Cumann na nBunscoil finals are hard won, as every team and coach know. The Gilson NS have only won the competition three times before today: in 1989, 1995 and 2019. To get to today’s finals in Pairc Tailteann (19/11/2023) the lads had beaten Wilkinstown, Slane, Kentstown, and St. Annes in the group stages, and overcame Bohermeen in the Semi-Final. The excitement levels were sky-high and the pressure these young lads were putting on themselves before the throw-in was huge: this was Christmas come-early and do or die!

Oldcastle couldn’t have asked for a better start, with the powerhouse that is Charlie Crawley putting a goal to the back of the net within twelve seconds and before most people even realised the match had started! Tómas Cahill got the next ball onwards to Tadhg Sheridan and in to Ronan Fitzpatrick who took a lovely shot but was unlucky to see it come back off the post. Kentstown won the next ball and scored a nice point, adding another soon after. It was Kentstown again moments later, and this time they put the ball in the back of the net. Lots of good work from Oldcastle but also missed chances that didn’t make it onto the scoreboard, and it was Kentstown who added on the next two points to go four up. Tómas, Tadhg and Ronan worked well together getting the ball upfield before Ronan was fouled, Charlie converted.

Kentstown came back and applied lots of pressure, but Rory Kavanagh, Logan Skelly and Peter Smith worked well in defence and kept them scoreless. A Kentstown ’45 went wide, and it was Charlie Crawley who added the next point. He was unlucky with the next play straight after: a Tómas Cahill intercept moved onwards via Ronan Fitzpatrick, to Charlie, to Tadhg, to Jake Monaghan, to Oliver Monaghan and back to Charlie, but this one came back off the post. Luke Farrelly and Neitanas Majauskas were working well together at midfield and winning great balls. For all the hard work, it was Kentstown who added the next point. Tómas Cahill got the next ball upfield via Max Nulty, back to Tomas and in to Charlie who was fouled and converted. Bradley Kelleghan made a super save in goals, and with that the half-time whistle blew on a score of Oldcastle 1-03, Kentstown 1-05.

The second half started well for Oldcastle, Luke Farrelly (whose dad Ronan captained the 1989 team and uncle Terry captained the 1995 team) kicking a fine point from midfield! Kentstown converted a free to keep the gap at two. Neitanas was doing great work winning balls. Tadhg got a lovely shot on to Tómas who passed to brother Dara, he was at a bad angle but made great work to kick it out to Philip Purcell, who kicked at speed and was gutted to see what looked like a goal come off the post. Oldcastle frees were going wide and Kentstown were awarded another free to go three up: but Oldcastle never gave up! The lads regrouped: Luke Farrelly and Fionn Rahill battling hard and Rowan Smith seemingly everywhere: Ronan Fitzpatrick made great work to win the ball back, onwards to Tadhg who was swung round but won his free, Charlie converted, and added on a point from play straight after! Speedy little Dara Cahill came flying with the next ball, a super pass to the waiting Tadhg Sheridan who fired her to the back of the net! Oldcastle were back in front, and the crowd erupted! But there was plenty of time left, and Kentstown weren’t giving up! A free reduced the Oldcastle point to just one, and they came again, another free, another score! Level match! Kentstown put on serious pressure in the next five minutes, but the Oldcastle defence were rock solid, nothing was getting past these lads!

A Charlie Crawley intercept made it’s way right through the Kentstown defence and to the back of their net for Oldcastle’s next score, another goal, and this one killed off the Kentstown challenge. Jonathan White brought new energy to the team, and Tadhg Sheridan capped off a super performance with a lovely point, while plucky little Dara Cahill sailed one over too! Kentstown added on a final score, but time was up and when the referee blew his whistle it was on a final score of Oldcastle 3-08, Kentstown 1-10!
What a brilliant performance from all the team! Huge congratulations on a super year, and to each and every lad on the panel, who all contributed to todays’ win! Well done to the coaching dream-team of Seanie Geraghty, Tom Harten and our own Niall Fitzpatrick! And huge well done to everyone who came out to support the team today: Oldcastle was well represented in Pairc Tailteann, with siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents all there to cheer the lads on!

Captain Peter Smith climbed the steps to accept the cup, and lead three cheers for Kentstown, who really did put up a great performance today. It was heartbreaking to see the pain and loss for their players today, but no doubt they will win many cups in the future. Thanks to Kentstown for a great match and a super final.

Charlie Crawley was awarded the Man of the Match award, justly deserved for a powerhouse of a player! Huge performance from him today, and from so many other of the lads, well done to you all!
A very loud journey home over the mountain with the Cup, on McNamee’s big bus and in to Caffreys for chicken and chips and tales of victory capped off a perfect win!

