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Results / Reports from 2012

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ALL COUNTY LEAGUE (Division1 - 6 October 2012)

GARRYCASTLE 3-10 TANG 0-7

Garrycastle kept their quest for Division 1 league honours on track with a well merited win over Tang in Tang last Saturday evening. The game was switched from Garrycastle as the pitch there was unplayable.

It was evident in the early exchanges that Garrycastle had not played for almost 3 weeks as they struggled to put any decent passages of play together. Tang had the lead with a point in the 3rd minute but Garrycastle responded with pointed frees from Conor Cosgrove to lead by the 9th minute. The sides exchanged points, with the Garrycastle scores coming from James Duignan and Neil Rattigan from play to be level on 0-4 each by the 19th minute. Garrycastle grabbed a decisive lead with a couple of goals within a two minute spell, the first coming via the fist of Conor Cosgrove who was on the end of a high delivery into the Tang goalmouth and the second from Patrick Mulvihill after good approach play. Another point from Eoin Monaghan was replied to by a point for Tang in first half injury timer to leave the scoreline 2-5 to0-5 at the break in Garrycastle’s favour.

Tang had a point from a free shortly after the resumption but a third Garrycastle goal in the 34th minute from Eoin Monaghan all but settled the issue. Further points from Eoin Monaghan and Robbie Fox extended their lead. Tang had a point from a free in the 41st minute. Points from Garrycastle substitutes, Ciaran O’Neill and two from James Dolan saw out the match on a scoreline of 3-10 to 0-7.

There were good displays from Enda Mulvihill and Matthew Guiheen in defence. David O’Shaughnessy and Aidan Browne held sway in the centre. Patrick Mulvihill and Eoin Monaghan caught the eye in attack. Garrycastle were missing a number of regulars, but on this display they will struggle to win the county final in two weeks. Mullingar Shamrocks and Garrycastle have agreed to double up for the league in their county final fixture, so the outcome of that game could see Garrycastle clinch the division 1 title.

GARRYCASTLE: Cathal Mullin, Alan Fox, Enda Mulvihill, Gary McCallon, Matthew Guiheen, Mark McCallon, Robbie Fox (0-1), Aidan Browne, David O’Shaughnessy, Paul Dillon, Patrick Mulvihill (1-0), Neil Rattigan (0-1), Conor Cosgrove (1-2, 0-2f), James Duignan (0-1)and Eoin Monaghan (1-2).

SUBS: Ciaran O’Neill (0-1) for E Monaghan (47 min); Seanie O’Donoghue for P Dillon (47 min); Johnny McGuire for N Rattigan (47 min); James Dolan (0-2) for C Cosgrove (inj, 50 min) and Anthony Larkin for R Fox (52 min).

ACFL Div 1: P 8; W 6; D 0; L 2; Pts 12

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP (SEMI-FINAL - 16/9/2012))

Garrycastle 4-10 Maryland 0-12

Two goals in the closing minutes sealed victory for Garrycastle in the county semi-final in Cusack Park last Sunday. The final winning margin gives a false picture of this game, however. When wind-assisted Maryland got to within a goal of Garrycastle half way through the second half they seemed to have the momentum to press on for victory but in the space of a few minutes two key incidents virtually decided the outcome. Sean Brennan made a superb save following sustained pressure by Maryland and when Eoin Monaghan scored a super goal just afterwards the pattern of the game had changed completely. Maryland, to their credit, kept battling and reduced the leeway to four points before the late goals from Eoin Monaghan and James Dolan gave Garrycastle a

flattering ten-point victory. The holders will know that a big improvement will be needed if they are to retain their title. The five week delay until the final gives time to work on several aspects of their game and, crucially, allows injured players a chance to attain full fitness.

PS. A minutes silence was observed before our senior match against Maryland in respect of our late President Jim McHugh.

