2008

Leinster League Round 1 24/3/08 @ Kilmacud Crokes

Kilmacud Crokes 0-16 Castletown 1-10 

From www.kilmacudcrokes-hurling.com/

On Monday 24th March 2008 Crokes won their inaugural Leinster Senior Hurling League tie with Castletown of Laois in Silverpark by 0-16 to 1-10.

The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges.  Playing with the wind advantage they were 1-2 to 0-0 ahead by the sixth minute.  Then, good interplay between Brian Motherway and Fergus Garvey set Shane O’Rorke up for Crokes opening point.  Within a minute Castletown restored their five point lead. Almost immediately an Eoin de Paor free was won by Neil Casey who pegged one back.  Alan Tiernan next got in on the act with a good catch and point.  Castletown dominated the following three minutes but could only register three wides before Shane O’Rorke put over from 60 metres.  Two minutes later a quickly taken Paul Graham free found Ross O’Carroll who tapped over to leave a point between the sides.

Castletown then sent over three unanswered points before a 60 metre Paul Graham free made it 1-6 to 0-6.  The long puck out was caught by the Castletown full forward.  He set up his corner forward whose shot produced a good MacDara O’hOgain save.  For the next few minutes the Laois side held the upper hand but were only able to muster one point.  Three wides at this stage, and another six in the opening period, left Crokes off the hook.  In the 27th minute Paul Graham came on to the sliothar some 30 metres out.  He made good ground and his goal bound shot was well saved by the Castletown custodian.  Graham pointed the resultant 65m to reduce the arrears to a goal.  A Ross O’Carroll point in the 29th minute left two between the teams at half time.

Two minutes into the second half Ross O’Carroll narrowed the margin to one.  Just as it looked like Crokes might take a grip on the game they surrendered the initiative.  During the next fourteen minutes the visitors scored three points without reply as well registering two wides.  Slowly the home team regained its composure.  The move of Neil Casey to centre forward brought a more forceful edge, while Niall Corcoran began to assert himself at centre back.  The full back line of Adrian Grogan, Damien Byrne and Willie Ryan tightened their grip and William McEvoy came more into the game. 

In the forty sixth minute Casey’s hard work set up impressive substitute Barry O’Rorke for a good point.  Two minutes on William McEvoy set up the same player for his second over.  Shane O’Rorke scooped up the puck out and made it 1-10 to 0-12.  A minute later the same player had the sides level.  Two Crokes wides preceded a pointed seventy metre free from Barry O’Rorke.  Crokes were now ahead.  Niall Butler in the corner, who now began to receive better ball, was unlucky not to set up the clinching goal.  In any event late points from Barry O’Rorke and Ross O’Carroll sealed a three point win.

Team: MacDara O’hOgain, Adrian Grogan, Damien Byrne, Willie Ryan, William McEvoy, Niall Corcoran, Eoin de Paor, Brian Motherway, Shane O’Rorke (0-4), Fergus Garvey, Ross O’Carroll (0-4), Neil Casey (0-1), Alan Tiernan (0-1), Paul Graham (0-2, f-1, 65-1), Niall Butler.  Subs; Barry O’Rorke (0-4) for F Garvey, S Gillen

SHC 1st Round 17/8/08

Ballinakill 0-17 Castletown 2-8

From Leinster Express

Jackman's perfect ten downs Castletown

Ballinakill booked their place in the quarter finals of this year's championship on Sunday night, as a strong finish to this game saw them claim their second win in as many games.

This group, which also contains The Harps, was undoubtedly the toughest of the four which were drawn for this year's championship, but Ballinakill have made little of the hand they were dealt. They can now return to training and await the draw for the quarter finals, comfortable in the knowledge that whatever happens in the game between The Harps and Castletown will have little bearing on them.

It was the way they finished out both the first and second halves which sealed the win for them here, as they took the lead just before half time and then a late flurry of points in the second half edged them to victory.

Eamon Jackman was to the fore in the scoring stakes, hitting 0-10 over the hour, with three of those coming in the last six minutes. He routinely punished Castletown's indiscretions and his contribution to the cause was vital for Ballinakill.