Gilson School:: Bradley Kelleghan, Rory Kavanagh, Peter Smith (Captain), Logan Skelly, Rowan Smith, Luke Farrelly (0-01), Max Nulty, Neitanas Majuskas, Ronan Fitzpatrick, Philip Purcell, Tomás Cahill, Tadhg Sheridan (1-01), Jake Monaghan, Charlie Crawley (2-05), Oliver Monaghan. Subs: Dara Cahill (0-01),Fionn Rahill, Jonathan White. Panel: Leighton Cullen, Danielius Simkus, Jayden Akande, Majus Bendaravicius, Felikss Karlsons, Jack Fitzpatrick, Daragh Masterson, Harvey Daly, Charlie McGovern, Domhnall Smith, Maddox Tuite, Nathan Reilly, Rory Martin, Tom Smith, Tarak El Seidy.

The Oldcastle U13s may have been favourites coming into this Division 3 Football League Final played in Millbrook on Friday evening (1 July 2022), but they knew from past encounters that this was a resilient Dunderry team, and so it proved.
The first half started off with Eoin Smith gaining possession, on to Zach Smyth, to Callum Keatinge and in to Mark Halpin who put it straight between the posts for Oldcastle’s first point. Eoin Burns was fouled soon after and converted, with Dunderry then unlucky to just miss a goal chance, but taking their first point. Eoin Smith, Mark Halpin, Zach Smyth added on more points, with Alex Smith adding on a free. Oldcastle were dominant all over the pitch at this stage: Hayden Cullen unflappable in goals, and Paul Lynch and John Smith well in control at the back. Dunderry’s woes were compounded by a super goal from Captain Callum Keatinge just before the break, to leave the halftime score Oldcastle 1-09, Dunderry 0-03.

The resumption saw the introduction of Eimhin Kellett, who fired over a lovely point with his first touch of the ball. Dunderry attacked straight after, and took a great goal, closing the gap to seven points and giving them renewed vigour. They pushed on, taking the next point. Oldcastle fought back, a lovely Lee Garrigan ball finding Eoin Smith, to Eimhin Kellett, on to Jack Pakenham and over the bar. Dunderry took the next, Callum Keating then pointing for Oldcastle.

With the gap now only four points the momentum seemed to be going Dunderry’s way, when they took their third goal of the match to leave it a one pointer, the next play saw them awarded a free which they duly pointed to leave it all level! Everything was up for grabs now, the stand erupting with spectators from both sides cheering on their lads, and those lads serving up a super game. That was the fright Oldcastle needed, Jack Hand taking possession of the ball and getting it on to Rian Healy Fannin, to Mark Halpin, to Alex Smith, Finan Tuite, back to Mark, on to Eimhim who was fouled, with Mark pointing the free. Ahead once more! The kickout found a Dunderry player but Jack Pakenham dispossessed him, the ball making its’ way upfield via TJ Masterson and finding Callum Keating, who smashed her to the back of the net for his second goal of the match!
Dunderry came again however, wave after wave of attack, the Oldcastle backs working overtime to keep them out, eventually they fired over a fine point to bring it back to a three point game again. That was as close as it would get this time however, a Mark Halpin volley hitting the back of the net and making sure of the win, followed by a few insurance points. Dunderry literally never gave up, every player still giving their all, and it was a Dunderry free that was the final score of the match, a match that displayed all the skills of the game, great workrate and skill from both sides, clean and entertaining. Everything you want in a final! And ultimately, Oldcastle the winners on a scoreline of Oldcastle 3-15, Dunderry 3-08.

Oldcastle: Hayden Cullen, John Smith, Paul Lynch, Lee Garrigan, Jack Pakenham (0-01), Jack Hand, Callum Keatinge (2-02), Eoin Smith (0-02), TJ Masterson, Mark Halpin (1-05), Zach Smyth (0-01), Alex Smith (0-02), Eoin Burns (0-01), Rian Healy Fannin, Finan Tuite, Eimhin Kellett (0-01)

Despite Oldcastle’s best efforts, the opposition still onto that lead at the finish, with the full-time score: Oldcastle 1-06, Clann na nGael 2-06.

Well done to all the players and mentors on a busy, fixture packed year. Thanks to Jimmy, Enda and Barry for all the many training sessions and matches. The lads enjoyed a bit of food and craic on the way home, and are already looking forward to getting together again. Most of the team are actually still U12, and so will live to fight again another day – next year! A super achievement to get to the final – roll on 2022!

Back row, L to R: Hayden Cullen, Jack Hand, Paul Lynch, Jack Pakenham, Michael Dowd, Mark Halpin, Alex Lynch, Fiachra Hetherton, Callum Keatinge. Front row, L to R: Alex Smith, Jack Nulty, Finan Tuite, Lee Garrigan, Eoin Burns, Zach Smyth, Jack Tynan.

