1981

Senior Hurling Championship 6/5/81

Castletown 2-5 Ballyfin 1-8

From Leinster Express

Castletown throw down the gauntlet - to everyone

Castletown, last years I.H. Champions threw down the gauntlet to all and sundry - including the powers that be - at Mountrath on Wednesday when the held Ballyfin to level pegging in the SHC.

The game itself may not provide many talking points but certainly the decision of Castletown to field a number of players who were refused transfers will provide plenty of conversation for a long time to come.

The game itself was close, hard fought, with sides level on many occasions. At half time the score was Ballyfin 1-2 Castletown 1-2 after Dinny Dunne had given Ballyfin the lead with a good goal after five minutes. Jimmy Hanlon equalised after ten minutes.

The second half was similar to the first with Ballyfin leading by a single point with time almost up when Castletown were awarded a free which Con Wall duly sent over the bar.

Ballyfin had good players in Seán Culleton, Dan Hooban, Eddie Dunne, Steve Lanham, Paddy Culleton and Austin Lanham. George Lanham and Tommy Dunne with sub Joe Lanham making a big impression when introduced.

For Castletown - Mick Peters at full back, Mick Dollard, Seamie Hyland, Mick Boyhan, Gerry Phelan, Con Wall and Joe Dollard were most impressive.

Ballyfin: John Culleton, Joe Hooban, Dan Hooban, Eddie Dunne, Steve Lanham, Paddy Culleton, Austin Lanham, George Lanham, Peter Scully, Dick Downey, Tommy Dunne (0-7), Gus Lanham (0-1), Martin Gilligan, Louis Duff, Dinny Dunne (1-0)

Castletown: Joe Phelan, Mick Dollard, Mick Peters, Tom Palmer, Mick Boyhan, Bernie Ferns, Seamie Hyland, Pat Hegarty, Vinny Palmer (0-1), Joe Dollard, Con Wall (1-2), Gerry Phelan (0-1), Paul Dollard, Charlie Phelan, Jimmy Hanlon (1-1)

From Laois Nationalist

Ballyfin and Castletown share the points

Ballyfin and Castletown shared the points in this closely contested Laois Senior Hurling Championship tie at Mountrath on Wednesday evening in the which the scores were level on six occasions over the hour. The sides were level, 1-2 each at half time, and when Ballyfin went a point in front with four remaining it appeared as if they were about to collect the two championship points but when Castletown forced a close in free in the dying seconds Con Wall duly obliged when tapping the ball over the bar to share the honours with Ballyfin scoring 1-8 and Castletown 2-5.

Credit is due to both sides on serving up such entertaining fare under very trying conditions. Heavy rain which fell throughout Wednesday evening resulted in pools of water lying all over the place but luckily it cleared off for most of the game.

After Con Wall was wide of the posts from two early Castletown frees, Ballyfin took the lead in the fifth minute when Dinny Dunne shot a goal. Three minutes later Castletown equalised when Jimmy Hanlon finished a Joe Dollard cross to the net for a goal. An exchange of points between Vinny Palmer and Tommy Dunne (free) in the fifteenth and twentieth minutes left the sides level for the second time. Ballyfin edged in front with another point by Tommy Dunne but when Jimmy Hanlon replied with a similar score for Castletown they were again level 1-2 each at the break.

Tommy Dunne placed a free to Louis Duff who restored the lead for Ballyfin when shooting a point in the first minute after the restart. Four minutes later Tommy Dunne put Ballyfin two points in front when pointing a free but when Castletown replied with a goal by Con Wall, they led by a point.

The sides were level for the fourth time when Tommy Dunne shot a Ballyfin point after ten minutes and he put his side in front once again when repeating the performance at the three-quarter stage. Con Wall equalised with a well taken point for Castletown in the 18th minute and following an exchange of points between Tommy Dunne and Gerry Phelan these two evenly matched sides were level for the fifth time with six minutes remaining. Four minutes from time George Lanham put Ballyfin in front with a grand point and when it looked as if his side were about to collect the two championship points, Castletown were awarded a free which Con Wall sent over the bar for a division of the honours on the score 1-8 to 2-5.

Eddie Dunne and Dan Hooban were both very prominent in the Ballyfin full line of defence and although goalie John Culleton conceded two goals he could not be blamed for either as they were scored from close range. Stevie Lanham, Paddy Culleton and Austin Lanham completed a great half line of defence. At midfield George Lanham took the honours while Tommy Dunne with a personal tally of six points was the best forward on view. Gus Lanham, Dinny Dunne and sub Joe Lanham also caught the eye in attack.

Goalie Joe Phelan, along with Mick Peters, Mick Dollard, Tom Palmer and Seamie Hyland were the most prominent defenders for Castletown. Vinny Palmer put in an amount of effort at midfield with Joe Dollard, Jimmy Hanlon and Con Wall best among the forwards.