There had been little between the teams for much of the game, as the lead changed hands on seven different occasions and the sides were level six times. Playing into the wind in the first half, Ballinakill opened the scoring inside of two minutes through Fergal O'Shaughnessy. Paul Cuddy responded with a long range free but O'Shaughnessy had started well, and he pointed again minutes later after good work by Damien Carter set him up.

The game then went seven minutes without a score before Castletown struck for their first goal, as David Cuddy set up Seamus Lyons and he found the back of the net.

Ballinakill almost responded in kind when Eamon Jackman got through and beat John Lyons, but his effort was ruled out as he had taken too many steps. He pointed a free moments later to reduce the gap to a point before James Hooban pointed from long range for Castletown, after missing two similar efforts earlier.

Ballinakill took control of the half after that however, and points from Jackman (two) and Edward Dwyer put them ahead at the break by a point, and it could have been more had William Barry's shot for a goal not come back off the post.

Ronan Keohane opened the scoring for the second half with a point for Ballinakill, before the Cuddy brothers combined to put Castletown back in front. Paul pointed a long range free in the second minute of the half, and before the third minute was seen, David had the ball in the net, as he pulled first time on a breaking ball from 14 yards out and the sliotar flew into the roof of the net.

Ballinakill didn't panic, however, and three points in six minutes restored their lead. Castletown introduced some of the old guard at that point, with John Palmer and Tom Phelan coming in, but every time they asked questions of Ballinakill, the men in marroon had an answer. Castletown drew level once again with four minutes of normal time remaining, but that was as good as it got, and they now face into a winner takes all clash with The Harps in two weeks’ time.

BALLINAKILL: Nicky Lacey; Patrick Dwyer, John Walsh, Brian Walsh; Brendan O’Mara, James Walsh, Barry Dunne; Eoin Delaney, David Phelan; Damien Carter, Fergal O’Shaughnessy, Ronan Keohane; William Barry, Eamon Jackman, Edward Dwyer. Subs: Trevor Walsh for Barry (47 mins), TJ Lalor for Keohane (52 mins)

CASTLETOWN: John Lyons; Damien Brophy, Brian Ferns, Fionnain Cuddy; Kevin Conroy, Paul Cuddy, Robbie Delaney; Patrick Mullaney, James Hooban; Padraig Cuddy, John O’Sullivan, John Richard Kingston; John Gaughan, David Cuddy, Seamus Lyons. Subs: Ger Reddin for O’Sullivan (16 mins), Cyril Cuddy for Gaughan (half time), John Palmer for Kingston (39 mins), Tom Phelan for R Delaney (52 mins)

Referee: John Lalor (Shanahoe)

In Brief...

Main Man - Eamon Jackman (Ballinakill)

The Ballinakill full forward was in fine form throughout, with his free taking exemplary. Handled the pressure towards the end very well and pointed some excellent long range frees to help his side to victory.

Score of the Game

David Cuddy's goal in the second half was an excellent example that not every ball needs to be risen. The ball broke to him fourteen yards out, and rather than trying to get it up and get a shot off, he pulled first time and the ball rocketed into the roof of the net, leaving Nicky Lacey in the Ballinakill goal with no chance.

SHC Round 2 31/8/08 @ O' Moore Park

Castletown 2-17 The Harps 1-13 

From Leinster Express

Castletown sent early favourites, The Harps hurtling out of the championship on Sunday afternoon, as a vintage display from David Cuddy helped them to a convincing seven point victory in O'Moore Park.

With victory a must, Castletown reverted to their old guard to see them through this game, with five of the starting forwards over 30. They produced another big display, finishing the game well as The Harps wilted in the last 20 minutes of the game, with Castletown outscoring them 1-9 to 0-2 in that period.

David Cuddy led the charge, hitting 1-5 over the hour with his goal sparking that final scoring spree that saw Castletown home. The win sets them up for a clash with Portlaoise in the quarter finals in what should be one of the ties of the round, while The Harps will have to pick themselves up off the canvas as a relegation playoff with Ballyfin is on the horizon.

They will reflect on this game with many regrets, as they looked the likely winners early in the second half when they moved three points ahead. It all went downhill for them thereafter, and they could have no complaints about the final score line.