Oldcastle: Hayden Cullen, Finan Tuite, Jack Tynan, Paul Lynch, Jack Pakenham (0-01), Michael Dowd, Jack Hand, Alex Lynch, Zach Smyth, Mark Halpin, (0-02). Alex Smith, (1-00), Luca Sheridan (0-02), Jack Nulty (0-01), Eoin Burns, Fiachra Hetherton, Lee Garrigan.

Round 2:
Saturday 15th August
Dunshaughlin v Oldcastle (at 2pm in Dunshaughlin)

Round 3:
Saturday 22nd August
Na Fianna CLG v Oldcastle (at 2pm in Enfield)

Round 4:
Saturday 29th August
Oldcastle v St. Patricks (at 2pm in Millbrook)

Round 5:
Saturday 5th September
Slane v Oldcastle (at 2pm in Slane)

Semi-Finals:
Saturday 12th September at 2pm at Home Team Venue
2 v 3, 1 v 4. Extra-time if necessary.

Finals:

Saturday 19th September at 2pm at Venue to be decided.
Winner of SF v Winner of SF. Extra-time if necessary.

The Oldcastle U-13s headed to Dunganny this evening ( 26 Nov.2019 ) with an unbroken run of victories throughout their Autumn League.

It was St. Pat’s who started the best however, with 1-02 on the scoreboard before Oldcastle got going.

It always seems to take Oldcastle teams a while to get used to the bounce of the ball in this 3G pitch and so it was tonight, but once they got going, there was no looking back. A Rory Crawley free was the opening score. The resulting kick-out was caught by the same Rory, and hoofed back in via Paul Hennessy who tipped it to the waiting Mark Cadden for a lovely goal.

A good clearance soon after by James Gibney denied St. Pats a score. With the momentum swinging back to Oldcastle, Thomas Sheridan made another great clearance, getting the ball to Pat Crawley who got a lovely pass onto Shane Boylan, he fisted it over to the speedy Tom Lynch who was making a great run upfield and dummied the keeper to add another lovely goal.

Rory Crawley was being regularly fouled, and a resultant converted free was our next score. Once again he was fouled, and this next free was passed on to Tom Lynch who sailed it over the bar. A St. Pats kickout was caught beautifully by Lucas Skelly who fed it on to Lee Keatinge, on again to Paul Hennessy and finally to Ryan Halpin who smashed it to the back of the next for another goal to Oldcastle, leaving the half-time score Oldcastle 3-03, St. Pats 1-02.

The Oldcastle defence were working well together, with goalie Cormac Guirke putting on a great performance, and James Gibney, Padraig Lynch and Oliver Hjert working hard throughout. Thomas Sheridan was impressive, and it was a great intercept and ball upfield from him which was caught by Rory Crawley and sailed between the posts for our next point of the match.

St. Pats replied with a point of their own, and indeed they were putting on a much improved performance from their previous league match against us. Tom Lynch took another for Oldcastle, before St. Pats got in for a goal, proving again they were up for the fight.

Jack Smith then came into his own, making some fantastic catches around the halfway line and feeding in some great balls, ably assisted by Jamie Pakenham. A fine catch by Jack was fed on to Shane Boylan, back to Jack, and on to Rory, a narrow wide resulted in a 45 which sailed over. The kick-out was taken down by Pat Crawley who promptly passed to brother Rory who dispatched it straight back over the bar for Oldcastle’s final score of the game, a classy performance from a classy team, who are well deserving winners of this Autumn League, unbeaten from start to finish. A consolation free for the opposition left the final score Oldcastle 4-06, St. Pats 2-04.

Well done to all the lads, this was a long league, starting way back on August 31^st, and with seven league matches plus a Semi and then tonight’s final, that’s nine matches in total, victories all.

Well done also to coaches Ronan Crawley, Fergal Smith, Brendan Halpin and Jason Scully for all their hard work throughout.

Joint Captains Paul Hennessy and Tom Lynch gracefully accepted the Cup from Coiste na nÓg Secretary Ciaran Flynn, to great celebrations from all the team and supporters.

Oldcastle: Cormac Guirke, Padraig Lynch, James Gibney, Oliver Hjert, Thomas Sheridan, Jack Smith, Pat Crawley, Tom Lynch (1-02), Jamie Pakenham, Rory Crawley (1-04), Ryan Halpin (1-00), Paul Hennessy, Mark Cadden (1-00), Shane Boylan, Lucas Skelly, Lee Keatinge.

