dolan, Darragh Donegan, Eoghan McCormack, Harry McEnroe, James Cahill, Jason Doolan, Kealan Byrne, Keelan McCormack, Robert Connor, Michael Kelly, Mohid Sohail, Senan Keena, Tyler Conlon, William Francis-Redmond, David Dolan.

Minor League (Div 2) Boys [1 July 2019]

Tubberclair 2-15 Garrycastle 0-09

The minors played Tubberclair last week in the league and were comprehensively beaten on a score line of 2-15 to 0-9. Short a number of players the team on the field battled very hard but showed signs of rustiness and were outplayed by a bigger and stronger Tubberclair outfit. Exchanges were even enough in the early stages but gradually through the first half Tubberclair began to dominate. Staunch last ditch defending by the goalie and full back line saved the concession of goals and kept the scoreline at 0-9 to 0-5 at halftime.

The early stages of the second half put paid to the game as a contest with the concession of two quick goals by Garrycastle, one from a penalty.

GARRYCASTLE:

Cian McCarthy, Adam Mulvihill, Daniel Guinan, John Dylan O’Shea-Sharkey, Unity Oviawe, Cathal Redmond, Cian Dowling, Dylan Keegan, Tommy Stephens, James Murphy, Andrew Monaghan, Ben Kilkenny, Andrew Ruane, Ryan Cornally, Luke Clinton.

Subs: Tommy Devery for Andrew Monaghan.

Minor League (Div 2) Boys [3 June 2019]

Garrycastle 0-14 Rochfortbridge 2-8

Garrycastle minors managed to grind out a hard fought and well earned draw against Rochfortbridge on Tuesday evening in an entertaining battle.

With a significant breeze blowing straight down the pitch favouring Garrycastle in the first half saw some lovely early long range scores by the home side. . Garrycastle seemed in control of the game taking an early 3 point lead, however, Rochfortbridge to their credit managed to make the most out of every attack and were rewarded with a goal followed by a quick succession of points which saw them go in at the break with a two point lead.

Garrycastle started strongly once again after the break, battling their way back into the contest and levelling with their counterparts. However, Rochfortbridge once again hit with a goal immediately followed by point which left Garrycastle with what seemed like a mountain to climb. But the boys in Green and Red showed great maturity and belief to play some lovely football and gradually work their way back into the game with scores from Andrew Monaghan, Darragh Kenna and Stephen Gaffey.

The game ended on a very sour note with the outbreak of an unnecessary shamozzle which saw red cards for two Rochfortbridge players, Garrycastle however can keep their heads held high for the way in which they managed to keep cool heads in the face of adversity and avoided reacting to the situation.

There were many positives to take from this game but there is undoubtedly more to come from this team over the summer.

GARRYCASTLE: Daniel Mc Manus, John Dylan O’Shea, Daniel Guinan, Adam Mulvihill, Cian Dowling, Cathal Redmond, Unity Oviawe, Andrew Monaghan, Tommy Stephens, James Murphy, Darragh Kenna, Nathan Breslin, Stephen Gaffey, Ryan Cornally, Andrew Ruane.

Subs: Cian McCarthy, Tadgh McKiernan, Bill Carmody, Tommy Devery.

Under 11 (Boys) [27 May 2019]

Garrycastle 0-14 Tubberclair 0-10

Garrycastle had a very useful outing against Tubberclair in a friendly game played in Garrycastle last week. The home team were on top from early on and led by 0-9 to 0-6 at half time. The lads continued to put in a fine effort over the course of the game, displaying many of the skills learned at training. The home side never let up from beginning to end and their efforts were rewarded at the final whistle with a home win.

The most pleasing aspect of all was the magnificent effort and hard work put in by all players for the benefit of the team as a whole. On an evening that also saw some fine passing movements and scores, the overall performance was a great start to the season for this u11 team.

Garrycastle Panel; Daniel Stankard, Alec Connor, James Derwin, Jack Dowling, Senan Nugent, Ronan Croghan, James Kelly, Oisin O’Donoghue, Luke Quilty, Louie Shine, Rhys Larkin, Darragh Glennon (inj), Eoghan Joyce.

Under-8 GO Games Blitz in Castledaly [25 may 2019]

Under-8 GO Games Blitz : May 25th

On Saturday morning, the Garrycastle Under-8 squad made the short journey to Castledaly to take part in Round 3 of the Westmeath GAA Go Games.

