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MFC Div 2 Semi-Finals
Kilary Emmets 2-12 Oldcastle 2-7 (27 September in Dunganny 1)
Trim 3-12 Gaeil Colmcille 0-13 (25 September in Dunganny)

The Oldcastle minors put on a dazzling display of firepower in the second round of the LM/FM Championship (Div 2) in Millbrook this evening (28/8/2023). Na Fianna were a big, strong looking team, and it was they who started the better, with three points to Oldcastle’s one after five minutes. Ryan Halpin had gotten Oldcastle off the mark with a free, and added another when Rory Crawley was pulled down. Paul Hennessey was in possession of the next ball, on to Tom Lynch, Pat Crawley, to Nathan Gibney, on via Jamie Pakenham, to Ivan Smyth and finally back to Paul who sailed her over to level it. Ryan Halpin added on a fine point from play; Na Fianna came back with one of their own, but that was to be the last time they were in contention.

A Thomas Sheridan ball was moved on to Ryan Halpin at speed, back to Thomas and then to the flying Pat Crawley who fisted it to the back of the net. Nathan Gibney extended the lead, and Pat added another point, Na Fianna then added one of their own. An Oldcastle sideline ball found Pat Crawley, on to Nathan, back to Pat and in to Ivan Smyth who fisted it over the net – unlucky not to get a goal indeed, but taking the point. Oldcastle were really getting into their stride now, and could do no wrong, the next score a superbly kicked point from Ryan Halpin at speed. Good work from Fergal Flynn got the next ball to Pat Crawley for a point, with Ryan adding on another free before the half-time whistle blew, with the teams at Oldcastle 1-10, Na Fianna 0-06.

The second half was totally one-sided, Oldcastle dominating all over the pitch. A beautiful point from Rory Collins got things underway, Ivan Smyth and Paul Hennessey adding points of their own. Na Fianna attacked but the Rory Collins intercept was fed on to Rory Crawley, to Paul Hennessey, on to Pat Crawley, to Ivan, on to Nathan, back to Pat Crawley who was travelling downfield all the while, on to Ryan Halpin and back to the same Pat Crawley who fired her over the bar. A Fergal Flynn intercept on the next attack found Jamie Pakenham, to Thomas Sheridan, to Ivan and finally to Paul Hennessey for yet another score. Cillian Fanning’s kickouts were long and accurate, with James Gibney, Padraig Lynch and Tommy Russell rock solid in defence, while Thomas Sheridan was defence, midfield and forward all in one! Another point from Rory Collins; the resultant kickout was brought down by Ivan Smyth, he caught, turned and fired her straight back over the bar. That was followed by a fantastic point from Paul Hennessey, impossibly high and accurate, sailed over the town-end bar. Na Fianna finally got a scoring chance and went for goal, but Cillian Fanning was ready and saved. The resultant ’45 went over for their first score of the half. They added another soon after, but Oldcastle got back to business, Paul firing over another point, followed by a goal from the speedy Shane Boylan. Good work from Matt Lynch and Conor Russell secured the ball, upfield by way of Tadgh Coyle, to Riain Burke, back to Tadgh, to Fergal Flynn to Paul Hennessey and finally to Rory Collins, a super point, followed by another, to leave the final score Oldcastle 3-21, Na Fianna 0-08. An absolute masterclass in football from the lads tonight, super scoring and play, and a great display from every lad on the pitch.

The third-round match sees the lads play Walterstown on Saturday 16th at Millbrook.

Oldcastle: Cillian Fanning, Padraig Lynch, Thomas Sheridan, Tommy Russell, Rory Collins (0-04), Fergal Flynn, Rory Crawley, Tom Lynch, James Gibney, Ivan Smyth (0-03), Paul Hennessey (1-05), Jamie Pakenham, Nathan Gibney (0-01), Ryan Halpin (0-05), Pat Crawley (1-03). Subs: Shane Boylan (1-00), Tadgh Coyle, Riain Burke, Matt Lynch, Conor Russell.