Scorers: Ballyfin- Tommy Dunne (0-6), Dinny Dunne (1-0), Louis Duff & George Lanham (0-1 each)

Castletown- Con Wall (1-2), Jimmy Hanlon (1-1), Vinny Palmer & Gerry Phelan (0-1 each)

From Secretary's Notes

The game was played in "atrocious conditions". It had been postponed on two previous occassions. Paul & Mick Dollard were making their debut's for Castletown and it was Mick Cleere's first game as trainer.

Richie Phelan was late arriving but was brought on at Centre Forward for the second half where he was "outstanding".

The referee was P. Sydes of Borris in Ossory.

Unused subs were PJ Mullaney, Gerry Gaughan, Seamus Fitzpatrick and Michael O' Sullivan.

Junior Hurling Championship 9/5/81

Castletown 1-8 Clonaslee 0-4

From Leinster Express

O' Sullivan's switch vital

A switch which brought Michael O' Sullivan from goal to attack after the interval had a big say in Castletown's 7 point win over Clonaslee in the Laois Junior Hurling Championship at Mountrath. In fact the former goalkeeper scored five points which greatly helped Castletown to their winning margin.

Fint Bergin, having scored a good goal on the 50th minute and Seamus Fitzpatrick had two points. But it was Clonaslee who made the early running and led 0-4 to 0-1 at the changeover. Gerry Russell scored three points without reply in the opening quarter before Eamon Hanlon opened Castletown's account approaching half time.

The winners who held the edge in the second period were well served by Michael O' Sullivan, Paddy Cuddy, Mick Bergin, Oliver Donovan, Seamus Fitzpatrick, Fint Bergin and Gerry Gaughan.

From Laois Nationalist

Castletown advanced to meet Rosenallis in the JHC at the expense of Clonaslee at Mountrath on Saturday. At half time they trailed by three points. (0-4 to 0-1).

Castletown switched goalie Mick Sullivan to half forward at half time and this brought about a complete change. By the fifth minute Sullivan had added two points plus one from Seamus Fitzpatrick to level the game. Fitzpatrick added another after ten minutes and Castletown were never headed. Castletown had good defenders in Paddy Cuddy, Mick Bergin and Jack Bergin. Gerry Gaughan and Ollie Donovan played well at centrefield and in the forwards along with Sullivan, Fitzpatrick and Fint Bergin looked most impressive.

Clonaslee had good defenders in Jamsie Conroy and Paddy Barry. Upfront Seán Conrpy, Gerry Russell and P.J. Murphy tried hardest.

From Secretary's Notes

The Castletown team was; Michael O' Sullivan (0-5), Jack Bergin, Paddy Cuddy, Tom Coughlan, Seán Mullaney, Mick Bergin, Declan Doocey, Gerry Gaughan, Tommy Donovan, Joe Kelly, Ollie Donovan, Seamus Fitzpatrick (0-2), Fint Bergin (0-1), Eamon Hanlon (0-1), Junior Cuddy

Subs: Seamus O' Brien for Doocey (inj) & Peter Moore for Junior Cuddy.

Seamus O' Brien, a first half substitute, switched from attack to goals at half time.

Senior Hurling Championship 10/5/81

Castletown 2-8 Ballinakill 1-9

From Laois Nationalist

Castletown adapt better to wet weather conditions

After being held to level pegging by Ballyfin on Wednesday evening Castletown collected full points at Ballacolla on Sunday where they upset the odds beating Ballinakill 2-8 to 1-9 in a Laois Senior Hurling Championship tie. Played on a greasy pitch following heavy rain on Sunday morning the conditions were anything but favourable for hurling. Castletown however adapted themselves better to the prevailing conditions and having the advantage of a fairly strong breeze the led 1-6 to 1-3 at half time.

Ballinakill who lacked the services of Pat Dunphy (injured), failed to produce their true form, and despite the fact that they had the advantage of the breeze in the second half the could never manage to overhaul Castletown who fully deserved their victory. The goal umpires and linesmen were operating under a handicap as their were no flags at the goalposts and the sidelines were unmarked.

Castletown went into an early lead when Con Wall pointed a free after four minutes and Joe Dollard added another before Ballinakill took the lead with a John Dunne goal in the eight minute. Con Wall equalised when pointing a free but P.J. Brennan restored the lead for Ballinakill when shooting a point from a very difficult angle. Jimmy Hanlon and Con Wall (free) then shared a brace of Castletown points before John Dunne pointed a Ballinakill free at the end of the first quarter. In the 20th minute Joe Dollard shot a further Castletown point before Con Wall shot a '65' to the net. Before the break a Ballinakill free by John Dunne left the score at 1-6 to 1-3 to Castletown at half time.

Ballinakill were favoured by a fairly strong breeze on the restart and while they had a point from a free in the first minute they could not manage to score again until the ninth minute when John Dunne pointed another close in free. Castletown struck again when they forced a 21 yard free which Con Wall shot direct to the net nearing the end of the third quarter.

Ballinakill recovered and although they had four points in a row from Mick Walsh, J.P. O' Meara, Ger Shaughnessy and John Dunne (free) in that order to level the scoring with six minutes remaining, they could never manage to get in front.

