Garrycastle and Milltown must meet again as weather spoils contest

Shay Murtagh Precast Westmeath Intermediate Football Championship final

Garrycastle 0-9, Milltown 1-6

Perhaps a draw was a fitting result as the effects of Storm Ashley did not allow Garrycastle or Milltown to show their true capabilities in last Sunday's Westmeath Intermediate Football Championship final at TEG Cusack Park. The teams will meet in the replay on Bank Holiday Monday, October 28 (2pm), at the same venue.

Milltown had the greater cause for disappointment over the outcome as they failed to convert a late free from fairly close range in front of the posts. Ben McGauran's kick, albeit shooting against the strong wind, was well held by Garrycastle captain Jack Donohue and the danger was cleared.

The strong, swirling wind had a particularly detrimental impact on proceedings and with rain thrown into the mix at various stages, conditions were very challenging for both sets of players.

Having played with the elements in their favour, Milltown's half-time lead of two points (1-4 to 0-5) looked far from sufficient. But when McGauran sent over two points within three minutes of the resumption, Milltown supporters probably dared to dream.

Scores were not easily mined with or without the wind, and Garrycastle didn't draw level until the 52nd minute. Crucially, however, Milltown were unable to add to their tally after McGauran's brace of scores.

With Milltown trying to secure their first ever intermediate title against a Garrycastle side aiming to return to the senior ranks at the first attempt, there was a great deal of interest in this final which attracted a decent attendance considering the weather conditions.

Garrycastle were in predominantly red jerseys and Milltown wore navy to avoid a clash of colours. Milltown recorded two early wides before Michael Monaghan pointed a free after a foul on James Dolan, who spent much of the game in attack though wearing the number 5 jersey.

The Rathconrath outfit was given a major boost in the ninth minute when Jack Duncan was adjudged to have been fouled and a penalty awarded. It appeared a harsh decision but Daire Hynes made no mistake with a firmly struck penalty which Sean Brennan couldn't keep out.

Garrycastle responded well to this setback, however. Firstly, Monaghan converted his second free and points from play followed from Dolan and the fleet-footed Jason Nugent. Dolan's point came at the end of a cohesive move through the hands, while Nugent's score was an individual effort as he cut in from the left, making it 0-4 to 1-0.

The strength of the wind was shown by several overhit Milltown deliveries which carried over the endline. But the promising Jack Duncan found a pocket of space to raise their first white flag (18th minute). At the other end, a left-footed shot into the teeth of the wind from Andrew Monaghan was initially waved wide, but referee Enda Kenny correctly consulted his umpires and the linesman on the stand side (Michael Gordon), resulting in a point being awarded. It was hard to be certain from the vantage point of the press box.

As Milltown finally generated some momentum, midfielder Jack Murtagh used the wind to great effect by sending over two points, either side of Duncan's second (following a well worked move). Murtagh's second point came after Brennan's kickout was held up in the breeze and Milltown exploited the situation.

With the howling wind now accompanied by rain, Milltown headed for the sanctuary of the dressing rooms with a two-point lead, having registered eight wides.

McGauran, who had been a peripheral figure in the opening half, certainly made his presence felt shortly after the restart with two valuable scores against the wind, the first off his left foot. Then a hop ball was awarded after the Garrycastle kickout didn't go the required distance and the ensuing passage of play saw Brennan's volleyed clearance go straight to McGauran, who returned the ball with interest over the bar.

Garrycastle found it difficult to make productive use of the wind, but two more pointed frees from Michael Monaghan moved them closer by the 44th minute. The second free came after Milltown were possibly unlucky not to be awarded a free out.

James Dolan's second point, taken neatly after a one-two between Michael Monaghan and substitute Rory McGowan, left the minimum between the sides. As the scrappy fare continued in the difficult conditions, Conor Cosgrove sent over a fine equalising point following good work from sub Ben Donegan.

After Hynes and Jack Donohue were shown yellow cards in quick succession, the best chance to win the game fell to Milltown when a free was awarded for a foul on Duncan. McGauran's kick went short, Donohue held it and the danger was averted.

In added time, Milltown held possession for a lengthy spell but couldn't get a shot away and the final whistle soon confirmed that the sides would have to meet again in order to decide the destiny of the Peter Geraghty Cup.

Man of the match: Conor Gibney (Milltown): On a day when the weather conditions ruined this contest as a spectacle, it was difficult to pick out somebody who consistently stood out, but Conor Gibney, a forceful presence at centre-back for Milltown, was as influential as anybody. Jack Duncan, Jack Murtagh and Ben McGauran had some good moments, scoring two points each. For Garrycastle, James Dolan underlined his enduring value with two points from play, while Eoin Mulvihill and Andrew Monaghan toiled hard around midfield. With the forward line finding it hard to make headway, it was somewhat surprising that James Sheerin wasn't brought on sooner and utilised as a target man.

Talking point: It has been confirmed that the replay will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, October 28, at 2pm in TEG Cusack Park. Both clubs have players involved in county hurling finals this weekend which complicated the situation. And with the Westmeath intermediate champions set to face their Carlow counterparts on Saturday, November 2, there won't be a lot of time for celebrations.

Scorers - Milltown: D Hynes 1-0 (pen); J Duncan, J Murtagh and B McGauran 0-2 each. Garrycastle: M Monaghan 0-4 (4f); J Dolan 0-2; J Nugent, A Monaghan and C Cosgrove 0-1 each.

Garrycastle: Sean Brennan; Jack Mulvihill, Jack Donohue, Gary McCallon; James Dolan, Mark McCallon, Matthew Guiheen; Eoin Mulvihill, Andrew Monaghan; Michael Monaghan, Eoin Monaghan, Cian McCarthy; Cathal Mannion, Conor Cosgrove, Jason Nugent. Subs: Ben Donegan for Mannion (41 mins); Rory McGowan for E Monaghan (44); John Gaffey for Nugent (58); James Sheerin for McCarthy (62).

Milltown: Alan Geraghty; Sean Dillon, Bernard Kiernan, Diarmuid Maguire; Peter Ballesty, Conor Gibney, Conor Dillon; Jack Murtagh, Dylan Murtagh; Nathan Dillon Creagh, Daire Hynes, Jack Duncan; Luke Gunning, Ben McGauran, Matthew Gunning. Subs: Thomas Lynn for Gunning (48 mins); Wayne Smith for Dillon Creagh (48); Sean Somers for Ballesty (53); Patrick Somers for Maguire (55); Frank McLoughlin for Hynes (55).

Referee: Enda Kenny (Ballinagore).