TIMONEY TOPS FOR BRIGID’S
Home rule as Saints reign in Russell Park
DUBLIN U21FC ‘B’ FINAL
ST BRIGID’S…………………………………………….. 1-10
CASTLEKNOCK………………………………………….. 2-5
Daire Walsh
QUICK-FIRE scores from the inside duo of James O’Reilly and Donal Timoney were decisive at Russell Park on Saturday evening, when St Brigid’s overcame local rivals Castleknock in an enthralling Dublin U21 Football ‘B’ Championship decider.
During large spells of a compelling, goal-laden second-half, the possibility of a stalemate at the end of normal time loomed large, but thanks to the considerable efforts of O’Reilly and Timoney, the hosts reigned supreme.
It is was just under four years ago that Castleknock were crowned U21 ‘C’ county champions, and when you also take into account the progress they have had made at adult football level in recent years, Brigid’s had reason to be wary of their Somerton counterparts.
Indeed, Castleknock made a lively start to the proceedings, as industrious midfielder Darragh McCormack opening the scoring with a third-minute point from distance. The loss of corner-back Darragh McKiernan to injury seven minutes into the action was a hammer blow, but they ultimately doubled their lead just shy of the first-quarter mark, when Ben Galvin split the posts from close-range.
With wing-forwards Ciaran Milmore and Liam Quinn providing solid defensive cover, Castleknock were frustrating the Brigid’s attack. However, Brigid’s finally got their account up and running on the stroke of 15 minutes, when O’Reilly found the target via excellent approach work by midfielder Oisin Callaghan.
This proved to be a major tonic for Mark Byrne’s charges, who moved into the ascendancy for the very first time with unanswered points from Timoney (free) and raiding wing-back Darragh Henry. O’Reilly was causing a number of problems on the edge of the square, but his direct marker – full-back Colm Neville – ensured that Castleknock were resolute in the face of adversity.
He turned away goal-bound efforts by Timoney and Michael Courtney, but with Liam Campbell, Mal Tighe and Mark Donnelly all contributing to the scoreboard, Brigid’s had four points to spare (0-6 to 0-2) at the mid-way stage.
This was certainly not an insurmountable deficit for Castleknock to contend with, but when a diagonal delivery was flicked to net by O’Reilly in the opening minute after the resumption, it was beginning to look quite ominous for the visitors.
They never allowed their heads to drop, however, and after the lively John Kindlon’s strike was turned away by James Henry, Colin Lynch was on hand to finish the rebound to the net. As a result, Castleknock were now back in contention, and courtesy of an outstanding individual three-pointer from Galvin eight minutes into the half, they reduced their gap to a minimum.
Momentum was suddenly on Castleknock’s side, and Galvin displayed impressive footwork before levelling matters on the 40-minute mark.
Brigid’s needed a score at this juncture just to calm their nerves again, but the dependable Timoney did supply one towards the end of the third-quarter.
It was a relief to the home faithful that they finally ended this barren scoring spell, and although a Donnelly goal chance was diverted from the target by Castleknock shotstopper James Igoe, Timoney edged them back in front with his third score of the night.
This tie appeared destined to go down to the wire after Galvin added another majestic point, but with eight minutes remaining, Brigid’s were able to record crucial back-to-back scores. O’Reilly (free) and Timoney offered their team a slender platform, and even though Lynch and Kindlon almost secured a third Castleknock goal in the dying moments, it was St Brigid’s who claimed the silverware.
MATCH FILE
Scorers – St Brigid’s: J O’Reilly 1-2 (0-1f), D Timoney 0-4 (1f), D Henry, L Campbell, M Donnelly, M Tighe 0-1 each. Castleknock: B Galvin 1-3, C Lynch 1-0, D McCormack, J Kindlon 0-1 each.
ST BRIGID’S: J Henry; S Egan, E Kyne, B O’Malley; D Henry, C Murray, F O’Meara; O Callaghan, L Campbell; M Donnelly, M Courtney, M Tighe; K McAnerin, J O’Reilly, D Timoney.
SUBS: R Fox for Kyne (57), K Donnelly for D Henry (62), C Timoney for O’Reilly (63, BC).
CASTLEKNOCK: J Igoe; B Kearney, C Neville, D McKiernan; S Dunning, P Bourke, B Hughes; T Quinn, D McCormack; C Milmore, M Prunty, L Quinn; C Lynch, J Kindlon, B Galvin.
SUBS: S Coffey for McKiernan (7), K Stephanson for Prunty (37), N O’Callaghan for Coffey (52), E Connors for L Quinn (61).
MENTORS – St Brigid’s: Mark Byrne, Anthony Holly, Brendan Supple. Castleknock: Damian Griffin, Shane Boland, Connor Prunty.
REFEREE: Sean McCarthy (St Vincent’s).
WIDES – St Brigid’s: 5 (3+2). Castleknock: 6 (3+3).
CONDITIONS: Dry weather, following earlier showery spells, and with only a slight breeze.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Donal Timoney (St Brigid’s).