Luck, however, deserted them because they could forced two fruitless '65's and J.P. O' Meara struck the upright and his effort was cleared outfield. A Castletown free was awarded which Con Wall pointed two minutes before the end to restore the lead. Ballinakill now launched an all out attack and John Dunne had a shot at goal cleared outfield by goalie Joe Phelan to Joe Dollard who clinched victory for Castletown when shooting a point to give his side a deserving 2-8 to 1-9 victory of a close, hard fought game.

Joe Phelan came to the rescue on a few occasions when bringing off good saves at a very critical stage of the game in the Castletown goal. Mick Dollard and Mick Peters performed very capably in the full back line of defence. Seamie Hyland and Mick Boyhan took the honours in the half line. Pat Hegarty was very prominent at midfield. With a personal tally of 2-4, Con Wall was the winner's outstanding marksman. Joe Dollard and Jimmy Hanlon were others to figure prominently in the Castletown attack.

John Dunne who scored 1-5 of Ballinakill's total was the loser's top marksman and was always a serious threat to the winner's defence. P.J. Brennan, Ger Shaugnessy and J.P. O' Meara never gave up trying. Mick Walsh and Liam O' Shaughnessy gained an amount of possession at midfield but apart from the two Dunphys and Dan O' Shaughnessy the defence were caught napping far too often.

Scorers: Castletown- Con Wall (2-4, 0-4 frees & 1-0 from '65'), Joe Dollard (0-3), Jimmy Hanlon (0-1)

Ballinakill- John Dunne (1-5, 0-5 frees), P.J. Brennan, Mick Walsh, J.P. O' Meara & Ger Shaughnessy (0-1 each)

Castletown: Joe Phelan, Mick Dollard, Mick Peters, Tom Palmer, Mick Boyhan, Bernie Ferns, Seamie Hyland, Paddy Hegarty, Vinny Palmer, Gerry Phelan, Con Wall, Joe Dollard, Paul Dollard, Ollie Dollard, Jimmy Hanlon.

Subs: Charlie Phelan for Paul Dollard, John Bergin for Tom Palmer

Ballinakill: Ger Dunphy, Phil Delaney, Tom Delaney, Dan Shaughnessy, William Phelan, Michael Dunphy, John Walsh, Liam Shaughnessy, Michael Walsh, Ger Shaughnessy, Mal Fogarty, Peter Hamm, John Dunne, J.P. O' Meara, P.J. Brennan.

Referee Larry Hearns, Abbeyleix

From Leinster Express

Wall does it again

Con Wall, Castletown's towering No. 11 grabbed a point for his team in their opening SHC game against Ballyfin on Wednesday. He came to the rescue of the 1980 I.H. Champions again on Sunday when he scored what in fact was the winning point in the 58th minute in Ballacolla.

Although colleague John Dunne got the final score, Wall's point put Castletown ahead while the No. 11's contribution was, to put it mildly, unmeasureable. The former Laois senior scored 2-4, including a goal from a '65', and a further 1-3 from frees.

Few would have given Castletown a prayer when they only led 1-6 to 1-3 at the interval having played with a considerable wind. However a combination of a fighting defence and some terrible Ballinakill forward play contributed to see them through.

Castletown, backs to the wall for most of the second half, only scored once in the first 28 minutes of the second period, and although the maroon shirted losers got six points to square the issue their forwards let them down with a bang failing to either control the ball or find direction.

Castletown were fortunate to survive. The 58th minute free awarded to James O' Hanlon should have gone in Ballinakill's direction as the No. 15 overcarried the ball and Dunne's final score came 90 seconds over time.

The winners - who played Oliver, Michael and Paul Dollard despite a County Board ruling on Monday night declaring them still Borris in Ossory players - took their chances, and luck, well with the help of Michael Dollard, Michael Peters, Seamus Hyland, Paddy Hegarty at centre field and the forwars Wall, Gerry Phelan and Joe Dollard. Paul Dollard sustained a broken nose and had to retire in the 12th minute.

Ballinakill had enough second half possession with which to win the points. Tom Dunphy, Dan Shaughnessy, Michael Dunphy and excellent hard working Liam Shaughnessy in the second period.

John Dunne and at times Mal Fogarty played well for them but the team did not put it together well enough or show enough accuracy to snatch the points.

Scorers: Castletown- Con Wall (2-4, 0-4 frees & 1-0 from '65'), Joe Dollard (0-3), Jimmy Hanlon (0-1)

Ballinakill- John Dunne (1-5, 0-5 frees), P.J. Brennan, Mick Walsh, J.P. O' Meara & Ger Shaughnessy (0-1 each)

Subs: Charlie Phelan for Paul Dollard, John Bergin for Tom Palmer

Referee Larry Hearns, Abbeyleix

From Secretary's Notes

This result helped gain revenge for the 1979 defeat.

Castletown hurled with great determination despite losing Paul Dollard early through injury and lining out without Richie Phelan who had suffered a bereavement.

The team were on course to finish in the top 3 of their group and claim a quarter final place.