Facing opposition from Castledaly and Maryland/Tang, Garrycastle fielded 2 teams on the day, with both sides playing 2 matches each. The players got to test themselves in all positions, showing a fantastic display of skill, determination, sportsmanship and teamwork. While the players showed great skills kicking goals and points, it was nothing compared to the skills doing “the dab” and celebration dances!

Thanks to our friends in Castledaly for organising a great mornings football.

Garrycastle Reds:

Aaron Costello, Brian Feeney, Daniel Murphy, Eoghan McCormack, Harry Doran, Harry McEnroe, James Cahill, Kealan Byrne, Oliver Costello, Robert Connor, Senan Kelly.

Garrycastle Greens:

Adam Wojcik, Breandan Galvin, Callum Lowe, Jamie Costello, Jason Doolan, Matthew Gacquin, Michael Kelly, Senan Keena, Tyler Conlon, William Francis-Redmond.

Under-12 League vs. Tubberclair, April 3rd [15 April 2019]

GARRYCASTLE 6-13 TUBBERCLAIR 1-02

The Under-12 team made the short journey to Tubberclair last week for their first outing in this years league campaign.

The Garrycastle team started brightly in the opening few minutes, going four points ahead in difficult windy conditions. Tubberclair then upped their tempo and clawed back two good points. There was some excellent football on show from both sides, but a strong performance all over the field, saw Garrycastle lead going into the break on a scoreline of Garrycastle 2-08 to 1-02 for the home side.

There were a few tactical changes made at halftime and it seemed to give us the impetus as we got a brace of points from Darragh Glennon in the opening few minutes. This was the signal to the Garrycastle lads to pile on the pressure with scores coming from Andrew Henson, James McHugh, Aaron Keegan and Louie Shine. The final scoreline saw a convincing Garrycastle win. Overall, a great all round team performance.

GARRYCASTLE: Darragh McCormack, Dylan Frawley, Darragh Glennon, Cian Norris, Oisin O'Donoghue, Rian Gaynor, Niadh Shine, James McHugh, Jack Dolan, Oisin Mulvihill, Van McCay, Aaron Keegan, Andrew Henson, Kealan McNamara, Louie Shine.

Under-13 Boys Cross-County League Semi-Final [14 April 2019]

GARRYCASTLE 1-09, MULLINGAR SHAMROCKS 3-10

After a long wait since the group stages, Garrycastle welcomed Mullingar Shamrocks to Garrycastle on Friday evening for the semi-final of the Under-13 Boys cross-county Leinster football league.

On a very windy evening, which made playing conditions difficult, Garrycastle had 17 players available for the match which was played as 13-a-side. Having won the toss, the Mullingar team played with the wind in the first half, and started the game brightly, kicking over some fine scores in the opening minutes. The Garrycastle lads struggled to get into the game in the early stages, and playing into the strong wind, found it difficult to retain possession. Indeed, it was from an unforced error from a Garrycastle kickout, when possession was lost out the field, that the visitors took full advantage and struck for the opening goal of the game.

When the Garrycastle lads did retain possession, they showed glimpses of the ball handling skills that have become a trademark of this team, but they were constantly under pressure and seemed to be at somewhat of a size and strength disadvantage all over the field. The visitors pressed home their advantage, and struck for a second goal on the stroke of half-time to widen their lead. At half-time, the scoreline read Garrycastle 0-02, Mullingar Shamrocks 2-06.

Turning to play with the aid of the wind for the second half, the Garrycastle lads came out of the traps strongly, and started to put their passing game together, with wave after wave of attacks putting the visitors defence under huge pressure, and starting to pull back the half-time deficit. However, after playing themselves back into the game, a momentary lapse in concentration saw the Shamrocks side break quickly from defence and score an opportunistic goal against the run of play.

To their credit, the home team piled on the pressure, but the visitors lead was just too large and as time ran out it was the Mullingar side who triumphed and who now move on to the Leinster Final.

The final score on the evening was Garrycastle 1-09, Mullingar Shamrocks 3-10.

We wish Mullingar Shamrocks the best of luck in the final, and hope they bring the silverware back to Westmeath!

Overall, this cross-county league has been a valuable learning experience for this group of talented players. Although they lost out on this occasion, it sets them up nicely for the under-12 and under-14 leagues over the next few months.

Huge thanks to the support on the night, and to all the support during this league campaign.

Many thanks also to the team management of Mick Mannion, Darragh Shine, Jim McHugh and Ger O'Donoghue for bringing them this far.

