Goals propel Garrycastle to victory over Castledaly

Garrycastle 2-12 Castledaly 0-11

Back in the first decade of this century, these two neighbouring clubs had some famous battles including three senior county football finals. The stakes obviously weren’t as high in this Westmeath intermediate championship group game in Tubberclair last Saturday evening, but there were still two points up for grabs.

It was Garrycastle who claimed the victory though the final scoreline is undoubtedly flattering as Castledaly had cause to regret the manner of both goals they conceded. Apart from those two goals, there was very little between the sides, albeit such a remark invites the old ‘goals win games’ cliché.

Having edged out Milltownpass in their opening game, Garrycastle will be happy to have recorded another win and Gary Dolan’s men will be looking to improve as the championship continues.

Castledaly went into this assignment off the back of a defeat to Rosemount, a game in which they were well off the pace. To their credit, Castledaly were fired up from the start and, despite the absence of Lorcan Dolan among others, they delivered the sort of performance that was required, though it ultimately fell short of a positive result.

Aided by the slight breeze, Thomas McDonnell’s charges made a bright start and went two points ahead inside the opening six minutes courtesy of Justin Coughlan and Daniel Heavin (a superb score). Strong tackling by the Castledaly defence prevented Garrycastle from making inroads early on, but the eventual winners drew level with two pointed frees from Conor Cosgrove.

On 17 minutes, raiding Castledaly defender John Warburton backed himself from over 45 metres out and was rewarded with a splendid point. Garrycastle quickly responded with a Jason Nugent point and it could have been a goal for the pacy attacker, with Castledaly goalie Mark Kearney getting a touch to divert Nugent’s close range shot over the bar.

However, Nugent did find the Castledaly net in the 19th minute. James Dolan intercepted a kickout that went awry from Kearney, who generally did well with restarts in his unfamiliar goalkeeping role. Dolan saw that a goal was on and passed to Nugent and although the latter seemed in danger of taking too long with the chance, he eventually slid the ball home.

Undaunted, Castledaly had a swift riposte within seconds, Kevin Stone finding the range with aplomb after good work from the youthful Shaun Kerrigan. The next point came from Garrycastle midfielder Andrew Monaghan, who won a kickout and finished off the move himself.

Towards the end of the first half, Castledaly created a goal chance but Warburton’s shot was well saved by Sean Brennan and Liam Fitzpatrick was unable to profit from the rebound. Garrycastle launched a swift counter attack and it ended with Michael Monaghan sending over a point. A crucial swing in proceedings.

Points were exchanged between Castledaly’s George Kearney and Garrycastle’s Cosgrove (after good play by centre-back Eoin Mulvihill). Castledaly ended the half positively with points from Aaron Sheerin and Heavin, a monstrous score from about 55 metres. At half-time, Garrycastle led 1-6 to 0-7 and it was notable that all of Castledaly’s first-half tally came from open play.

Garrycastle introduced James Sheerin for the second half and he soon proved his worth as a targetman at full-forward. A few minutes after scoring a point, Sheerin’s lay-off led to another, Nugent blasting over with a goal a real possibility.

With the wind now behind Garrycastle, Cathal Mannion lofted over a 44th-minute point from 45 metres, leaving it 1-9 to 0-9. Nugent soon showed his pace again and was adjudged to have been fouled, with Michael Monaghan converting the free.

The outcome was effectively decided when Garrycastle struck for their second goal in the 48th minute. Mannion lofted a free towards the Castledaly goalmouth which was fetched by Sheerin and with the Castledaly rearguard overcommitted, the substitute fired to the gaping net.

Three of Castledaly’s four second-half points came from frees - Kevin Stone (two) and Heavin the scorers - with their only score from play coming in added time from impressive defender Warburton.

Man of the match: John Warburton (Castledaly). The wholehearted defender may have finished on the losing side but he excelled throughout, carrying the ball forward with great intent and scoring two points, also bringing a fine save out of Sean Brennan. For Garrycastle, the pace of Jason Nugent made him a major threat and, with more ruthless finishing, he could have added to his tally of 1-2.

What it means: Along with Rosemount, Garrycastle are one of two teams in Section A of the Westmeath IFC who have two wins from their opening two games. Castledaly and Milltownpass, both of whom have lost twice, will be under pressure in the third round.

Score of the match: Daniel Heavin’s second point for Castledaly - a booming effort from long range just before half-time - gets the nod.

Scorers - Garrycastle: J Nugent 1-2; J Sheerin 1-1; M Monaghan (1f) and C Cosgrove (2f) 0-3 each; A Monaghan, C Mannion and J Dolan 0-1 each. Castledaly: D Heavin (1f) and K Stone (2f) 0-3 each; John Warburton 0-2; J Coughlan, G Kearney and A Sheerin 0-1 each.

Garrycastle: Sean Brennan; Anthony Larkin, Jack Donohue, Gary McCallon; Matthew Guiheen, Eoin Mulvihill, Killian Redmond; Andrew Monaghan, Conor McKiernan; Michael Monaghan, Conor Cosgrove, Jason Nugent; Cathal Mannion, James Dolan, Ben Donegan. Subs used: James Sheerin for Redmond (h-t); Rory McGowan for A Monaghan (42 mins); Jamie Carroll for Donegan (51); Ger Heneghan for Mannion (inj., 53).

Castledaly: Mark Kearney; Damien Stone, Shane Dolan, John Warburton; Shaun Kerrigan, Shane Fitzpatrick, MJ Kelly; Kevin Stone, Liam Fitzpatrick; Daniel Heavin, Alan Stone, George Kearney; Justin Coughlan, Cathal Dolan, Aaron Sheerin. Subs used: Paddy Holloway for Sheerin (43 mins); Evan Daly for Coughlan (51); Jack Kearney for D Stone (60).

Referee: Cathal Boland (St Joseph’s).