Junior Hurling Championship 20/5/81

Rosenallis 3-9 Castletown 2-3

From Leinster Express

Rosenallis had a convincing win over Castletown

Trailing for most of the opening phase Rosenallis turned in a great second half in their Laois Junior Hurling Championship tie at Mountmellick. Although Joe McEvoy opened with a Rosenallis point, 2 goals by Eamon Hanlon shot Castletown to the front. A goal by Noel Farrell gave Rosenallis a 1-7 to 2-2 lead nearing the interval, and they subsequently stayed on top scoring 2-2 to Castletown's one point.

Goalkeeper Charlie Farrell, Noel Farrell, Eamon Flanagan, Fint Walsh, Joe McEvoy, Pat Keating, Seán McEvoy adn Christy McRedmond shone for Rosenallis while Michael O' Sullivan, Fran Hegarty, Paddy Cuddy, Seán Mullaney, Gerry Gaughan, Michael Bergin and Eamon Hanlon were most effective for Castletown.

The winners now meet Ballypickas or Slieve Bloom.

Scorers Rosenallis: M McEvoy 1-1, C Redmond 1-0, N Farrell 1-0, J McEvoy 0-4, P Keating 0-3, S McEvoy 0-1

Castletown: E Hanlon 2-0, M O' Sullivan 0-3

Ref: Jimmy Rankins

From Laois Nationalist

Rosenallis, as expected, advanced to meet either Ballypickas or Slieve Bloom in the quarter final by virtue of their nine point victory over Castletown at Mountmellick on Saturday.

The first half was even enough with Rosenallis leading by only two points 1-7 to 2-2. But the second half proved to be rather one sided with Castletown adding only one point to their earlier account and Rosenallis running out easy winners.

Rosenallis, who last won a title in 1964 could well be nearing to bridging that gap. But the real test may yet have to come. They has sound defenders in goalie Charlie Farrell, E Flanagan, F Walsh and Noel Farrell with S McEvoy and J McEvoy along Christy McRedmond most prominent in the forward line.

For Castletown none player better than Jack Bergin adn Paddy Cuddy, along with Gerry Gaughan best prominent in defence. Michael O' Sullivan and Fran Hegarty and Eamon Hanlon most prominent up front.

Scorers Rosenallis: M McEvoy 1-1, C Redmond 1-0, N Farrell 1-0, J McEvoy 0-4, P Keating 0-3, S McEvoy 0-1

Castletown: E Hanlon 2-0, M O' Sullivan 0-3

Ref: Jimmy Rankins

From Secretary's Notes

The Castletown team was; Jack Bergin, Fint Bergin, Paddy Cuddy, Tom Doheny, Seán Mullaney, Ollie Donovan, Francis Hegarty, Gerry Gaughan, Joe Kelly, Junior Cuddy, Tommy Donovan, Michael O' Sullivan (0-3), Seamus Fitzpatrick, Eamon Hanlon (2-0), Donie Doheny

Subs: Mick Bergin for Fint Bergin (1st Half inj)

Challenge Game 24/5/81

Castletown V Trumera

From Secretary's Notes;

A Castletown team played Trumera in a hurling challenge in Castletown field and ran out the easiest of winners in a game which served little purpose but to show the weakness of Trumera. The home team led all the way and never exceeded pedestrian pace though Vinny Palmer, Paddy Hegarty, P.J. Mullaney and Joe Dollard stood out above the others.

Castletown: Mick Bergin, Jack Bergin (Snr), Paddy Cuddy, Tom Palmer, Mick Boyhan, Mick Peters, Seán Mullaney, Vinny Palmer, Paddy Hegarty, P.J. Mullaney, Con Wall, Joe Dollard, Fint Bergin, Ollie Dollard, Seamus Fitzpatrick.

Junior Football Championship 4/7/81

Clonad 0-6 Castletown 0-3

From Leinster Express

Clonad win low scoring JFC tie

Clonad led by 0-4 to 0-1 at the interval in this JFC game played at O' Moore Park on Saturday evening last and they held on to their three point advantage to the end. Tops for them were Brendan Roe, Mick Carroll, Mick Doran, Tom Kinsella, John Fennell, Noel Roe and Vincent Dowling. While for Castletown Bernie Ferns, John Bergin, Con Wall, Gerry Gaughan, Richie Phelan, P.J. Dunne and Joe Kelly were the pick.

Scorers Clonad: N Roe and S Farrell 0-2 each, J Walsh and V Dowling 0-1 each

Castletown: G Gaughan 0-2f, J Kelly 0-1

Ref: Jimmy Rankins

From Secretary's Notes

Castletown bowed out of the Junior Football Championship when beaten by Clonad in the second round game in dry breezy conditions at O' Moore Park. Clonad took the lead at an early stage of the first half in which they were assisted by the breeze and led by 0-5 to 0-1 at the break. Castletown's point coming from a Gerry Gaughan free.

Castletown played with the wind on the restart but failed to live up to expectations and though the forwards got their opportunites goal chances were missed and Castletown's only scores came from a Gerry Gaughan free and Joe Kelly from play, while Clonad scored only one second half point-enough to give them a full time lead of 3 points. So ended Castletown's football hopes for 1981.

This was a disappointing performance by Castletown who had looked good in the first round win over Ballylinan and the forwards failed to make any impression though the backs could in no way be blamed for losing.