GARRYCASTLE: Sean Brennan, Mark McCallon, John Gaffey, Gary McCallon, Robbie Fox, Enda Mulvihill, Doron Harte, Justin Barrett, Aidan Browne, Paul Dillon (0-3), Paddy Mulvihill (1-2), Eoin Monaghan (2-2), Conor Cosgrove (0-1), James Duignan (0-1), Dessie Dolan (0-1).

SUBS: James Dolan (1-0), David O’Shaughnessy, Alan Fox , Ciaran O’Neill.

ALL COUNTY LEAGUE (Division 1 - 28 August 2012)

GARRYCASTLE 2-15 CASTLEDALY 0-14

This re-arranged fixture was played before a good size attendance in Garrycastle last Tuesday evening. A draw or better for Castledaly would secure the Division 1 title, whereas only a win for the home side would keep their hopes of securing that title alive.

Playing with the aid of a stiff breeze, Castledaly made the better start and registered their first point with a close range free with just over 2 minutes elapsed. They converted another free, this time from distance, almost immediately to increase their lead. A pointed free from the boot of Conor Cosgrove in the 6th minute got Garrycastle off the mark. Castledaly had a point from play but Paul Dillon responded with a point from play for his side. Castledaly were securing most of the possession and this was reflected in 2 more points to leave them ahead by 3 points by the 13th minute. A further point from a free increased their lead but Garrycastle hit back in style with a goal in the 16th minute as a slick attack put James Duignan into position to raise the green flag. A pointed free from Conor Cosgrove levelled matters in the 20th minute. Castledaly took the initiative again and a pointed free was soon added to with one from play to put them 2 points ahead by the 27th minute. However, Garrycastle finished the half in fine style with a point from Paul Dillon and a second goal, this time from the boot of Eoin Monaghan who was put into space and he cooly planted the ball in the net. Referee Pat Fox's whistle signalled the end of the first half with the home side ahead on a scoreline of 2-4 to 0-8.

Now playing with the aid of the breeze, Garrycastle started the second period in determined fashion and points from Eoin Monaghan, Patrick Mulvihill and Conor Cosgrove, all of which came from play, increased their lead in the opening minutes. A point for Castledaly was replied to with points from Aidan Browne and Paul Dillon. James Duignan and Conor Cosgrove added to the Garrycastle total but Castledaly responded with 2 points, all from open play, to reduce the margin to 5 points by the 46th minute. Conor Cosgrove and substitute, Dessie Dolan, added to the Garrycastel score as the game entered the final 10 minutes. Castledaly fired over 2 quick fire points but Paul Dillon responded for the home side. Castledaly now needed to raise a green flag but they found the Garrycastle defence in no mood to allow that and the final score came to the home side in added time from James Duignan.

This was a good win for Garrycastel and keeps their league title hopes alive. There were good performances from Enda Mulvihill, Jack Donoghue and John Gaffey in defence. Aidan Browne had a fine game in midfield. In attack, the best performances were from Patrick Mulvihill, Eoin Monaghan, Conor Cosgrove, James Duignan and Paul Dillon.

GARRYCASTLE: Cathal Mullin, Alan Fox, Enda Mulvihill, Jack Donoghue, Doron Harte, John Gaffey, Robbie Fox, Aidan Browne (0-1), Justin Barrett, Eoin Monaghan (1-1), Patrick Mulvihill (0-1), Mark McCallon, Conor Cosgrove (0-5, 2f), James Duignan (1-2) and Paul Dillon (0-4).

SUBS: Gary Dolan for R Fox (half time); David O’Shaughnessy for D Harte, inj (42 min); Dessie Dolan (0-1) for E Monaghan (45 min); Gary Mullery for A Fox (48 min) and Ciaran O’Neill for C Cosgrove (55 min).

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP (11 August 2012)

GARRYCASTLE 0-12 BUNBROSNA 1-9

A pointed free by James Duignan in the final minute secured a draw for Garrycastle in Ballymore last Saturday. This point was enough to ensure Garrycastle topped their table and qualified directly for the semi-final. However, it is a game that Garrycastle will want to forget, and a dramatic improvement will be needed if they are to make further progress in the championship. From the outset Bunbrosna played with more determination and purpose and, apart from a ten minute spell in the third quarter when they scored four unanswered points, Garrycastle never played with any fluency.