Round 2: Oldcastle v Trim (Monday 15th May at 7pm in Millbrook)

Round 3: Simonstown v Oldcastle (Monday 22nd May at 7pm in SImonstown)

Round 4: Oldcastle v Walterstown (Monday 3rd July at 7pm in Millbrook)

Round 5: Killary Emmets v Oldcastle (Monday 10th July at 7pm in Castletown)

Round 6: Oldcastle v Summerhill (Monday 17th July at 7pm in Millbrook)

Round 7: Dunderry v Oldcastle (Monday 24th July at 7pm in Dunderry)

Semi-Final (Monday, 24 April)
St Patrick’s v Oldcastle (Stamullen @ 7.00pm)

Hard luck to our younger minor team who lost out in the Division 6 league final this evening (17/11/2022). Delayed since the summer, the final was played in a very cold and foggy Simonstown.

A big, strong physical St. Colmcille’s team provided the opposition. Oldcastle missed some good chances and had some shots go wide, but Paul Hennessy was on target with 1-03 to his name. Unfortunately St. Colmcille’s were the stronger team on the night, but well done to the lads who battled to the end and never gave up.

Thanks to the coaches Rupie Pakenham, Sean Maxwell and Darren Gibney for their work with the team.

Oldcastle: Cillian Fanning, Riain Burke, Jack Smith, Padraig Lynch, Ivan Smyth, Philip Carroll, Tommy Russell, Ryan Halpin, Paul Hennessy, Jamie Pakenham, Cormac Guirke, Rory Collins, Tadgh Coyle, RIan Mulvanny, Nathan Gibney. Subs: Sean Garrigan, Eoin Sheridan.

Rd.1
Monday, 22 August 2022
Ratoath v Oldcastle (Ratoath @ 7.00pm)
Rd.2
Monday, 29 August 2022
Oldcastle v Donaghamore/Ashbourne (Millbrook @ 7.00pm)
Rd.3
Saturday, 10 September 2022
Gaeil Colmcille v Oldcastle (Grangegodden @ 2.30pm)

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LMFM MFC Div 5

Rd.1
Monday, 22 August 2022
Oldcastle v Donaghamore/Ashbourne (Millbrook @ 7.00pm)

Rd.2
Monday, 29 August 2022
Wolfe Tones v Oldcastle (Kilberry @ 7.00pm)

Rd.3
Monday, 5 September 2022
Ballinlough v Oldcastle (Ballinlough @ 7.00pm)

Rd.4
Saturday, 10 September 2022
Oldcastle v St Michael’s/Nobber (Millbrook @ 2.30pm)

Rd.5
Saturday, 24 September 2022
Oldcastle v St Vincent’s/Curraha (Millbrook @ 2.30pm)

The Minors hosted the Moynalvey/Boardsmill amalgamation in Millbrook this evening (29/9/2021) for the second round of the LM/FM Minor Championship. The opposition arrived with just twelve players, meaning Oldcastle had to cut their starting line-up. The re-jig unsettled the lads, with just four scores in the first half: points from Brian Hetherton and Nathan Gibney and a goal and super left-footed point from the boot of Eoin Smith. In the same time however, Moynalvey/Boardsmill put 1-09 on the board, giving them a six point advantage at the break.

If there’s one thing we know about Oldcastle teams at the minute though, it’s that they never give up! A well-taken Paul Hennessy free got the Oldcastle comeback underway: followed by an Oldcastle goal blitz, with Eoin Smith, Brian Hetherton and Nathan Gibney all finding the back of the net.

Moynalvey/Boardsmill kept putting points over all the while, but the Oldcastle comeback was enough to see them level the match with five minutes remaining. With that however, Moynalvey/Boardsmill upped the ante again, sending over three unanswered points to try and claim the victory.

With the seconds ticking away Oldcastle sent the ball upfield, Rian Mulvanny in a good scoring position near the goals but being pulled down for a penalty! Referee Martin Dawson was looking at his watch as Paul Hennessy stepped up to take it: he coolly lobbed it to the right and to the back of the net to draw the match.

The next match is against Donaghmore/Ashbourne on Saturday 9th October at 2pm in Millbrook.

Oldcastle: Eoin Muldoon, Fionn McCabe, Brian Hetherton (1-01), Alan Gilsenan, James Gibney, Lloyd Colleran, Tom Lynch, Rory Crawley (0-01), Nathan Gibney (1-02), Eoin Smith (2-01), Paul Hennessy (1-03), Kane Cullen. Subs: Ciaran Connell, Cormac O’Connell, JP Purcell, Rian Mulvanny, Jamie Pakenham.