Castletown, minus a number of players from their first round victory, were well served by goalie Seamus O' Brien, John Bergin, Bernie Ferns and Con Wall at the back. P.J. Mullaney and Richie Phelan had their moments at midfield but in attack P.J. Dunne was the only player to make any headway with a very good performance.

Castletown Team; Seamus O' Brien, John Bergin, Bernie Ferns, Peter Moore, Tommy Donovan, Gerry Gaughan (0-2f), Con Wall, P.J. Mullaney, Richie Phelan, Joe Kelly (0-1), Ollie Donovan, P.J. Dunne, Jimmy Hanlon, Christy Phelan, Joe Phelan.

Subs: M Cuddy for T Donovan, P Brophy for O Donovan

Minor Football Championship 8/7/81

Portarlington 5-12 Castletown 0-2

From Secretary's Notes

Castletown minor footballers suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of a sliker, more football experienced team from Portarlington in the first game for Castletown of the MFC. Portarlington took an early lead which Castletown had a chance to pull back through a penalty but Michael O' Sullivan drove it over the bar and this was Castletown's only score of the half to Port's 0-7.

In the 2nd half Portarlington went on the rampage adding 5-5 to a lone point by Pierse Higgins giving them a 25 point win.

Future participation in this competition seems pointless against teams from football areas as Castletown hasn't got the man power to form a good team though John Bergin had a magnificent game at full back. Joe Dollard also played well, Michael O' Sullivan and Kevin Drennan showed some nice touches and John Joe Breen tried hardest.

Castletown Team; Noel McCormack, Paddy Dollard, John Bergin, Bill Delaney, John Joe Breen, Joe Dollard, Mark Sheeran (Camross), Tom Delaney, Francis Hegarty, Kevin Drennan (Camross), M Cuddy, Michael O' Sullivan (0-1), Mick McRedmond, P Brophy, Pierce Higgins (Camross) (0-1)

Subs: T.J. Young for M. McRedmond, John Phelan for B. Delaney, B. Delaney for Paddy Dollard

Senior Hurling Championship 19/7/81

Castletown 4-6 Ballacolla 2-7

From Leinster Express

Good Showing by Castletown

Castletown, making a return to the senior hurling championship competition after weeks - and months - of controversy showed that they lost little of their flair for the game serving up a good display of hurling to win these important points at the expense of Ballacolla at Borris in Ossory on Sunday.

After an even first half in which Con Wall and Joe Dollard shot points for the winners and C Hyland and Pat O' Neill had two in reply. Then Paddy Hegarty shot a goal to put Castletown into the driving seat and they led by 1-2 to 0-2 at the break.

Ballacolla hit back with two points on the resumption but a goal by Vinnie Palmer and points by Wall (3) and Palmer left Castletown in a 2-6 to 0-5 lead at the three quarter stage.

Once again Ballacolla recovered and points from Pat O' Neill were followed by a goal and suddenly there were only two points between the sides once again. But Castletown saw danger and reacted quickly with goals from Joe Dollard and Con Wall from a penalty. A late goal from a free by Pat O' Neill in reply came too late to save the day for Ballacolla.

Joe Phelan kept a good goal for the winners who excellent backs in Bernie Ferns, Seamie Hyland and Richie Phelan. P.J. Mullaney and Vinnie Palmer had the better of exchanges at midfield and Con Wall, Joe Dollard and Gerry Phelan were tops in attack.

For Ballacolla Martin Conroy saved some good shots in goal while of the others P.J. Corrigan, Pat Kavanagh, Mick McEvoy, Mick Ahearne, Mick Broderick, substitute Raymond Broderick and top marksman, Pat O' Neill were the pick.

Scorers: Castletown- Con Wall (1-4), Joe Dollard and Vinny Palmer (1-1 each), Paddy Hegarty (1-0)

Ballacolla- Pat O' Neill (2-3), R Broderick (0-2), C Hyland and Mick Ahearne (0-1 each)

Castletown: Joe Phelan, John Bergin, Mick Peters, Bernie Ferns, Mick Boyhan, Richie Phelan, Seamie Hyland, Vinny Palmer (1-1), P.J. Mullaney, Joe Dollard (1-1), Con Wall (1-4), Gerry Phelan, Jimmy Hanlon, Charlie Phelan, Paddy Hegarty (1-0)

Referee Tony Maher, Portlaoise

From Secretary's Notes

Castletown avenged many years of defeats v Ballacolla and defeated them in the Senior Hurling Championship for the first time since the reformation of the club. It was also a great morale boost for the club after a 2 month lay-off, a temporary club suspension, and the suspension of the Dollard brothers who had played in previous rounds.

Paddy Hegarty palmed to the net to give Castletown a halftime lead of 1-4 to 0-2. Con Wall goaled from a penalty, having earlier had one blocked, late on to make sure of the win.

Joe Phelan gave a faultless display in goals, while Vinny Palmer was probably man of the match with a great display from midfield.