GARRYCASTLE: Sean Brennan, Alan Fox, John Gaffey, Gary McCallon, Ciaran O’Neill, Enda Mulvihill, Justin Barrett, Aidan Browne, David O’Shaughnessy, Johnny McGuire, Doran Harte, James Duignan (0-4, frees), Conor Cosgrove (0-2, 1 free), Paddy Mulvihill (0-5), Paul Dillon (0-1).

SUBS: Gary Dolan for Dillon; James Dolan for O’Neill.

PS: Following the final round of games, Garrycastle and St. Loman's have claimed the first two semi-final spots. In the quarter-finals Maryland will play Castledaly with the winners facing Garrycastle, while Tyrrellspass will play Mullingar Shamrocks with the winners meeting St. Loman's. The dates, time and venues to be confirmed.

SFC (Section A): P 5; W 3; D 2; L 0; Pts 8

SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP (3 August 2012)

GARRYCASTLE 3-13 KILLUCAN 0-8

Garrycastle seniors secured a place in the knock-out stages of the championship with a clear-cut win over Killucan in Moate’s Hogan Park last Friday. With much of South Westmeath subjected to heavy thunderstorms during the afternoon there were fears that this game mightn’t go ahead but amazingly Moate escaped the downpour and their pitch was in great condition. Garrycastle started brightly, reeling off four unanswered points from James Duignan, Paul Dillon, Ciaran O’Neill and a sweetly-struck “45” by Conor Cosgrove. Killucan eventually got off the mark with two points before Paul Dillon put Garrycastle three ahead with his second point. In the space of two minutes Garrycastle put themselves in a winning position with two quick goals. Firstly, Conor Cosgrove’s high kick from distance went all the way to the net as Paddy Mulvihill contested the ball with the full-back and goalkeeper. Within a minute Cosgrove was at the end of a slick passing move and found the net from close range. A pointed free by James Duignan gave Garrycastle a half time lead of 2-6 to 0-4.

A well-worked point by Paul Dillon stretched Garrycastle’s lead after the break. Killucan battled away and managed some good points but David O’Shaughnessy, Neill Rattigan and a Conor Cosgrove free maintained Garrycastle’s comfortable lead. Paddy Mulvihill pointed two frees and in between converted a penalty after Gary Dolan had been fouled in the square. As Garrycastle strove to improve their score difference Gary Dolan rattled the crossbar with a superb effort and Eoin Monaghan completed the scoring in the final minutes.

Garrycastle will be happy to have made the final stages despite having to field under-strength teams in all four games to date. Sean Brennan had another good outing in goals while John Gaffey and the McCallon brothers were excellent in defence. David O’Shaughnessy played solidly throughout in midfield while Paddy Mulvihill led the attack in style with strong support from Conor Cosgrove and Paul Dillon.

GARRYCASTLE: Sean Brennan, Alan Fox, John Gaffey, Gary McCallon, Mark McCallon, Enda Mulvihill, Justin Barrett, Ciaran O’Neill (0-1), David O’Shaughnessy (0-1), Neill Rattigan (0-1), Doran Harte, James Duignan (0-2, 1 free), Conor Cosgrove (2-2 , 1 free, 1 “45”), Paddy Mulvihill (1-2, pen, 2 frees), Paul Dillon (0-3).

SUBS: Eoin Monaghan (0-1) for Duignan; Gary Dolan for Dillon; Aidan Browne for O’Neill; Johnny McGuire for Rattigan and Robbie Shine for Harte.

