Senior football championship QF v Castleknock, 23 September 2023 at Parnell Park

Report by Paddy Walsh

Ballyboden St Endas 1 – 19     Castleknock 0 – 11

Castleknock were first to score, in this quarter final match, with a point in the first minute. Colm Basquel, with a converted free, levelled matters within a minute. Castleknock went ahead again after 7 minutes but within another minute Ryan O’Dwyer levelled. Despite Castleknock hitting the post twice and having a goal disallowed for overcarrying, the score remained at two points each until the 15^th minute when Castleknock went ahead again. Within five minutes Boden had three further points on the board from Darragh Gogan (45), Ryan Basquel (free) and Ross McGarry. Although Castleknock got two points back (1 free), Boden were gaining the upper hand and added four points without reply before half time from Céin D’Arcy, Colm Basquel (2 frees) and Ryan O’Dwyer. Castleknock weren’t helped when one of their players was black carded on the 29^th minute. The half-time score was 0 – 9 to 0 – 5.

Boden, who still had a player advantage, were quickly off the mark in the 2^nd half with points from Colm Basquel (free), Warren Egan and Ryan Basquel within the first four minutes to leave them 7 points ahead. A couple of minutes later, Céin D’Arcy was through on goal and, while he side-stepped the goalie, Kieran Kilkenny was on the line to block the goal bound shot. Castleknock got three points back between the 8^th and 10^th minutes (1 free) but then Boden took charge again with three points in five minutes from Ryan O’Dwyer, Colm Basquel (free) and Ryan Basquel. A further hammer blow was delivered to Castleknock in the 20^th minute. A good move involving Kieran Kennedy found Ross McGarry close to goal. Castleknock were penalised after Ross took his shot and the referee awarded a penalty which Ryan Basquel converted, leaving 10 points between the sides. Further points were added by Daire Sweeney (free) and Michael McDonald. Darragh Gogan was required to make a good save to keep Castleknock from scoring a goal. Castleknock managed three more points before the end, but Daire Sweeney converted two frees from distance to leave Boden comfortably into the semi final where they will face neighbours St Judes.

TEAM: Darragh Gogan; Shane Clayton; Brian Bobbett; Cathal Flaherty; Kieran Kennedy; James Holland; Alex Gavin; Céin D’Arcy; Michael Darragh Macauley; Luke O’Donoghue; Ryan Basquel; Warren Egan; Ross McGarry; Ryan O’Dwyer; Colm Basquel; SUBS USED: Paddy Dunleavy; Darren O’Reilly; Michael McDonald; Ryan Baines; Daire Sweeney. SUBS NOT USED: Mark McNamee; Leo McHugh; Donagh McCabe; Evan Nugent; Harry Donaghy; Ciarán O’Reilly.

Pics by Cliona Mellet