Senior Hurling Championship 25/7/81

Rathdowney 2-9 Castletown 1-10

From Leinster Express

Rathdowney march on

Rathdowney collected their fifth brace of points in six games when they held off the challenge of Castletown at Abbeyleix on Saturday evening. There was never much between the teams and thanks to goals from Tim Duggan and Mick Mahon the winners led 2-3 to 0-7 at the break.

At the three quarter stage Castletown shot a goal by centre forward Con Wall bringing the gap back to 3 points. Rathdowney had to pull out all the stops to halt their opponents gallop.

Best for Rathdowney were Noel Shortt in goal, Pat Delaney, Alex Stapleton and John Stapleton in defence. Pat Dowling at midfield and Tim Duggan and Mick Mahon in the forwards.

For Castletown Jack Bergin, Bernie Ferns and Mick Peters shone in defence, P.J. Mullaney had a fine game at midfield and Con Wall and Gerry Phelan did best in attack.

Scorers: Castletown- Con Wall (1-6, 1-2f), Vinny Palmer (0-2), Gerry Phelan (0-1), JImmy Hanlon (0-1)

Rathdowney- Pat Mahon (0-5), Tom Duggan & Mick Mahon (1-1 each), John Curran & Neil Browne (0-1 each)

Castletown: Joe Phelan, John Bergin, Mick Peters, Tom Palmer, Mick Boyhan, Bernie Ferns, Seamie Hyland, Vinny Palmer (0-2), P.J. Mullaney, Joe Dollard, Con Wall (1-6), Gerry Phelan (0-1), Jimmy Hanlon (0-1), Charlie Phelan, Paddy Hegarty

Referee Larry Hearns, Abbeyleix

From Secretary's Notes

Castletown's hopes of qualifying for the quarter finals suffered a set back at Abbeyleix as Rathdowney won a game with passages of good hurling. Castletown lined out without Richie Phelan.

U21 Hurling Championship 27/7/81

Portlaoise 4-11 St Patrick's (Castletown-Ballyfin-Slieve Bloom) 3-6

From Leinster Express

8 Point win for Portlaoise

Portlaoise had eight points to spare over the St Patrick's combination side in their U21 clash at Mountrath on Monday evening. A goal by Matt Keegan in the opening half gave them the edge and they led by 1-7 to 0-4 at the interval.

Scorers: St Patrick's- Joe Dollard (2-3), Paddy Hegarty (1-0), Gerry Phelan (0-2), Gerry Gaughan (0-1)

Portlaoise- Matt Keegan and S Smyth (2-0), M Conroy (0-5), N Prendergast (0-2), R Brown, J Taylor, J Fitzpatrick and P Critchley (0-1 each)

St Patrick's: Michael O' Sullivan, Peter Moore, Pat Hooban (Ballyfin), Paul Fitzpatrick (Slieve Bloom), Steven Lanham (Ballyfin), John Bergin, Ger Delaney (Slieve Bloom), Gerry Phelan (0-2), Paddy Hegarty (1-0), Joe Dollard (2-3f), P.J. Mullaney, B. Phelan (Slieve Bloom), M. Cuddy, Gerry Gaughan (0-1), Michael Delaney (Slieve Bloom)

Subs: Diarmuid O' Brien (Slieve Bloom) for M Delaney (inj 1st Half), Michael Moore (Slieve Bloom) for Peter Moore (2nd Half)

Referee Larry Hearns, Abbeyleix

From Secretary's Notes

St Patrick's bowed out of the Laois U21 H.C. when defeated by a faster, fitter and superior Portlaoise team. St Patrick's got off to a great start scoring 3 points before Portlaoise had opened their account. Portlaoise, however, led 1-7 to 0-4 at half time. Joe Dollard goaled twice from frees while Paddy Hegarty palmed a goal but Portlaoise stepped up the pace and finished well.

Michael O' Sullivan had a good game in goals, along with full back Pat Hooban. Gerry Phelan had some good periods but faded, while Joe Dollard was top marksman.

Senior Hurling Championship 1/8/81

Castletown 3-11 Camross 2-7

From Laois Nationalist

Castletown shock the champions in S.H.C.

Camross suffered one of their rare defeats at the hands of Castletown in the S.H.C. on Saturday when after leading by four points at the break they fell completely away and allowed last year's intermediate champions dictate the closing quarter.

In the second half Castletown, with the aid of two well taken goals from Vinny Palmer and Gerry Phelan inside a minute, turned the tables on the many times champions. Con Wall, who had earlier in the day qualified for the All Ireland Poc Fada, showed the way with some superbly struck points from all angles.

Camross could only manage two points in the last half in contrast to the evening earlier when they scored at will against Durrow.

Castletown had fine defenders in goalie Joe Phelan, Mick Peters, Mick Boyhan and Richie Phelan. Con Wall and P.J. Mullaney at centrefield and an attack that wasted few opportunites with Gerry Phelan, Vinny Palmer, Paddy Hegarty, Jimmy Hanlon and Joe Dollard most prominent.

For Camross, goalman Jack Dooley, Mick Carroll, Liam Ashe, Joe Doran, Richie Moloney and Mick Cuddy. Best in a poor attack were Martin Cuddy, Ray Sheeran and Mattie Collier.