ALL COUNTY LEAGUE (Division 1 - 30 July 2012))

GARRYCASTLE 2-13 TYRRELLSPASS 2-11

Garrycastle collected two more league points from this trip to Tyrrellspass last Monday. Both sides were short some regulars but the teams served up an entertaining game with the issue in doubt to the end. The first half saw both teams pick off some good points, with both Garrycastle midfielders David O’Shaughnessy and Aidan Browne on the mark early on. Further points from Conor Cosgrove (3), Paddy Mulvihill and Paul Dillon helped Garrycastle to lead by 0-7 to 0-6 at the break.

The third quarter saw Garrycastle extend their lead to three points, with Paddy Mulvihill showing great form in attack. The home side then scored a goal to level the game and when they took the lead soon after they seemed to have the momentum to push on for victory. A long-range free from Paddy Mulvihill then came back off the post and Gary Dolan crashed the rebound to the net. Garrycastle then went three points clear again but a second Tyrrellspass goal levelled the scores. Good work by Paddy Mulvihill set up Gary Dolan for his second goal which proved decisive, and a late Tyrrellspass point came too late to affect the outcome.

This was a decent performance from a much-changed Garrycastle team and the two points gives them an outside chance of winning the league title. The remaining championship games against Killucan and Bunbrosna will be the priority, however, as they try to book a place in the knock-out stages once again.

GARRYCASTLE: Sean Brennan, Mark McCallon, John Gaffey, Gary McCallon, Justin Barrett, Enda Mulvihill, Alan Fox, David O’Shaughnessy (0-1), Aidan Browne (0-1), Ciaran O’Neill, Doran Harte, Paddy Mulvihill (0-5), Conor Cosgrove (0-4), Paul Dillon (0-1), Johnny McGuire.

SUBS: James Dolan (for O’Neill), Gary Dolan (2-1) (for McGuire), John O’Shaughnessy (for E. Mulvihill), Robbie Shine (for J. Dolan) and Peadar Mulvihill (for Browne).

SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP (22 July 2012)

GARRYCASTLE 2-9 CORALSTOWN/KINNEGAD 0-13

Garrycastle secured two more points with a narrow but deserved win in their third championship game in Cusack Park, Mullingar last Sunday evening against Coralstown/Kinnegad. Playing with many regulars, due to absence, injury and suspension, Garrycastle fielded a new look line-up.

Garrycastle got off to a flyer with a point from Conor Cosgrove within 20 seconds of the throw-in. Coralstown/Kinnegad responded with a point in the 3rd minute. A pointed free by James Duignan put his side ahead and two more points from Conor Cosgrove, the first from play and the second from a free, established a 3 point lead by the 11th minute. Coralstown/Kinnegad responded in style and a rune of three points in succession had them level by the 19th minute. Ciaran O’Neill had a good point from the right wing to put his side ahead again in the 26th minute. Soon afterwards Coralstown/Kinnegad mounted a dangerous attack and only a great save by Sean Brennan prevented them scoring a goal and taking the lead. His team-mates took heart from this let-off and tacked on 3 points from play, from substitute Eoin Monaghan, Neil Rattigan and Conor Cosgrove to lead by 0-8 to 0-4 at the break.

Coralstown/Kinnegad had the aid of the stiff breeze in the second period and reduced the margin to two points with two well taken points at the start of the half. However, they say goals win games and Garrycastle got their first when Neil Rattigan was on the end of a good build up to blast the ball to the net in the 36th minute. Coralstown/Kinnegad hot back with three points, all of which came from open play, to reduce the margin to just two points again. A second Garrycastle goal from Eoin Monaghan in the 45th minute seemed to put Garrycastle into a comfortable lead. Coralstown/Kinnegad responded well to that set-back and hit over a point. A point from Conor Cosgrove, who intercepted a short kick-out, was followed by points for Coralstown/Kinnegad from paced balls in the 56th and 58th minutes to leave just a goal between the sides. Another pointed free reduced the gap to 2 points as injury time beckoned. However, Garrycastle held on for a deserved win.

There were good performances from Sean Brennan in goal, who was rock solid as well as making an important save in the first half; as well as John Gaffey and Doron Harte in defence. Conor Cosgrove, Neil Rattigan and substitute, Eoin Monaghan, were most dangerous in attack.

