Dunderry held off Oldcastle’s fightback to book their place in the final

Dunderry 3-10 Oldcastle 1-11

Oldcastle will look back on the game and regret so many missed opportunities in the U-16 FL Div 3 Semi-Final played in Millbrook (16/05/2017), however they can hold their heads up as they battled to the end in a very entertaining game in a sunny Millbrook.

Referee Colm McManus threw up the ball to start the game and as Oran Mulvanny won the ball, he fell awkwardly following a push and had to leave the field with literally only seconds on the clock.   Dunderry opened the scoring from a free and this was cancelled out by a Conor Hetherton strike from a 45.  The Connell brothers Cillian (2) and Darren converted for the home side.  Dunderry added 2 points of their own before Oldcastle were forced into a temporary blood substitution when  Darren Connell started to bleed following a bang on his head.  Dunderry started to take control and scored 1-2 without reply heading towards the break.  They could have extended their lead further only for some great defending by Colin Halpin, Louis Colleran and Ciaran Healy which included a great block from Colin Halpin as a shot looked certain to be heading towards the goal.  Conor Hetherton converted a second 45 to finish the scoring to leave the half time score Oldcastle 0-5 Dunderry 1-6.

Oldcastle who had both Darren Connell and Oran Mulvanny back in action struggled to get to grips with the game as Dunderry grabbed a goal to open the scoring.  The gap opened up to 10 points at one stage but Oldcastle continued to battle hard.  Corner back Ciaran Healy converted from distance off the left boot and this lifted the lads.  Pearse Sheridan was racing towards the Dunderry goal however just before he could pull the trigger he was pulled to the ground.  Pearse brushed himself down and converted the resulting spot kick to the back of the net.  Darren Connell added a point as the clock tick down.  Oldcastle now went into panic mode knowing that the time was running out and that scores were needed quickly.  This resulted in a number of chances going a begging including 2 balls into the goalie’s arms and 2 missed 20 mtr frees.   The scores were not to come and Dunderry will now face Carnaross\Moynalty in the Final.

Oldcastle: Jack Fox, Ciaran Healy (0-1), Darragh Reilly, Colin Halpin, Darren Connell (0-2), Louis Connell, Joe Lynch, Oran Mulvanny, Conor Hetherton (0-2), Aaron Getty, Colin Hawdon (0-1), Charlie Lynch, Cillian Hanlon, Cillian Connell (0-3), Mark Coyle.
Subs: Dj Monaghan, Aaron Ward, Pearse Sheridan(1-2), Conor Smith