The second-half got underway with another lovely point from Paul Hennessy, equally as good from his left and right boot, before himself and Cormac Guirke exited stage left to go play a hurling match. Rory Crawley then went on a one-man scoring spree, hammering in six goals and a point within 10 minutes, with such force that he nearly landed the poor goalie in the back of the net as he attempted to stop the ball, with Mark Cadden getting great balls in to Rory throughout. A lovely curling point from Pat Crawley was Oldcastle’s next score. A great ball from Oliver Hjert on to Padraig Lynch found Thomas Sheridan who turned and kicked over another fine point from way outfield. Ratoath had eased themselves into the game by now and were clocking up a few scores, but goalie Lee Keatinge was also working hard and made some good saves, with Lucas Skelly now in defence and also denying Ratoath chances. A Tom Lynch free and a super point from way out for Jamie Pakenham were the last scores of the game, a great win for the lads on a scoreline of Oldcastle 9-15, Ratoath 3-03.

That result sees the lads into the U-13 Autumn League Final, which is scheduled for Saturday November 23rd. Hopefully the Gilson NS will qualify for the Cumann na mBunscoil finals which are also scheduled for that day, so fixtures may change.

Oldcastle: Cormac Guirke, Padraig Lynch, James Gibney, Jack Smith, Thomas Sheridan (0-01), Oliver Hjert, Tom Lynch (0-01), Pat Crawley (0-03), Paul Hennessy (0-03), Rory Crawley (7-02), Ryan Halpin (0-01), Shane Boylan (1-03), Jamie Pakenham (1-01), Lucas Skelly, Mark Cadden, Lee Keatinge.

A long journey for St. Pat’s was ultimately futile, with the final score Oldcastle 4-14, St. Pat’s 2-02.
The next match is an away fixture in Bective next Saturday at 2pm.

Oldcastle: Cormac Guirke, James Gibney, Padraig Lynch, Jack Smith, Thomas Sheridan, Oliver Hjert, Pat Crawley (0-04), Tom Lynch (0-02), Mark Cadden (0-01), Rory Crawley (0-04), Jamie Pakenham (1-00), Paul Hennessy (1-02), Shane Boylan (2-01), Ryan Halpin, Rhys Eager, Lucas Skelly, Lee Keatinge.

The Oldcastle U-13 team continued their clean sweep of the U-13 Autumn League, with a convincing win over Ballivor today (28 Sept.2019).

Oldcastle were dominant all over the pitch, and had great teamwork on display throughout.

The next match is away to Bective/Cannistown on October 12th.

Oldcastle: Cormac Guirke, Padraig Lynch, James Gibney, Oliver Hjert, Thomas Sheridan, Jack Smith, Tom Lynch (0-02), Pat Crawley (1-01), Ryan Halpin, Rory Crawley (4-03), Paul Hennessy (0-05), Mark Cadden (1-01), Shane Boylan (2-01), Lucas Skelly, Jamie Pakenham, Lee Keatinge.

Round 2: Wednesday 4th September at 6.45pm
St. Peter’s Dunboyne v Oldcastle at Dunboyne

Round 3: Saturday 14th September at 2pm. 
Oldcastle v St. Patrick’s at Millbrook.

Round 4: Thursday 19th September at 6.45pm. 
Simonstown v Oldcastle at Simonstown.

Round 5: Saturday 28th September at 2pm. 
Oldcastle v Ballivor at Millbrook.

Round 6: Saturday 12th October at 2pm
Bective/Cannistown v Oldcastle at Bective

Round 7: Saturday 26th October at 2pm.
Oldcastle v Kilbride at Millbrook.

Semi-Finals: Saturday 9th November: 
Home team venue: 2nd place v 3rd place
Home team venue: 1st place v 4th place

Finals: Saturday 23rd November
Winner of Semi-Final 1 v Winner of Semi-Final 2.

Those 28 years without an Oldcastle U-12 victory are certainly being made up for now, with the 2017, 2018 and now 2019 Spring AND Summer League honours coming over the mountain! Oldcastle took on Curraha on the opposition’s home ground this afternoon, and the first-half was a hard-fought and tight affair, with the score at the break Oldcastle 7, Curraha 5.

Oldcastle kicked on in the second half, with every player on the pitch giving their all, and they were soon dominating the match, with the resultant final score of Oldcastle 21, Curraha 12.

Team Captain Thomas Sheridan was presented with the Summer League plaque by Juvenile County Chairman Ciaran Benville, and gave a great acceptance speech.

Thanks to Curraha who provided lovely refreshments after the match. The team later rolled into Oldcastle with a great beeping of horns and waving of flags, and demolished a feast of chicken n’chips in Flicks, a just reward for a job well done!

Oldcastle: Rhys Eager, Simas Abraitis, Cormac Guirke (1), Eoin Sheridan, Thomas Sheridan (4), Jack Smith, Ryan Halpin (1), Pat Crawley (5), Mikey Timmins, Shane Boylan (5), Tiarnan Halpin-Murphy, Mark Cadden (4), Lee Keatinge, Jack Nulty (1), Alex Lynch.