GARRYCASTLE: Sean Brennan, Mark McCallon, Enda Mulvihill, Gary McCallon, Alan Fox, John Gaffey, Doron Harte, Ciaran O’Neill (0-1), Aidan Browne, Neil Rattigan (1-1), Patrick Mulvihill, Robbie Shine, Conor Cosgrove (0-5, 2f), Gary Dolan and James Duignan (0-1, f).

SUBS: Eoin Monaghan (1-1) for R Shine (24 min); David O’Shaughnessy for C O’Neill (35 min); Paul Dillon for P Mulvihill (inj, 43 min); Justin Barrett for G Dolan (50 min) and John O’Shaughnessy for J Duignan (59 min).

ALL COUNTY LEAGUE (Division 1 - 11 July 2012)

GARRYCASTLE 4-8 BUNBROSNA 0-11

Garrycastle collected two valuable league points from this home fixture last Wednesday. After some heavy showers in the afternoon playing conditions were difficult on a heavy pitch but the teams served up some entertaining football. Garrycastle were short several regulars while a number of players were playing their second game in 24 hours, so in the circumstances they did well to secure an important victory. The foundations for this success were laid in the opening half when playing against a stiff breeze. A brilliantly executed goal by Gary Dolan set the tone, and further goals by David O’Shaughnessy and Paddy Mulvihill, both resulting from incisive passing movements, helped Garrycastle to lead by 3-4 to 0-7 at half time. Despite playing into the wind Bunbrosna had good spells of pressure in the second half and scored some excellent points. However, they never really threatened to get the goal they needed and Garrycastle picked off enough points to maintain a comfortable lead. A second goal from Paddy Mulvihill late in the game finally settled the issue.

This was a good display by Garrycastle but there is still much work to be done before the vital championship games in the weeks to come. After some early uncertainty the defence coped reasonably well while David O’Shaughnessy and James Duignan shaded the midfield battle. The forwards combined well throughout and got some very good scores, with Paddy Mulvihill, Robbie Fox and Gary Dolan especially sharp.

GARRYCASTLE: Sean Brennan, Gary McCallon, Enda Mulvihill, Alan Fox, Justin Barrett, John O’Shaughnessy, Ciaran O’Neill, James Duignan (0-1, free), David O’Shaughnessy (1-0), Conor Cosgrove (0-2, frees), Paddy Mulvihill (2-3), Robbie Fox, Robbie Shine, Gary Dolan (1-1), Johnny McGuire.

SUBS: Peadar Mulvihill (for R. Fox), Alan Daly (0-1) for Shine, Matthew Guiheen (for McGuire), Conor Harrington (for Barrett) and Brian Carty (for Cosgrove).

ALL COUNTY LEAGUE (Division 1 - 22 June 2012)

TUBBERCLAIR 1-11 GARRYCASTLE 2-6

Garrycastle made the trip to Tubberclair last Friday evening but came away empty-handed. There was a strong breeze blowing straight down the pitch and Garrycastle faced into it in the first half.

Garrycastle had their first point in the 2nd minute as Neil Rattigan broke forward and hit a fine score. Tubberclair responded with a point from play and took the lead with a pointed free after just 7 minutes. Garrycastle were awarded a penalty when Johnny McGuire was fouled and Patrick Mulvihill raised the green flag with a well directed shot to the net in the 12th minute. Tubberclair responded well to this set back with a point but this was replied to by a point from Conor Cosgrove. A pointed free for the home side was soon followed by a goal as a slick move opened up the Garrycastle defence in the 22nd minute. Johnny McGuire had a point for Garrycastle but two converted frees in the final minutes of the half saw Tubberclair ahead by 1-6 to 1-3 at the break.

