Oldcastle and Clann na nGael share the spoils

Oldcastle: 2-12 Clann na Gael 1-15

Oldcastle were unlucky to leave Dunganny with just a point after a hard fought battle with Clann Na nGael. Oldcastle controlled the score board for the majority of the game by the minimal but Clann Na Gael never took the pressure off. It was Clann Na nGael who got off to the better start having converted a free and point from play within the opening minutes. Robert Farrelly hit back for Oldcastle with his first from play and Paddy Rahill was soon to follow with his, leaving the sides level after 5 minutes. Good work from Eoin McNamee proved vital as Rahill hit over his second. The sides traded scores as Clann Na nGael again hit the target, but good work by Matthew Taggart and James Tuite resulted in Alan McCann putting Oldcastle in front. Farrelly tapped over a free but this advantage was short lived as Clann na nGael converted once more. With great work from the Oldcastle forwards, McCann added another to his tally.

Oldcastle were constantly building to gain the advantage over Clann na nGael when a goal by CJ Healy came following a great run by Eoin Gilsenan, giving Oldcastle the lead they wanted. Gilsenan added a point of his own from play but their lead was reduced as Clann na nGael netted a goal of their own. Oldcastle kept the pressure on as Peter Monaghan added another which was Oldcastle’s last score of the half. Clann na nGael managed two more before the break to leave Oldcastle just 2 points clear at half time.

The second half started much the same with the sides sharing scores and leaving the minimal between them. Clann na nGael hit the target first and it was Healy who replied for Oldcastle. A goal by Eoin Gilsenan following great work by the oldcastle defence was needed as Clann na nGael had previously reduced the deficit to a single point. The oldcastle defence were under pressure and did well to hold Clann na nGael to just 2 points. Farrelly aided in Oldcastle keeping their lead as he added two more to the scoresheet. Healy converted one more and that was Oldcastle’s last score of the game with just under ten minutes to go.

It was Clann na nGael who dominated the score board from here adding 4 points from play. The game was eventually brought to a draw with under 5 minutes to go. Both teams fought in the remaining minutes to get the win, but they couldn’t be divided as the final whistle went.

Best for Oldcastle were Rory McHugh, Eoin Gilsenan and Cian McPartland.

Oldcastle: C.Curran, O.O’Reilly, M.Taggart, J.Tuite, E.McNamee, C.McPartland, E.Gilsenan (1-01), R.McHugh, Peter Monaghan (0-1), CJ.Healy (1-2), P.Rahill (0-2) R.Maguire, R.Farrelly (0-4), S.Tierney, A.McCann (0-2).
Subs: G.Reidy for R.Maguire (56minutes) C.Delaney, E.Feeney, J.Maxwell, Paddy Monaghan, P.Higgins.