Carnaross welcomed Castletown to Páirc Naomh Chiarán for an eagerly anticipated clash that lived up to the pre-match hype with both teams contributing to a high scoring and intense clash where Castletown emerged winner by the minimum margin.
Tailteann Cup (Round 3)
Played in Carnaross – 23/6/2021
The game began at a blistering pace with both sides spurning decent goal scoring opportunities. Castletown registered the first score before Frank O’Reilly levelled proceedings with a point from play. The game continued in a similar fashion with both teams trading scores until Castletown landed the first sucker punch with a goal out of nothing just before the first water break. Castletown continued their scoring spree with a point before The Ross responded with three points in a row from placed balls converted by talisman O’Reilly.
Cormac O’Reilly was in scintillating form all game in his full back berth snuffing out numerous Castletown attacks. Paddy McDermott kicked a fine score before Frank concluded proceedings with a fine individual score from play. Johnny Ginnity stood up well in the Castletown goals to deny an equaliser just before the half. Therefore, at half time Castletown led by a goal with the scoreboard reading 1-07 to 0-07.
The third quarter mirrored the first half with both teams trading scores, as the level of intensity rose steadily. Niall McDonnell got in on the act, scoring two efforts from play before captain for the night, Cillian Comaskey, raced forward beating numerous players for pace, only to see his thumping effort rattle the underside of the crossbar. Paddy McDermott curled over a fine effort from distance but Carnaross still couldn’t reduce the gap below 2 points.
As Castletown began to tire, the Hoops threw caution to the wind sending men forward but were caught out when Castletown utilised their extra attacker to palm into the net. With 10 minutes to go, the gap was stretched to 7 and the game looked to be finished. Carnaross rallied however and a sublime Frank O’Reilly solo goal sparked the revival. Possession was continuously secured in midfield and slowly but steadily the gap continued to lessen. Dillon Fox, Paddy McDermott and Frank O’Reilly with 2, reduced the gap to the minimum with seconds remaining.
Unfortunately the time was up and Castletown emerged as narrow victors after an absorbing and attacking game of football.
Carnaross: Shane McNiffe, Ian Donoghue, Cormac O’Reilly, Jack Roche, Seán Carpenter, Tomás Plunkett, Pierce Fleming, Cillian Comaskey, Cian McGlynn, Cormac Yore, Paddy McDermott (0-2), Dillon Fox (0-1), Niall Mc Donell (0-2), Frank O’Reilly (1-10), Cian O’Reilly. Subs: Peter Carpenter, Dean Connell.