Jonathon Delahunty opened the scoring in the second minute with a superb long range point which John Palmer canceled out seconds later. John Brophy put The Harps back in front with a free and Seamus Lyons responded in kind for Castletown as both teams were evenly matched in the opening stages. Sean Bourke and Cyril Cuddy added further points as the teams went score for score for most of the half, and as half time approached neither side had the advantage, as they were level 0-8 apiece.

In flurry of late activity before Anthony Stapleton blew for half time, Jonathon Delahunty put The Harps ahead only for Fionán Sullivan to hit back almost immediately with a goal for Castletown, after Kevin Galvin lost possession after coming under pressure just outside the small square. John Brophy tagged on another free and by the time half time did arrive, Castletown were a point ahead, 1-8 to 0-10.

The Harps came out firing in the second half, and four unanswered points, one from John Dunne and three frees from John Brophy, left Castletown reeling. They refused to panic though, and their greater experience came to bear over the rest of the game as they gradually took control of the game and shut The Harps down.

Points from JR Kingston, David Cuddy and James Hooban leveled it up before David Cuddy took advantage of a breaking ball in The Harps penalty area to fire into the top corner and leave Kevin Galvin with no chance. With their tails up, Castletown were unstoppable from that point on, and The Harps never really threatened to score the goals they so desperately needed, as the game fizzled out to its inevitable conclusion.

CASTLETOWN: John Lyons; Damien Brophy, Brian Ferns, Fionán Cuddy; Patrick Mullaney, Paul Cuddy, Kevin Conroy; James Hooban, Ger Reddin; Paudge Cuddy, Cyril Cuddy, JR Kingston; Seamus Lyons, David Cuddy, John Palmer. Subs: Fionán Sullivan for S Lyons (12 mins), Tom Phelan for Conroy (34 mins, injured), John Gaughan for P Cuddy (37 mins), Darren Ferns for Kingston (61 mins)

THE HARPS: Kevin Galvin; Shane Phelan, Noel Delaney, John Prior; Liam Bourke, Conor Dunne, Derek Phelan; Ross Young, Jonathon Delahunty; Albert Townsend, John Dunne, Brian Galvin; Sean Bourke, Greg Delahunty, John Brophy. Subs: Fintan Deegan for Townsend (53 mins), Toms Kenna for J Dunne (59 mins)

Referee: Anthony Stapleton (Rathdowney-Errill)

In Brief

Main Man - David Cuddy (Castletown)

The Castletown veteran turned in a fine performance up front, pointing with aplomb both from frees and from play and rattling in a cracking goal in the second half to boot, a score which sent Castletown on their way to victory with a personal tally of 1-5.

Talking Point - Spreading the wealth

While David Cuddy may have ended up with an impressive total, it was the all around team performance from Castletown which caught the eye, as ten different players scored for them over the course of the game, including seven of the eight players from midfield forward.

SHC Quarter Final 14/9/08

Porrtlaoise 1-19 Castletown 0-9

From Leinster Express

Portlaoise cruise into semis as Castletown wilt

Portlaoise secured their place in the semi-finals of this year's championship with the minimum of fuss on Sunday afternoon, as they had far too much for Castletown in this one-sided affair at O'Moore Park.

Played out in terrible conditions, Portlaoise managed both the elements and the opposition superbly, and fully deserved their victory. Castletown had stuck with them right up to half time, but when Portlaoise hit 1-2 in the last three minutes of the half, it set them on their way to what turned out to be a comfortable win.

It was a disappointing end to a season which promised had promised much for Castletown, but in the end they could have little complaints here, as they let Portlaoise dictate the pace of the game. They must now regroup and come back next year, but for Portlaoise, a second final appearance in two years doesn't look beyond them.

They held Castletown very well here, as their defence bunched up and deny their forwards any space, while their attack was constantly on the move, creating huge amounts of space in which to operate.

Tommy Fitzgerald got the ball rolling on the scoring stakes, firing over a nice point after shipping a good challenge from Fionnain Cuddy. Fitzgerald almost had a goal moments later when Keith Murphy's shot for a point hit the post and dropped to him, but the Castletown defence scrambled and averted the danger.

