Oldcastle strike late to land the points in Rd 1 of the IFC

Oldcastle 1-8
Drumbaragh 0-9

Peter Monaghan’s goal was the deciding factor in the opening round of the IFC between Oldcastle and Drumbaragh in Ballinlough.

Drumbaragh opened the scoring with a point from play to take early advantage in this game. Oldcastle responded quickly with a point from Paddy Rahill after good play up the field involving Conor McHugh winning the ball at midfield and working with Eoin Gilsenan and Sean Maxwell. Rahill sent over his second score, this time from a free after a foul on Cian McPartland as he won the Drumbaragh kick out. Drumbaragh added a converted free of their own and after five minutes the sides were level with two points apiece. The next three scores came from Drumbaragh, two from frees and two from play to retain the lead as the closing stages of the first half approached. Another converted free from Rahill reduced the deficit to 0-5 to 0-3 at half time.

The second half started well with Oldcastle gaining most of the possession and keeping the ball in the Drumbaragh half, however it was Drumbaragh who again got the first score of the half. Eoin Gilsenan replied with his first of the game after working with Alan McCann and Colin Curran. The teams traded scores in this quarter of the game however and Drumbaragh did not allow Oldcastle gain the advantage. The Oldcastle defence stepped up and did all they could to slow down the Drumbaragh attack and aid their forwards in bringing the sides ever closer. Rahill’s fourth score of the game came from the work of Terry Farrelly and Eoin Gilsenan up the pitch. Drumbaragh put over another of their own from play. The next two scores came from frees, one for Oldcastle and one from Drumbaragh. Paddy Gilsenan converted his free to again try and reduce the deficit but this was short lived as Drumbaragh converted one of their own. Heading into the last quarter of the game there was still three between the sides. After a series of wides, Oldcastle then added another two, Rahill to convert his free and Alan McCann to send over one from play after good work from Barry Curran. With five minutes to go, Oldcastle were dominating but could not gain the advantage. It looked as though the game was over as Oldcastle had their chances but Oldcastle’s never say die attitude prevailed as Paddy Gilsenan sent the ball in and Monaghan caught the ball on the square and made no mistake as his finished. With the minimal left on the clock Drumbaragh worked back up the field and were awarded a free but which their goal attempt was stopped and Oldcastle claimed their opening two points with a two point advantage over Drumbaragh.

Good team effort from Oldcastle with best displays from Peter Monaghan, Paddy Rahill, Barry Curran, Eoin Gilsenan and James Tuite on the day.

Oldcastle: S.Rahill, T.Farrelly, B.Curran, E.Feeney, J.Tuite, C.McPartland, S.Maxwell, C.McHugh, E.Gilsenan (0-1), J.Shortt, S.Tierney, P.Monaghan (1-0), A.McCann(0-1), P.Gilsenan(0-1), P.Rahill(0-5).

Subs: C.Curran for J.Shortt (8Minutes) J.Smith, J.Usher, John.Smith, J.Maxwell, C. Delaney, M.Rudden, R.Cadden, M.Cadden, J.Caffrey, S.Feeney, M.Taggart.