Scorers: Castletown- Con Wall (0-5, 0-3 frees),Gerry Phelan and Vinny Palmer (1-0 each), Joe Dollard (0-3), Jimmy Hanlon (1-1), Richie Phelan (0-1, 65m), Bernie Ferns (0-1)

Camross- Mattie Collier (2-0), Ray Sheeran and Joe Doran (0-2 each), Mick Cuddy, Martin Cuddy and Richie Moloney (0-1 each)

Castletown: Joe Phelan, John Bergin, Mick Peters, Tom Palmer, Mick Boyhan, Richie Phelan (0-1, 65m), Seamie Hyland, Vinny Palmer (1-0), Gerry Phelan (1-0), P.J. Mullaney, Con Wall (0-5, 0-3f), Paddy Hegarty, Jimmy Hanlon (1-1), Charlie Phelan, Joe Dollard (0-3)

Subs: Bernie Ferns (0-1) for Paddy Hegarty (Half Time), Ollie Donovan for Charlie Phelan (2nd Half)

Referee Jimmy Rankins

From Leinster Express

Camross unbeaten run halted by Castletown

It is a rare occurence for Camross to be beaten in a championship match. They have held the county title for the past five years and this year seek and all time record of 6 in a row. But their unbeaten run was halted, temporarily at any rate, by near neighbours Castletown who, with the help of the valuable points are still well in the running for a place in the quarter finals.

With Camross, Ballinakill and Rathdowney already qualified for the last eight the crunch game in the group comes next Saturday night at Rathdowney when Castletown meet Borris in Ossory.

Two goals by Mattie Collier put the title holders in a 2-5 to 1-4 lead by half time but from the throw in to the second half Castletown showed that they wanted the points and perhaps it was this urgency on their part that set the champions back a peg.

Joe Phelan had a great game in goal. Mick Peters, Tom Palmer, Mick Boyhan and Bernie Ferns when introduced were the stars in the Castletown defence. P.J. Mullaney and Gerry Phelan had a grip at midfield and Con Wall, Jimmy Hanlon and Joe Dollard were the pick of the forwards.

Jackie Dooley was a competent goalie for Camross. Mick Carroll, Jim Delaney and Joe Doran were the pick of the backs. Richie Moloney and Mick Cuddy tried hard at midfield while Martin Cuddy and Mattie Collier were best in a disappointing forward division.

From Secretary's Notes

Castletown had a somewhat surprise victory over County Champions Camross in ideal conditions at Mountrath and thus earned a valuable 2 points to give them a 5 point total with 2 games left.

Camross, having already won enough games to qualify for the quarter finals lined out without a few of their top stars and seemed to play in a low gear for most of the game.

Vinny Palmer was again Castletown's star player, while Joe Phelan made a number of good saves in goal.

Senior Hurling Championship 5/8/81

Castletown 7-16 Colt 0-6

From Secretary's Notes

Castletown completely trounced a very weak Colt team to earn a further two points bringing their S.H.C. total to date to 7 points with one match to play and one point needed to qualify. This was a record score for a Castletown team but never had they played such a weak opposition and from the moment that Paddy Hegarty goaled in the early minutes a big win looked certain. Colt were short several regulars.

This game could not be a good guide as to Castletown's form but Michael O' Sullivan making his S.H.C. debut in for the absent Joe Phelan gave a faultless display. Mick Boyhan was the star of the full back line along with John Bergin. Vinny Palmer did everything right at midfield while all the forwards got their names on the long scoresheet with Bernie Ferns being particularly impressive in a new role at full forward.

Castletown: Michael O' Sullivan, John Bergin, Mick Peters, Tom Palmer, Mick Boyhan, Richie Phelan (0-1, 65m), Seamie Hyland, Vinny Palmer (0-1), P.J. Mullaney, Joe Dollard (1-2), Con Wall (1-4), Gerry Phelan (1-4), Paddy Hegarty (2-0), Bernie Ferns (0-2), Jimmy Hanlon (2-2)

Subs: Charlie Phelan, Seán Mullaney and Ollie Donovan for Jimmy Hanlon, Vinny Palmer and Joe Dollard respectively

Referee Tony Maher (Portlaoise)

Challenge Game 9/8/81

Castletown V Drumcullen

From Secretary's Notes;

Drumcullen of Offaly visited Castletown for the second time and defeated the home team's senior squad in a lifeless dull game (at least from a Castletown viewpoint). Lining out without a number of their regulars Castletown approached the game with a great lack of zeal and though they defended well with John Bergin outstanding at centre back the forwards made little headway through a tight Drumcullen defence.

Castletown: Seamus Fitzpatrick, Seán Mullaney, Mick Peters, Tom Palmer, Mick Boyhan, John Bergin, Seamie Hyland, P.J. Mullaney, Gerry Phelan, Tom Donovan, Con Wall, Joe Dollard, P Dollard, Charlie Phelan, Ollie Donovan

Sub: Vinny Palmer for Con Wall.