The Oldcastle and Kilmainhamwood played out an unforgettable LM/FM Minor Div. 5 League Final at Dunganny last night. (21/09/2021)

These teams have history: Oldcastle have never forgiven “The Wood” for beating them in the U12 final, revenge was served by beating them in the U15 final two years ago, and last night was another rematch for the teams. So evenly matched that they drew in their league match earlier in the summer, this promised to be a cracker, and by Jesus it was.

The first half got underway with Oldcastle making all the play but not scoring, and it was Kilmainhamwood who got on the board first with a goal against the run of things. Oldcastle responded with a well taken Paul Hennessy free, followed by a lovely point from Kane Cullen. Both teams went hell for leather with the game played at a blistering pace, score for score. A goal for Kilmainhamwood just before the break gave them the advantage at half time, on a score of Oldcastle 0-07, Kilmainhamwood 2-04.

The second-half started with a finely taken Ryan Kevin intercept and point: however he hurt himself in the process and would carry that for the duration. Kilmainhamwood added on a point before being awarded a penalty which they scored to extend their lead to six. The Oldcastle defence were caught napping for a period: letting the Kilmainhamwood lads fly through and take their chances, before waking up and clamping down hard again. Nathan Gibney sent over some lovely points, with Ryan Kevin nabbing a goal just before the water break to reduce the deficit to just a point. With a huge support there from both sides, the atmosphere was electric, the lads surely buoyed up to see the Senior team there also cheering them on. With the match resumed, Eoin Muldoon sent a long kickout to Paul Hennessy, onwards via Eoin Smith and into the waiting Ryan Kevin to sailed it over to level the match once again.

The Oldcastle defence were now working overtime, with Fionn McCabe, Brian Hetherton and Alan GIlsenan not giving their men a moment’s peace. Kilmainhamwood attacked again, a blasted shot on goal saved by Eoin Muldoon but going over for the point. Rory Crawley won the next ball and was promptly fouled, the resultant free finding it’s way upfield to Ryan Kevin for a point. Kilmainhamwood attacked again but James Gibney was in control and cleared it to cousin Tom Lynch, it travelled onwards via Rory Crawley, to Nathan Gibney, back to Tom Lynch, to Eoin Smith, back to Tom Lynch and finally to Ryan Kevin who sailed her over for another Oldcastle point, and the lead once again: 1-14 to 3-07. KMW attacked again, once more the brilliant James Gibney kept the pressure on and denied a score. They came again, but Cormac O’Connell wasn’t letting it by him. Kilmainhamwood denied, but Cormac was injured in the process, with Rian Mulvanny now making his entrance. Ten minutes of injury time was now taking it’s toll: injuries and cramps all over the pitch. Kilmainhamwood finally added on another point to level the match again and with that, referee Eamon Barry blew the whistle on a full-time scoreline of Oldcastle 1-14, Kilmainhamwood 3-08, all level at the end of a marathon battle.

With sore and exhausted bodies on both sides, the option was given: go to a replay another day, or go for extra time. Unanimously the players decided to battle on: no-one wanted to leave this one behind, it was do or die! It was 9.30pm at this stage, the match on the next pitch which had started after ours was ending, but no-one here was going anywhere.

And so extra-time began, with Kilmainhamwood taking the first point, adding a free and another point soon after to go three ahead again. Oldcastle steadied, Eoin Muldoon’s kickout finding Jamie Pakenham, upfield via Nathan and Paul Hennessy, with some great work from Lloyd Colleran getting it safely to Eoin Smith who sailed her over for an important boost to the lads. The steady Fionn McCabe nabbed the next ball on the far wing and sent her over for the next score, while a Brian Hetherton clearance and free was converted by Ryan Kevin to level her again. 20 points apiece now. Ciaran Connell denied his man a score while Nathan Gibney took the next for Oldcastle to go ahead again: Kilmainhamwood then awarded a free, but good Oldcastle pressure ensured it sailed wide. That was it for the first ten minutes, another ten to go.