The Noresiders almost found the net themselves three minutes later, but David Cuddy's shot was well saved by Colm Clear, and the ball was cleared to safety. Castletown finally got on the score board after ten minutes when Paul Cuddy pointed a long range free, before Noel Costelloe and Patrick Mullaney both pointed in quick succession to keep the sides level.

Both sides went tit for tat for the rest of the half, but with half time rapidly approaching Portlaoise came up with some big scores. Noel Costelloe pointed well from the left wing before a fine run from Tony Byrne set David O'Mahoney up for a goal chance, and he rounded John Lyons and tapped the ball into the net. Costelloe added another point from free, and in the space of three minutes, Portlaoise had gone five points up.

That gap only got bigger in the second half, as points from Tommy and Barry Fitzgerald and Noel Costelloe kept them on the front foot, and Castletown had no response. They tried to fashion goals, but despite good efforts from John Palmer and Patrick Mullaney they couldn't breach the Portlaoise defence, as the men in green and white ran out convicing winners.

PORTLAOISE: Colm Clear; Darren Murphy, Joe Phelan, Sean Cotter; Brian Glynn, Dermot Costelloe, Brian Mulligan; Cahir Healy, Keith Murphy; Noel Costelloe, Barry Fitzgerald, Eoghan Whelan; Tony Byrne, Tommy Fitzgerald, David O'Mahoney. Subs: Broughan Reilly for Clear (injured - 37 mins), Rock Scully for Whelan (55 mins), Tommy Mulligan for B Mulligan (55 mins), Niall Fitzpatrick for Byrne (58 mins)

CASTLETOWN: John Lyons; Tom Phelan, Brian Ferns, Fionán Cuddy; Kevin Conroy, Paul Cuddy, Patrick Mullaney; Ger Reddin, James Hooban; John Gaughan, Cyril Cuddy, Padraig Cuddy; JR Kingston, David Cuddy, Seamus Lyons. Subs: John Palmer for P Cuddy (36 mins), Fionán O'Sullivan for Gaughan (42 mins), Robert Delaney for Kingston (45 mins), John O'Sullivan for C Cuddy (49 mins), Kieran Dunne for Lyons (55 mins)

Referee: Anthony Stapleton (Rathdowney-Errill)

In Brief...

Main Man - Noel Costelloe (Portlaoise)

The Portlaoise wing forward turned in a fine performance, as he contributed handsomely both from play and placed balls. His three points from play were struck from varying angles and distances, while his frees were dispatched in a similar fashion in an excellent attacking display from him.

Save of the Game

The honour goes to Colm Clear for this one, as he pulled off a great save to deny David Cuddy a goal in the opening minutes. Had Cuddy scored it would have set Castletown up nicely, but thanks to Clear's quick reactions, Portlaoise didn't allow their opponents to get up and running.

From Laois Nationalist

Portlaoise bring down curtain on great rivals

“AND now the end is near; and so I face the final curtain” - the opening words of Frank Sinatra’s My Way, and how appropriate they seemed in O’Moore Park on Sunday evening. Castletown hurlers walked from the scene of so many of their greatest triumphs over the past 13 years, downcast, disheartened and drained. They had suffered their heaviest knockout defeat in their 15 years at senior level. 

Twelve months ago Portlaoise put the frighteners on them with a 17 point bashing but they refused to accept the end and only two months ago made the all familiar journey up the steps of the stand to accept the league trophy after brushing aside a Harps team high on expectation. That evening neutrals left the ground in the belief here was another serious championship challenger. 

The championship was perfectly primed for them. They had a rest day when all others opened their campaign and when Ballinakill added to the Harps woes all Castletown needed to do was beat the Durrow club for a second time and in all their years of dominance the Harps had never looked like beating them. That great record was maintained when the teams met three weeks ago. 

Portlaoise now stood between Castletown and their 11th semi-final in 14 years. Ten years ago in their prime Portlaoise knocked them out at this stage but they bounced back and ruled for the next six years until Portlaoise stopped them again. 

They regrouped and knocked Portlaoise off their pedestal and while they did win another title they were in decline and suffered a terrible defeat in the club championship. 

