Oldcastle make it a magnificent three-in-a-row

This week Oldcastle's u-12 Gaelic football team can bask in the glow of having achieved a magnificent three-in-a-row. 

Their talented group of young players put on a superb team performance last weekend to claim the Spring League (Roinn E) title for the third year in a row! St Mary's provided the opposition, and put up spirited fight but there was no stopping the highly-motivated, well-prepared Oldcastle outfit.

The North Meath side were particularly impressive in the first half as they produced some scintillating football to provide themselves with a platform for success. 

Mark Cadden was first on the scoreboard for Oldcastle, soon followed by Pat Crawley. Jack Smith was having a great match in defence, mopping up multiple dangerous balls and getting them away. He earned a free which was swiftly kicked on to Shane Boylan and he swept the ball over the bar. 

Ryan Halpin was covering every inch of the pitch, and got a good ball into super speedy Isabel Delaney who delivered it into the waiting hands of Lee Keating who swivelled, kicked and scored! Rhys Eager was guarding his goals well, and providing accurate kick-outs.

Thomas Sheridan showed his skill with a great interception way outfield, before he skilfully dispatched the ball straight back over the bar. Mark Cadden was clinical in front of goal, and took three unanswered scores to end the first half, with Oldcastle well ahead, 12 scores to five. 

With the resumption of the second-half, Oldcastle stamped their dominance on the game. Crawley and Halpin dominated midfield ensuring pleanty of ball headed towards the forwards. St Mary's also had plenty of ball, but super defensive work by Oldcastle’s Padraig Lynch, Thomas Sheridan, Oliver Hjert and Jack Smith closed down their attacks.

Cormac Guirke was marking his opponent well, with Jack Nulty bringing a blast of speed to the forwards. Alex Lynch and Tiernan Halpin-Murphy were also covering every inch of the pitch, and the combined team-work kept St.Mary’s to only one score in this half, while Oldcastle added on another nine, including a lovely point from a Eager kick-out. He found Jack Smith who travelled well upfield and tipped it in to the waiting Crawley who sent the ball sailing over for the point.

The final score of the game came from the boot of Boylan, and as the ball sailed over the bar the referee blew the final whistle to great celebrations as Oldcastle won yet another u-12 Spring League!

"County Board official Ciaran Flynn presented the cup to captain Crawley, and it was great to see so many supporters there to cheer on the team, including many of our younger players who will hopefully be there in years to come!" commented Oldcastle PRO Ealma Purcell. 

"Well done to everyone on the team who have worked so hard all year, and also to team-mates who were part of every win but unfortunately were away today but are still very much part of this victory including Simas Abraitis, Eoin Sheridan and Mikey Timmin.

"A great display of horn-tooting and flag waving brought the town to a standstill when the team arrived back, followed by a celebration meal in Flicks Bar and Restaurant, much appreciated."

Oldcastle - Rhys Eager;  Padraig Lynch, Thomas Sheridan (2), Oliver Hjert; Jack Smith, Cormac Guirke, Ryan Halpin; Pat Crawley (4), Shane Boylan (4); Isabel Delaney, Lee Keating (1), Tiarnan Halpin-Murphy; Jack Nulty, Mark Cadden (10), Alex Lynch.