Coaches Rory McHugh, Packie Kevin and Mattie Cadden pepped the lads up for the final minutes, and it worked, the second half of extra time got underway with a superb point from Brian Hetherton, giving the lads a two point advantage. The Kilmainhamwood kickout was brought down superbly by Tom Lynch, who passed on to Paul Hennessy, and on to Nathan Gibney who slammed it to the back of the net for an Oldcastle goal! Five ahead and the minutes ticking by….surely this was nearly over? Not by a long way! A Rory Crawley ball found Paul Hennessy near the goalmouth, he was denied but the rebound found the waiting Rian Mulvanny who cooled hit it past the keeper for another Oldcastle goal! The lads were now eight points clear with minutes left – but the next kick of the ball saw Kilmainhamwood charge in on Eoin Muldoon to register a goal of their own. Gap now down to five, and a Kilmainhamwood free goes over. Gap now four…Kilmainhamwood weren’t giving up, and a couple more points and a free saw them bring it back to a point!

Oldcastle were clinging on for their lives. The spectators were “politely” trying to draw the ref’s attention to the fact that we were WAY over time, but he seemed intent on playing all night! Kilmainhamwood were in possession again and going for another attack when JP Purcell cleared the ball, he was fouled, the ball went dead as this drama played out on the sideline. With time moving ever on, as everyone got back on their feet the final, final, final whistle blew, on a scoreline of Oldcastle 3-19, Kilmainhamwood 4-15.

To say the lads gave their all would be understatement of the year. Battered and bruised at the end, there will be plenty of calls to physios today. But the elation of the win will remain in the memories for a long time. An epic match.

Oldcastle: Eoin Muldoon, Fionn McCabe (0-01), Brian Hetherton (0-01), Alan Gilsenan, Tom Lynch, James Gibney, Lloyd Colleran, Ryan Kevin (Captain) (1-08), Rory Crawley, Nathan Gibney (1-03), Eoin Smith (0-01), Cormac O’Connell, Paul Hennessy (0-04), Kane Cullen (0-01), JP Purcell. Subs: Ciaran Connell, Jamie Pakenham, Rian Mulvanny (1-00).

Oldcastle took their eyes off the ball somewhat on the resumption, with the opposition claiming two goals and adding on a few points to creep up on them. With every decision going their way it seemed they could do no wrong and they made the most of it. The Oldcastle defence were working hard, but being penalised for every touch. A great goal from Brian Hetherton boosted the lads, but still the 16 man opposition kept coming, with yet another penalty awarded against our lads, and eventually the scores crept up to 22 points apiece. With that, St.Michaels/Nobber were given a free to put them ahead, but thankfully it was just too soon for the whistle to be blown.

Once again Oldcastle fought back, a Ryan Kevin free and a score from Kane Cullen giving a two-point lead again. But once again the opposition pointed frees and when the sides were next level the final whistle blew on what should have been an Oldcastle win, but will go down as a draw.

Oldcastle: Eoin Muldoon, Fionn McCabe, Brian Hetherton (1-00), Ciaran Connell, Alan Gilsenan (0-01), Lloyd Colleran, Cormac O’Connell, Ryan Kevin (0-09), Rory Crawley, Nathan Gibney (0-01), Tomas Kizelis (1-00), James Gibney, Eoin Smith (0-04), Kane Cullen (0-03), JP Purcell. Sub: Paul Hennessy.

Wolfe Tones came to Millbrook to take on the U17s this evening (06/07/2021), bringing just twelve players with them. This put the Oldcastle team out of sync from the start, but despite that they kept with the visitors, and the scores were level at the break at five points apiece.

The second half started well for Wolfe Tones with a quick point. A missed Oldcastle goal then saw the ball travel the length of the pitch in the other direction and result in a goal for the opposition, followed by two more points. Now five adrift, Oldcastle goalie Eoin Muldoon sent the ball out to Eoin Smith, on to Ryan Kevin, Lloyd Colleran and dropped lovely in to the battling Rory Crawley who smashed it to the back of the net. Wolfe Tones were doing a lot of hauling and mauling to very little supervision by the ref, but Oldcastle were to rue a missed penalty. Ryan Kevin pointed a Brian Hetherton free to reduce the difference to a single point, but a Wolfe Tones goal straight after saw them gain the upper hand, and dominate the end of the match.

Oldcastle: Eoin Muldoon, Fionn McCabe, Brian Hetherton, Ciaran Connell, Nathan Gibney, Lloyd Colleran, Cormac O’Connell, Ryan Kevin (0-04), Tom Lynch, Rory Crawley (1-00), Eoin Smith, Tomas Kizelis (0-01), Kane Cullen (0-02), JP Purcell, James Gibney, Rian Mulvanny, Jamie Pakenham, Padraig Brady.