On the resumption Garrycastle had a point from James Duignan but Tubberclair registered yet another point from a free in reply. Patrick Mulvihill pointed from play after good approach play but a point from a free and one form play pushed the how side further ahead by the 44th minute. There was only a point between the sides a minute later when Patrick Mulvihill was released and goaled after taking the ball around the advancing Tubberclair goalkeeper. The match was level soon afterwards, when Conor Cosgrove pointed a close range free, with about 10 minutes remaining. Both sides had chances but fluffed them. However, Tubberclair grabbed a point in the 58th minute and had another a minute later to establish a two point lead as full time approached. Garrycastle pressed forward but a combination of poor shooting and resolute defence saw the home side emerge with the win on a scoreline of 1-11 to 2-6.

This was a poor performance from Garrycastle, who were missing their county and a number of other players. There were good performances from Enda Mulvihill, Ciaran O’Neill and substitute Gary Mullery in defence. The midfield was in and out of the game, while Patrick Mulvihill was the only forward to impress.

GARRYCASTLE: Sean Brennan, Conor Harrington, Enda Mulvihill, Gary McCallon, Alan Fox, Ciaran O’Neill, Anthony Larkin, Seanie O’Donoghue, Aidan Browne, Neil Rattigan (0-1), Patrick Mulvihill (2-1, 1-0 pen), James Duignan (0-1), Conor Cosgrove (0-2, 1f), Robbie Shine and Johnny McGuire (0-1).

SUBS: Gary Mullery for G McCallon (inj, 28 min) and Alan Daly for N Rattigan (46 min).

SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP (17 May 2012)

GARRYCASTLE 2-13 CASTLEDALY 1-13

Garrycastle got a much needed win in their second championship game in sunny Mullingar last Sunday evening against the strong challenge put up by Castledaly.

Seanie O’Donoghue got his side off to a perfect start with a fine point in the 3rd minute. However, Garrycastle were rocked back when a slick Castledaly move resulted in the game’s first goal after 5 minutes. A fine point from Dessie Dolan narrowed the gap but this was relied to by a point from Castledaly in the 13th minute. Garrycastle began to take control in midfield and pointed frees from Conor Cosgrove in the 16th and 23rd minutes were scored either side of points from Dessie Dolan to put the champions up by two points. It got even better for Garrycastle in their next attack as a wonderful Ciaran O’Neill pass found Patrick Mulvihill and he crashed the ball to the back of the Castledaly net. Castledaly responded with a fine point but a good point from Ciaran O’Neill put Garrycastle further ahead after 29 minutes. Castledaly are renowned for their fighting qualities and responded in typical fashion with three unanswered points in the remaining minutes of the first half to leave just two points between the sides at the break.

A blistering start to the second half saw Castledaly hit over four points in a row and take a two point lead with just 5 minutes of the second half gone. Patrick Mulvihill responded with a point for Garrycastle but Castledaly has a point in reply. Points from Dessie Dolan, Ciaran O’Neill and James Duignan saw Garrycastel retake the lead by the 50th minute. But this did not last long and another point from Castledaly levelled matters with 9 minutes remaining. A blistering spell of scoring with points from Dessie Dolan and Adam Kennedy was completed with a goal from James Dolan to put Garrycastle into a five point lead with just 4 minutes left. Back came Castledaly with a point and as they pressed for a goal all their effort could yield was a pointed free in the 3rd minute of injury time. The final score 2-13 to 1-13 in Garrycastle’s favour.

This was a mixed performance from Garrycastle. At times they played fine football but were ponderous on other occasions. The defence were guilty of many lazy tackles and conceded too many frees. However, Enda Mulvihill and Doran Harte were as solid as ever. Ciaran O’Neill had a good game in midfield and capped his display with two well taken points. Dessie Dolan and Patrick Mulvihill were the pick of the forwards and the two substitutes, Alan Fox and Aidan Browne, played well when introduced.

GARRYCASTLE: Sean Brennan, Mark McCallon, Enda Mulvihill, Gary McCallon, Doron Harte, Adam Kennedy (0-1), James Dolan (1-0), Seanie O’Donoghue (0-1), Ciaran O’Neill (0-2), Neil Rattigan, Patrick Mulvihill (1-1), James Duignan (0-1), Conor Cosgrove (0-2, 2f), Robbie Shine and Dessie Dolan (0-5).

