Castletown Geoghegan capture Féile Div. 2 hurling title
Westmeath Féile na nGael Division 2 Hurling Final
In a very entertaining final, Castletown Geoghegan captured the Westmeath Féile na nGael Hurling Division 2 title when they overcame Na Piarsaigh, at Lough Lene Gaels GAA grounds, Collinstown on Sunday evening. An unanswered 3-1 in the second half was crucial to the outcome.
In fine conditions, it was Castletown Geoghegan who led narrowly at half-time, 1-4 to 1-3, that after a fine start by the Lough Lene Gaels / Turin combination side, who got the first two scores of the final. Conor Williams pointed the first from distance, while Eoin McGrath followed up after two minutes to grab his side's second point of the match.
However, Castletown Geoghegan, who looked the mores skilful of the two sides, soon settled into their stride and outstanding midfielder Mickey Devine got their opening point in the sixth minute. He went close from a 65' then, but the opposing 'keeper Luke Dowling batted the ball clear.
After nine minutes, a goal from Daire Fagan sent Castletown Geoghegan on their way: the centre forward shot powerfully to the Na Piarsaigh net on the turn. A point from Fionn Jackson left it 1-2 to 0-2 after 10 minutes.
The action was frantic and it was great to see both side embracing the rules of the competition regarding the compulsory use of substitutes. When Thomas Wrafter fired over for the Castletown Geoghegan side, their lead was four point with 14 minutes played.
Na Piarsaigh, not be outdone, replied with a pointed free from Conor Williams, who was prominent throughout at centre forward. The sides were soon level when McGrath sent the ball into the danger area and, following a scramble, Adam Cully got his hurl' to the ball to guide it to the net with three minutes remaining.
Castletown Geoghegan were assured of the lead at the break when Fionn Jackson converted a free.
DRAMATIC
A minute after play resumed, Conor Williams pointed to bring the sides level again, but then came a crucial score: Thomas Wrafter's shot found the net for Castletown Geoghegan despite a partial block. A pointed free followed from Devine and then came a third Castletown Geoghegan goal from Cian Corcoran. The great spell continued as Fionn McKinley's shot found the net.
It was a decisive blitz that saw the victors register 3-1 without reply.
When Conor Williams' free dropped short, Lorcan Masterson pounced to score a goal for Na Piarsaigh, giving them renewed hope with six minutes remaining. But Fionn Jackson converted a free for the black and ambers at this stage. After McGrath's pointed free for Na Piarsaigh, they pushed on and Masterson set up McCabe for another from play. They then had a half chance of grabbing another goal: McGrath was denied by Luke Robinson on the goal line, while the follow-up shot was saved Conor Corcoran as dramatic goalmouth action ensued.
Ultimately, Castletown Geoghegan were stronger and Fionn McKinley accepted the trophy from Barry Kelly, Chairman of Coiste na nÓg after the final whistle.
Scorers - Castletown Geoghegan: T Wrafter 1-1, C Corcoran, F McKinley and D Fagan 1-0 each, F Jackson 0-3 (2f), M Devine 0-2 (1f). Na Piarsaigh: Conor Williams 0-3 (1f), E McGrath 0-3 (1f), A Cully and L Masterson 1-0 each.
Castletown Geoghegan - Dylan Ward, Owen Fallon, Fionn McKinley, Olive Lynch, Dara Mulligan, Luke Robinson, Cian Corcoran, Mickey Devine, Thomas Wrafter, Fionn Jackson, Daire Fagan, Conor Corcoran, Ciaran Doran, Gavin Ennis, Tadhg Seery, Conor Drake, Cillian Clarke.
Na Piarsaigh - Luke Dowling, Ross McCabe, Brian O'Rourke, Jamie Williams, Shane Murray, Andy McCormack, Eoin McHale, Liam Heffernan, Lorcan Masterson, Eoin McGrath, Conor Williams, Dylan Murtagh, Sean Murray, Cathal Williams, Adam Cully, Tyler Moore, Kyle Carty, Richie Hogan, Rory Heffernan.
Ref - Alfie Devine (Castlepollard).