Minor A’s fall to Castleknock in Championship SF

Minor A Football Championship Semi-Final.

03/11/2019 Vs. Castleknock.

Venue: Pairc Úi Murchu.

 Result: Ballyboden St. Endas 1.11  Castleknock 1.13

 The Minor A Football Championship reached the semi-final stage on Sunday morning with the visit of Castleknock to Pairc Úi Murchu . Conditions were perfect for football with the pitch in its usual superb condition despite the heavy rain on Saturday. The visitors settled quickly and scored two early points before a John McGuire point opened the scoring for the home team. Every ball was being contested with true championship intensity and further points from Castleknock stretched their lead. Points from Luke Byrne(free), Malachy Codd and Ryan O’Dwyer (free) reduced the arrears but Castleknock replied with some well taken points. The entire Ballyboden defence worked really hard to limit the space available with Conor Lowe, Harry Colclough and Jack Lambert battling hard for possession around the middle. Further points from Harry Colclough and a Ryan O’Dwyer free left the half-time score at 0.8 to 0.6 in favour of the visitors.

The second half began with further points from Castleknock with Luke Byrne pointing a free before Castleknock scored a goal to stretch their lead to six points. Enda Cashman, Patrick Dunleavy and Robert Cullen were introduced and the Ballyboden comeback began with a great passing move which finished with Malachy brilliantly flicking the ball to the net over the advancing Castleknock goalkeeper. This was followed by a point from Enda with the entire team worked extremely hard and pointed frees from Ryan and Luke brought the scores level.

A quick passing move from Castleknock resulted in a penalty which was brilliantly saved by Jake as he dived low to his right. In the final few minutes, two points from Castleknock saw them ahead again and, despite the valiant efforts of the team, this proved the difference when referee, Keith Tighe, blew the final whistle with the scoreline at 1.13 to 1.11.

The game was played in a very sporting spirit and best wishes to Castleknock in the final.

This ends the championship run for the team and well done to every player on the panel for the fantastic effort throughout the league and the championship.

The players now leaving Minor ranks have a bright playing future ahead of them in the Adult section.

Thanks to the parents and the large Boden support who gave great encouragement to the team throughout the match and during the year with special thanks to the senior players for their support.

Sincere appreciation to the Football committee and everyone for their help with the team in so many ways.

Congratulations to the Senior football team on their superb championship win and best wishes to the Minor A hurlers in the championship final on Sunday.

Once again, a special mention to the club members responsible for the maintenance of the pitch which was in superb condition.

Minor A squad: Eoin Behan, Luke Byrne, Enda Cashman, Pearce Christie, Malachy Codd, Harry Colclough, Conor Cullen, Robert Cullen, Harry Donaghy, Joey Donohoe, Patrick Dunleavy, Eoghan Gannon, Conor Hanrahan, David Keane, Adam Kelleher, Jack Lambert, Conor Lowe, Cian Maher, Joe Maguire, John McGuire, Sean O’Donnell, Ryan O’Dwyer, Hugh O’Sullivan, Dean Ralph, Jake Turley.