SUBS: Alan Fox for N Rattigan (36 min) and Aidan Browne for R Shine (45 min).

ALL COUNTY LEAGUE (Division 1 - 25 May 2012)

Garrycastle 3-11 Athlone 2-12

Garrycastle seniors secured another two league points from this fixture in Páirc Chiaráin last Friday evening. Playing against the wind Garrycastle got some early points from Dessie Dolan (2) and Seanie O’Donoghue but Athlone kept in touch until a well-worked goal from Gary Dolan put Garrycastle four points clear. A great point from wing back Ciarán O’Neill extended the lead but Athlone then had their best spell and took the lead approaching half time. Garrycastle responded with two points from James Dolan but the home team went in leading by 1-7 to 1-6 at the break.

Dessie Dolan equalised in the opening seconds of the second half before the game seemed to swing in Garrycastle’s favour when following the award of a Garrycastle penalty Athlone’s full back was red-carded. Paddy Mulvihill’s kick was saved, however, and Athlone drew inspiration from this let-off by going two points clear. A brilliant goal from James Dolan after great work by his cousin Dessie and Paddy Mulvihill put Garrycastle back in front. Points from Paddy Mulvihill and Gary McCallon extended the lead but Athlone’s superior fitness then became evident. They notched a goal and three points to go three points clear as full time approached and seemed set for victory. Garrycastle were struggling but refused to panic. Paddy Mulvihill reduced the leeway to two points and was then very much involved in the approach play which ended with Gary Dolan being fouled in the square when he seemed certain to score. Paddy Mulvihill kept his composure to convert the penalty and an injury time point from James Dolan put the seal on Garrycastle’s victory.

This was a patchy display by Garrycastle and a lack of sharpness was evident throughout. Nevertheless the players deserve credit for their willingness to keep plugging away to the finish to secure a victory that seemed improbable in the final quarter. The hunger for further glory seems to be still there and the return of some absent regulars will ensure keen competition for places.

GARRYCASTLE: Sean Brennan, Conor Harrington, Enda Mulvihill, Gary McCallon (0-1), Ciarán O’Neill (0-1), John Gaffey, Mark McCallon, Seanie O’Donoghue (0-1), Aidan Browne, Conor Cosgrove, Paddy Mulvihill (1-2, goal pen), James Duignan, James Dolan (1-3), Gary Dolan (1-0), Dessie Dolan (0-3, 1 free).

Sub: Robbie Shine for C. Cosgrove (injured).

ALL COUNTY FOOTBALL LEAGUE (Division 1 - 19 May 2012))

MARYLAND 1-12 GARRYCASTLE 1-9

The seniors suffered a defeat in the division one league against Maryland. Both teams were missing key players due to county duty and a very good game was played out in Garrycastle last Saturday. Garrycastle held a lead going into the last fifteen minutes but a spirited finish from a very fit Maryland helped them to a deserved victory by 3 points. 

ACL DIVISION 1 (3 May 2012)

GARRYCASTLE 2-14 THE DOWNS 1-12

Garrycastle seniors collected two points from their first league game of the season in The Downs last Thursday. This fixture doubled up as a Feis Cup match so they have also progressed to the next stage of that competition. This was a well-contested game of open football and it was only in the closing stages that Garrycastle succeeded in putting some daylight between the teams. They had started well with points from Aidan Browne and James Duignan but the home team began to find gaps in Garrycastle’s defence and after 15 minutes they led by 1-4 to 0-3. Goals from Seanie O’Donoghue and Paddy Mulvihill helped Garrycastle to a half-time lead of 2-7 to 1-8.