Challenge Game 13/8/81

Castletown V "Builders"

From Secretary's Notes;

The Laois Senior Hurling Inter Firms finalists, "Builders" visited Castletown and played a good challenge narrowly defeating an understrenght Castletown Senior squad. Despite slippery conditions due to heavy rain which cleared before the game there were some good passages of play.

The home side, short a number of regulars, were up a point at half time. In a low scoring second half the visitors gained a slender lead which they held onto. Castletown played well against a team of senior hurlers with many county players and the young lads of the team Michael O' Sullivan and John Bergin along with guest player Mick Cleere were the stars of the game.

Castletown: Michael O' Sullivan, Seán Mullaney, Mick Peters, Tom Palmer, Mick Boyhan, John Bergin, Mick Cleere, P.J. Mullaney, Gerry Phelan, Tom Donovan, Paddy Hegarty, Donie Doheny, Bernie Ferns, Jimmy Hanlon

Sub: Seamie Hyland for Mick Boyhan

Challenge Game 19/8/81

Castletown V "Builders"

From Secretary's Notes;

The "Builders" team made a return visit to Castletown.

Senior Hurling Championship 1/8/81

Borris in Ossory 1-15 Castletown 0-10

From Leinster Express

Eight Point Victory sees Borris in Ossory through to Quarter Final

Borris in Ossory are through to the quarter final against Ballinakill in the Laois Senior Hurling Championship by virtue of their eight point victory over Castletown at Rathdowney on Sunday. The winners got off to a good start with an early goal and were never headed. They led 1-7 to 0-6 at half time and as the game progressed they emerged deserving winners of a good sporting game that produced many passages of top class hurling.

Laois intercounty minor Pat O' Brien got Borris off to a flying start when scoring a goal in the third minute. Joe Moore added a point a minute later.

Con Wall opened Castletown's account when shooting a point in the sixth minute but Borris in Ossory replied with three points in a row from John Kirwan.

Castletown then had a brace of points shared by Vinny Palmer and centre back John Bergin before Christy Jones and Bernie Ferns had an exchange of points in the eighteenth and twentieth minutes. John Kirwan and Gerry Phelan swapped points before the interval.

Pat Bergin and John Kirwan and Con Wall (2) opened the second half scoring. By the end of the third quarter Borris had stretched their lead further through John Kirwan (2) and Kevin Dollard. John Kirwan and Con Wall shot two more each, while Pat O' Brien scored one.

Pat Whelan, Brendan Dollard and Christy Jones who was outstanding were the pick of a very solid Borris in Ossory defence. The two Bergins gave the winners a good pull at midfield. Pat O' Brien, Kevin Dollard and John Kirwan took the honours in attack.

Castletown had a very reliable goalie in Michael O' Sullivan and he got most support from Mick Peters, Joe Phelan and Seamie Hyland in defence. Vinnie Palmer tried hard at midfield. Con Wall, Gerry Phelan and Joe Dollard were best among the forwards.

Scorers: Castletown- Con Wall (0-6), John Bergin, Gerry Phelan, Vinny Palmer and Bernie Ferns (1-0 each)

Borris in Ossory- John Kirwan (0-9), Pat O' Brien (1-1), Pat Bergin (0-2), Christy Jones, Kevin Dollard and Joe Moore (0-1 each)

Castletown: Michael O' Sullivan, Joe Phelan, Mick Peters, Tom Palmer, Mick Boyhan, John Bergin (0-1), Seamie Hyland, Paddy Hegarty, Vinny Palmer (0-1), Joe Dollad, Con Wall (0-6), Gerry Phelan (0-1), Jimmy Hanlon, Bernie Ferns (0-1), Richie Phelan

Subs: Tommy Donovan for Gerry Phelan

Borris in Ossory: B Foyle, W Whelan, P Whelan, S Hanrahan, L Delaney, B Dollard, C Jones, S Bergin, P Bergin, P O' Brien, J Phelan, K Dollard, J Moore, J Kirwan, J Quinlan,

Sub: M Kirwan for J Quinlan

Referee Jimmy Rankins

From Secretary's Notes

This much awaited and controversial fixture between Castletown and Borris at last took place (after Castletown Chairman Denis Wall had withdrawn the appeal of 6th August to Leinster Council) but despite all the speculation it turned out to be an anti-climax game with Borris having a comfortable victory in a low standard game. This was a game in which Castletown never got going and except for Michael O' Sullivan in goals, Mick Peters at full back, Paddy Hegarty at midfield and Gerry Phelan in attack the team impressed very little and never seemed in the hunt.

Borris led from start to finish in this game (which preceded the Laois SH Quarter Final in which Durrow beat Cullohill) and were ahead 1-7 to 0-6 at half time. Castletown made no improvement despite harsh words from Mick Cleere at half time.

This was to be Castletown's last game in the 1981 SHC and they had failed to achieve their objective of reaching the quarter finals.

Tournament Game 26/8/81

Castletown V Ballacolla

From Secretary's Notes;

Castletown defeated a very much understrength Ballacolla team in the "White Horse Festival Tournament" in Mountrath in a poor game.

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For Year History from 1981 please click here.

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