‘Knock end league in real style
DUBLIN MHL1 ROUND-UP
Daire Walsh
CASTLEKNOCK finished their Minor Hurling League Division One campaign on a high note at Martin Savage Park on Sunday morning, securing an eye-catching 8-21 to 4-18 triumph over St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh.
Despite the absence of several first-choice players on both sides, they provided great entertainment amidst the baking sunshine in the Ashtown venue. This was a third win on the bounce for Antoin O Cleirigh’s outfit – who end the season joint-second alongside Kilmacud Crokes and St Vincent’s.
When Castleknock were crowned U15 ‘A’ county champions in 2017, Conor Murray had a major role to play in their success. He was in fine scoring form against Plunkett’s, albeit he received ample support from the dependable duo of Conor Chawke and Cian Boyle.
With the likes of Matthew Lynam and Dublin minor dual star Luke Swan amongst those missing, there were opportunities for others to step up. Mikey Bohan has featured regularly for Castleknock’s ‘B’ side in MHL3 throughout 2019 and he was a notable selection at corner-forward.
At the end of an all-action display, he amassed a hat-trick of goals to give Castleknock a comprehensive win. Goalkeeper Sean Andrews also stood out for the Somerton Park men as he produced a number of fine saves to keep the Plunkett’s attack at arm’s length.
This high-scoring affair was one of just two fixtures to take place in the top-flight competition this weekend – the other being the clash of Kilmacud Crokes and Thomas Davis at Silver Park. There was a sense of deja vu for some of those involved, given the two clubs met in the Minor Football League just three days earlier.
Just like in that contest, it was Kilmacud who prevailed. An accomplished 0-18 to 0-6 victory gave Crokes their seventh win in eight games – the only reversal in that period come away to Ballyboden St Enda’s on May 12.
‘Boden had already wrapped up the league at the beginning of July, when they had nine points to spare (0-21 to 1-9) over Lucan Sarsfields. They were due to face Raheny in their final encounter on Friday, only to receive a walkover.
A similar scenario arose for Vincent’s out of their proposed showdown with Cuala at Shankill on Sunday. Having accumulated maximum points in the league, ‘Boden finished four points clear at the summit.