Castletown reach summit as Dunshaughlin fall short

Castletown players went where they had never gone before today when they won the Leinster Club JFC title defeating St Abban's, Adamstown 0-12 to 0-6.

What a day it turned out to be for the Meath club as they conquered their opponents to claim the provincial crown.

It was a thoroughly deserved victory for Aidan Young's side. They led 0-6 to 0-2 at the interval.

Kevin Ross topscored for Castletown with six points, five frees, one '45', with Killian Price also capping a fine display with three points.

Urged on a by their large contingent of travelling fans Castletown played some high quality football to secure their win and the title.

"This was a collective performance today, we were structured from the start, I don't think they created any goal chances apart from one effort early on in the game," commented Shane Hoey who captained the side along with Jonathan Ginnitty.

Sadly for Dunshaughlin they narrowly lost out to another Wexford side, St Mogue's, Fethard in the Leinster Club IFC final which preceded the Castletown game.

Matthew Costello and Aaron Murphy found the net for Dunshaughlin but it wasn't enough to carry them over the line. Luke Mitchell also scored six points for the Meath side.

St Mogue's led 1-7 to 0-7 at the break and they proved themselvs a formidable side. With Cian Byrne and John Tubritt notching 11 points between them the Wexford champions did just enough to get themselves over the line and win, 1-15 to 2-11.

The final was overshadowed by the passing in the lead up to the game of Maria Kealy Johnson, the sister of Dunshaughlin manager Richie Kealy.

Maria played for Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels and Meath. There was minute's silence before the throw-in to remember Maria who will be sadly missed by so many.

PHOTOS, REPORTS, ANALYSIS FROM BOTH GAMES AT WEXFORD PARK IN NEXT ISSUE OF THE MEATH CHRONICLE