Panel on the night:

Cian Norris, Anthony Mannion, Oisin Mulvihill, Rian Gaynor, Van McCay, Killian Keegan, David Carter, Niadh Shine,

Sean O'Donoghue, Andrew Henson (0-04), Aaron Keegan (0-02), James McHugh (0-01), Kealan McNamara,

Brandon Devaney, Nathan McKeon, Dean Grehan Monaghan, Darragh Glennon (1-02), Oisin O'Donoghue.

Under-12 Boys League [3 April 2019]

TUBBERCLAIR 1-02, GARRYCASTLE 6-13

The Under-12 team made the short journey to Tubberclair this evening for their first outing in this years league campaign.

The Garrycastle team started brightly in the opening few minutes, going four points ahead in difficult windy conditions. Tubberclair then upped their tempo and clawed back two good points. There was some excellent football on show from both sides, but a strong performance all over the field, saw Garrycastle lead going into the break on a scoreline of Garycastle 2-08 to 1-02 for the home side.

There were a few tactical changes made at halftime and it seemed to give us the impetus as we got a brace of points from Darragh Glennon in the opening few minutes. This was the signal to the Garrycastle lads to pile on the pressure with scores coming from Andrew Henson, James McHugh, Aaron Keegan and Louie Shine.

The final scoreline saw a convincing Garrycastle win, Garrycastle 6-13, Tubberclair 1-02.

Overall, a great all round team performance.

Under-13 Boys Cross-County League [23 February 2019]

WOLF TONES/CLONBRONEY (LONGFORD) 2-04, GARRYCASTLE 5-14

Round 3 of the Leinster League organised under-13 cross-county league saw the Garrycastle squad head north to Edgeworthstown in Longford to play a combined Wolfe Tones/Clonbroney side. This was the final game of the group stages of the league, and at stake was the opportunity to top the group, and progress to the competition semi-finals.

Unusually for this group, they started very slowly and found it hard to get into the game in the opening stages, looking tired, with a lot of unforced errors and giving the ball away too easily, and when in scoring positions, kicking a lot of aimless wides. However, after the first 10 minutes or so, the team started to play as we know they can, and finished the first half strongly with a great goal, and the forwards started to find their range, kicking over some excellent points to lead at the half-time break on a scoreline of 1-07 to 1-01. It needed some staunch defending to keep the home team to just the two scores in the first half.

As the second half started, the team were instructed to keep the play simple, and not to over elaborate when in possession. This advice bore immediate results, as the Garrycastle lads started to play their brand of football, passing the ball at speed and with some great running off the ball stretched the home side all over the pitch. The space created was put to great use as the forwards started to string scores together to put the match out of the grasp of the home side. When the Wolf Tones/Clonbroney side did attack, the Garrycastle defence stood firm, and with some excellent tackling and interceptions, initiated multiple attacks of their own. The home side were simply not able to compete with the Garrycastle lads in full flow, and the game was made safe by some late scores.

Overall, this really was a game of two halves, with the Garrycastle lads slow to get into the game at the start, but once they settled and started playing to their own strengths, the result was really never in doubt.

Three wins from three outings in the league part, has the Garrycastle lads topping their table, and the league semi-finals now beckon for this group of talented players.

The final score saw Garrycastle win out on a scoreline of 5-14 to 2-04.

Garrycastle under-13 panel and scorers on the day:

Conor McCormack, Cian Norris, Anthony Mannion, Oisin Mulvihill, Rian Gaynor, Van McCay, Killian Keegan (1-00), David Carter, Niadh Shine, Andrew Henson (1-03), Sean O'Donoghue (0-01), Aaron Keegan (1-03), James McHugh (1-03), Kealan McNamara (0-01), Dean Grehan Monaghan (1-00), Brandon Devaney (0-01), Dylan Frawley (0-01), Oisin O'Donoghue (0-01), Darragh Glennon.

Well done to the Garrycastle panel as everyone contributed to the three group wins. Many thanks also to the parents for travelling to Edgeworthstown and supporting the players.

Under-13 Boys Cross-County League [9 february 2019]

GARRYCASTLE 3-08 ST. PETERS DUNBOYNE (MEATH) 1-05

Round 2 of the Leinster League organised under-13 cross-county league saw Garrycastle welcoming the St. Peters GAA Club from Dunboyne in Co. Meath to Garrycastle on Saturday afternoon. Even with the distraction of a Rugby international being played on the same afternoon, 19 players togged out to play the match.