Two quick points from Paddy Mulvihill after the break extended Garrycastle’s lead but a number of missed opportunities kept the issue in doubt for most of the half. The Downs are always a formidable opposition on their home turf and they battled to the end. However, Garrycastle seemed to be able to get scores when most needed and they ran out winners by five points. It was a patchy display by the Leinster champions but it’s always good to start the league on a winning note. Best performances on the evening came from Gary McCallon, Ciaran O’Neill, Seanie O’Donoghue, David O’Shaughnessy, James Dolan and Paddy Mulvihill.

TEAM: Stephen McGuire, John O’Shaughnessy, Enda Mulvihill, Gary McCallon, Ciaran O’Neill, John Gaffey (0-1), Anthony Larkin, Seanie O’Donoghue (1-0), David O’Shaughnessy, James Duignan (0-1), Paddy Mulvihill (1-5), Aidan Browne (0-2), Eoin Monaghan (0-1), James Dolan (0-2), Dessie Dolan (0-2, 1 free).

Sub: Sean Brennan (for Larkin).

SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP (22 April 2012)

GARRYCASTLE 1-11 TYRRELLSPASS 3-5

Garrycastle senior side were given a guard of honour by their first round opponents, Tyrrellspass, as they entered the Cusack Park field to defend their Westmeath senior championship title. The champions started brightly and had a point on the board within a minute as Dessie Dolan converted a free he won himself. Paul Dillon then added a point from play and Aidan Brown had the third in the 3rd minute, again from play to put Garrycastle ahead by 0-3 to no score. However, Tyrrellspass began to secure possession and four unanswered points had them in the lead by the 13th minute. A pointed free by Dessie Dolan levelled the score in the 19th minute of play. An excellent point from Paul Dillon pushed Garrycastle ahead again soon after. The game’s first goal arrived in the 21st minute as Patrick Mulvihill was on the end of a good attack and shot to the net. However, Garrycastle were rocked back in the 27th minute as a dropping ball was fielded by the goalkeeper, but he was adjudged by the umpire to have brought the ball behind the line and a goal was signalled. It got worse for the champions in the final minutes, as Tyrrellspass were awarded a penalty and duly converted to score their second goal of the half. They were not finished there and tacked on a point from a free in the last minute of added time to leave Tyrrellspass ahead by 2-5 to 1-5 at the break.

A third Tyrrellspass goal was scored in the first minute of the second half as Stephen McGuire spilled a ball and it was dispatched to the net. So now down by 6 points, it was put right up to the champions. Dessie Dolan hit over a point from play and the Garrycastle cause was helped when Tyrrellspass were reduced to 14 players as one of their number was given a red card for a foul on James Dolan in the 34th minute. Patrick Mulvihill hit over a point and Dessie Dolan was again on target in the 41st minute. The same player converted a free and then substitute, Enda Mulvihill, fisted a point to reduce the gap to a single point with about 12 minutes remaining. Garrycastle were then delivered a blow as Dessie Dolan received a second yellow card from Referee, Barry Kelly, leaving it a 14 a side game. It was level on the score board a couple of minutes later as Gary Dolan hit over a fine point with some 9 minutes remaining. Both sides had opportunities to get the winning score, but the defences held firm and the final whistle saw the sides share the points on a scoreline of 1-11 to 3-5.

This was a patchy performance from Garrycastle, who played some good football but at times were guilty of over elaboration and misplaced passes. There were good performances from Doron Harte and James Dolan in defence. Dessie Dolan was again our most dangerous forward but he was well supported by Patrick Mulvihill and Gary Dolan.

GARRYCASTLE: Stephen McGuire, Mark McCallon, John Gaffey, John O’Shaughessy, Doron Harte, James Dolan, Alan Fox, Seanie O’Donoghue, David O’Shaughnessy, Paul Dillon (0-2), Patrick Mulvihill (1-1), Aidan Browne (0-1), James Duignan, Gary Dolan (0-1) and Dessie Dolan (0-5, 3f).

SUBS: Eoin Monaghan for P Dillon (37 min); Edna Mulvihill (0-1) for J O’Shaughnessy (47 min) and Justin Barrett for J Duignan (50 min).