On Sunday last Portlaoise were on a mission, first to put the record right since losing their crown to Castletown three years ago and secondly to prove that their last knockout game at the venue was just a bad day at the office. 

Thirty seconds into the game team captain Tom Fitzgerald put them in front. Two minutes later Paul Cuddy equalised and the teams went on to swap points on a regular basis until Paul Cuddy again equalised five minutes before the interval. 

The next five minutes spelled the end of Castletown. A good passing movement was complete when David O’Mahoney found himself all alone inside the defence with a simple task of knocking the ball over the line. Tony Byrne played a huge role in the lead up. Noel Costelloe added a point either side of the goal and before the break a great effort by Paul Cuddy was brilliantly saved by Colm Clear in the Portlaoise goal. At the break Portlaoise led 1-7 to 0-5. 

Castletown still had a chance but faced an awkward breeze on the resumption. Within a minute Tom Fitzgerald increased the deficit with a good point having received from his brother. Colm Clear now denied Seamus Lyons but injured himself in the process and had to leave the pitch. Broughan Reilly came on but was never busy. 

James Hoban opened his team’s account from play but immediately Barry Fitzgerald responded with a like score. Five minutes into the half Castletown had a great opportunity to get back in contention when Ger Reddin got inside two defenders but hit badly wide from close range. Portlaoise now hit three points in quick succession before Fionan O’Sullivan replaced John Gaughan in the Castletown attack and he exchanged points with Barry Fitzgerald leaving Portlaoise ahead 1-13 to 0-7 entering the final quarter. 

Robert Delaney now replaced another long server Richard Kingston but it made little impression on a solid Portlaoise rearguard. John Palmer came on and almost scored a goal as he did on his arrival three years ago but settled for a point. 

Noel Costelloe now put the game beyond reach with three great points. David O’Mahoney added his second and Costelloe completed a great performance scoring his ninth and a close in free to Castletown struck by Paddy Mullaney was deflected over the bar for his side’s last point. 

Portlaoise are back in the semi-final without a serious test but looked comfortable and with word filtering from the Ballacolla camp that their treatment table is overloaded it looks like a place in another decider for the “Town” who had excellent players in Colm Clear, Joe Phelan, Sean Cotter, Brian Glynn in defence while Cahir Healy gave another awesome performance in midfield. Up front the Fitzgeralds, David O’Mahoney and Tony Byrne excelled and again Noel Costelloe was invaluable, scoring from all angles. 

Castletown began their great run beating Portlaoise 13 years ago captained by John O’Sullivan. Ten minutes from time he replaced Cyril Cuddy in attack and became the sixth member of that team to play a part on Sunday. 

To say 13 was unlucky would be an understatement. Last week Castletown received a silver medal for Tidy Towns but for the third successive year are not eligible for hurling bronze. Portlaoise’s only link was Brochan Reilly who came on for the injured Colm Clear in goal. 

PORTLAOISE: Colm Clear; Darren Murphy, Joe Phelan, Sean Cotter; Brian Glynn, Dermot Costelloe, Brian Mulligan; Cahir Healy (0-1), Keith Murphy; Noel Costelloe (0-10), Barry Fitzgerald (0-2), Eoghan Whelan; Tony Byrne (0-1), Tommy Fitzgerald (0-3), David O’Mahoney (1-2). Subs: Brochan Reilly for Clear (36mins), Rock Scully for Whelan (47mins), Tom Mulligan for B. Mulligan (49mins), Niall Fitzpatrick for Byrne (55mins). 

CASTLETOWN: John Lyons; Tom Phelan, Brian Ferns, Fionán Cuddy; Kevin Conroy, Paul Cuddy (0-2), Pat Mullaney (0-2); Ger Reddin (0-1), James Hooban (0-1); Richard Kingston, Cyril Cuddy, Padraig Cuddy; John Gaughan, Seamus Lyons (0-1), David Cuddy. Subs: John Palmer (0-1) for Paudge Cuddy (36mins), Fionán O’Sullivan (0-1) for Kingston (45mins), Robert Delaney for Gaughan (49mins), John O’Sullivan for C. Cuddy (50mins), Kieran Dunne for S. Lyons (55mins). 

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