Both Garrycastle and St. Peters had won their first round matches, so this was always going to be a tight encounter, and so it proved. The first half of this match was real end-to-end football, played at a frenetic pace. Both teams were making light of the poor conditions, and took some excellent scores from play. Midway through the first half, the Garrycastle backline was breached and St. Peters scored a well worked goal. To their credit, the Garrycastle lads regrouped and responded in excellent fashion, by scoring the next two points.

Indeed, they may have had a goal of their own, but the crossbar came to the aid of the St. Peters goalkeeper, and the danger was cleared.

At half-time, the visitors led by a single point on a scoreline of St. Peters 1-02, Garrycastle 0-04.

Garrycastle considerably upped their work rate as the second half started, and carried the game to the visitors, pushing high up the field, and playing some fast ball into the forward line, who took maximum advantage scoring two goals and two points in quick succession, to leave them in the driving seat. As expected, the visitors came back strongly, and hit a purple patch of their own, knocking over some fine points. However, the Garrycastle lads would not relinquish their lead so easily, and tackled hard for every ball, and ended the match the stronger to take a well deserved win.

Every player on the pitch gave 100% effort, and in the end it was some smart play from the Garrycastle lads, aided by their fitness as legs tired on the heavy pitch, that gave them the win.

The final score saw Garrycastle the victors on a scoreline of Garrycastle 3-08, St. Peters Dunboyne 1-05.

GARRYCASTLE: Conor McCormack, Cian Norris, Anthony Mannion, Oisin Mulvihill, Rian Gaynor, Van McCay, Niadh Shine, David Carter, Killian Keegan, Sean O'Donoghue, Andrew Henson (0-02), Kealan McNamara, James McHugh (0-03), Aaron Keegan (0-01), Dylan Frawley (0-01), Nathan McKeon (1-00), Brandon Devaney, Darragh Glennon (2-01), Oisin O'Donoghue

Under-13 Boys Cross-County League [3 February 2019]

GARRYCASTLE 4-15 ST. MANCHAN GAELS (OFFALY) 2-02

The Garrycastle Under-13 Boys are entered into a cross-county league organised by the Leinster council. Garrycastle are drawn in a group of four teams, alongside St. Manchan Gales (Offaly), St. Peters Dunboyne (Meath), and Wolfe Tones/Clonbroney (Longford).

The matches are played at 13-a-side, with unlimited substitutions, using the full pitch size.

Garrycastle started their campaign in this competition, with a visit to the St. Manchans Gaels club in Doon on Saturday morning. St. Manchans is an amalgamation between Doon, Tubber and Ballycumber. As befits games this early in the year, there was more than a hint of frost in the air as the Garrycastle lads togged out. In all, 19 players were available which is an excellent turnout for this time of year.

Garrycastle started slowly, showing signs of the winter layoff, with no real intensity being brought to the game. There were a number of handling mistakes in the first quarter hour, but slowly the Garrycastle lads worked their way into the game. The forwards were taking some great points when the ball was moved in quickly to them, and a great move started in the backline saw the ball moved quickly up the field and a great goal taken. However, a little bit of over confidence then crept into the play, and on a number of occasions, the ball was over-played and possession turned over, where a simpler use of the ball could have have resulted in further scores. The home club took some advantage of this, scoring a goal and two points of their own. At half-time, Garrycastle had a comfortable lead on a scoreline of 2-10 to 1-02.

The second half saw a very different Garrycastle side emerge, fighting for every ball and starting to make some fine runs and taking scores when presented. This was a much improved second half from all of the players, and it was great to see the players working hard for each other to take control of the game. A highlight of the second half was the tackling when not in possession, and some great link play through the centre of the field.

There is certainly room for improvement, but for the first outing of the year, it was good to get a match win under our belt. Many thanks to the St. Manchan Gaels team for a very fair and competitive game.

The final score was Garrycastle 4-15 St. Manchan Gaels 2-02

Garrycastle Panel:- Conor McCormack, Cian Norris, Anthony Mannion, Oisin Mulvihill, Rian Gaynor, Killian Keegan, David Carter, Van McCay, Niadh Shine, Keelan McNamara, Andrew Henson (0-02), Sean O’Donoghue (1-03), James McHugh (0-04), Aaron Keegan 0-01), Nathan McKeon, Brandon Devaney (0-01), Dean Grehan (2-00), Dylan Frawley (0-02), Darragh Glennon (1-02).