Castletown’s early surge propels them to victory

At one stage in this IFC quarter-final encounter at Moynalty on Sunday evening it looked like Castletown were going to dish out a mother and father of a beating to a Drumbaragh outfit that looked shell-shocked and overwhelmed.

After just 12 minutes Justin Carry-Lynch's side led 2-3 to 0-0. The terms whirlwind or barnstorming somehow feels inadequate to describe Castletown' opening burst. Granted they had the advantage of the stiff breeze but that was only part of the story.

The team in yellow also played some scintillating, fast-paced, yet controlled football. They controlled the kick-outs, were alert and alive to the possibilities that presented themselves.

More than that they had the wherewithal to take their chances with their well-marshalled high press very effective in keeping the Drums pinned back in their own half. Among the few downsides for Castletown is that they had Seamus Doherty red-carded but that was right at the end.

By half-time it was 3-11 to 0-2 with Darragh Weldon helping himself to two goals while Adam Matthews also found the net. It was a very impressive demonstration of power and conviction. Weldon also had a shot scrambled off the line.

In the second-half the pattern of the contest that was played before a big crowd, changed. Drumbaragh found their mojo. Again the conditions had a role to play but that was only part of it. Drums also found a renewed self-belief and with the help of well-worked goals from Willie Carry and Colm Carry they at least made a game of it, ensuring there weren't too many spectators heading for the exits early.

It all left you wondering what might have transpired if Drumbaragh had turned up for the opening half.

In their forthcoming semi-final clash with Moynalvey, Castletown will be looking to replicate the kind of form they showed in the opening half of this encounter. Driven on by powerful displays by their midfield combination of Rian McConnell and Adam Matthews they were unstoppable at times.

In all eight players contributed to Castletown's winning tally, an indication of how effective they could be when in attack mode. Castletown 'keeper Jonathan Ginnitty also played his part with a couple of smart saves including, notably, one from Jimmy Corcoran in the first-half.

McConnell's high-fielding was a feature of the evening and he finished with six points, including a well-hit two pointer from a free. Kevin Ross wasn't far behind with four points, while William Bellew, Sean McKeown, Weldon, Declan Cribbin, Matthews and Kelly were others to raise white flags.

At times Castletown moved like a well-oiled machine when they cleverly passed the ball upfield in multi-phase moves. They could also be direct too and still effective. That was demonstrated in their move that led to their third goal, arguably their best.

A Ginnitty kick-out was taken by the busy Ross. He passed to the equally industrious Darren Finney. He, in turn, off-loaded to Weldon who finished emphatically.

Drumbaragh startling second-half revival was partly sustained by their goals scored by William Carry and Colm Carry and three two-pointers landed by Liam Ward who has the relatively rare ability to convert from distance.

Corcoran was another big player for the Drums, contributing three points including a mighty two-pointer but he received a black card just before the interval meaning his side were reduced in personnel at a time when they needed all hands on deck. Hughie Corcoran made his contribution with searing runs and two points from frees.

The Drums did steadily reduce the deficit as the second-half unfolded, getting it down to seven points at one stage, but there was never any real threat Castletown would be caught. Now Moynalvey awaits.

Castletown - Jonathan Ginnitty; Sean McKeown (0-1), Evan Hoey, Killian Markey; Eoin Reid, Killian Price, Seamus Doherty; Rian McConnell (0-6 one two-point free), Adam Matthews (1-2); Kevin Ross (0-4 one free), Killian Smyth, William Bellew (0-2); Darren Finney, Darragh Weldon (2-1), Declan Cribbin (0-1). Subs - Dan Moran for Matthews 61m, Mark Kelly (0-1) for Cribbin 63m.

Drumbaragh - Jake Balfe; John D Smith, John Morrissey, Luke Fagan; William Carry (1-0), Joe Carry, Conor Lynch; Tomas Doogan, Shea McManus; Adam O'Brien, Jimmy Corcoran (0-3 one two-pointer), Evan Demange; John Madden, Hughie Corcoran (0-2 frees), Liam Ward (0-8 three two-point frees). Subs - Carl McGovern for Doogan 34m, Cameron Feehan for Smith 44m, Colm Carry for Madden 49m, Kyle Dardis for Morrissey 61m.

Referee - Liam Reddy (Duleek/Bellewstown).