Paddy Fagan of Mullingar Shamrocks is tracked by Garrycastle players Andrew Monaghan (left), John Gaffey and Tom O'Halloran (right). Photo: John McCauley.

Garrycastle march on to last four

Kieran Galvin

Published: Mon 18 Oct 2021, 8:39 AM

Last updated: Mon 18 Oct 2021, 8:42 AM

Shay Murtagh Precast Westmeath SFC quarter-final: Garrycastle 3-14 Mullingar Shamrocks 0-8

Garrycastle advanced to the semi-finals of the Westmeath SFC yesterday (Sunday), but the main talking point was the comprehensive nature of their victory over Mullingar Shamrocks.

Tom O'Halloran, James Dolan and late substitute Cathal Mannion scored the goals as Garrycastle cruised to a surprisingly comfortable 15-point win at TEG Cusack Park.

Garrycastle went into the game with only one victory from their five group games, but their polished performance belied that patchy record.

The versatile Dolan was excellent in an attacking role, O'Halloran scored 1-3 and Alex Gardiner contributed 0-6.

Garrycastle led by 1-6 to 0-4 at half-time and Jack Sheedy's side were unable to threaten that lead in the second period.

In truth, Shamrocks produced a very poor display on the day, with only two of their players registering scores - Dean Moore and Denis Corroon.

Garrycastle will now meet The Downs in their upcoming semi-final. The Downs eliminated Garrycastle at the quarter-final stage last year and they also edged out Gary Dolan's charges in the group stages of this year's championship.

Therefore, Garrycastle will be hoping that they can learn lessons from those defeats against a Downs outfit which has been viewed as strong contenders for this year's title.

Scorers – Garrycastle: T O’Halloran 1-3 (0-2f); A Gardiner 0-6 (2f); J Dolan 1-2; C Mannion 1-0; M Monaghan, J Barrett and J Sheerin 0-1 each. Mullingar Shamrocks: D Moore 0-6 (3f, 1 mark); D Corroon 0-2.

Garrycastle: Sean Brennan; Mark McCallon, Jack Donohue, Gary McCallon; Bill Kelly, John Gaffey, Michael Monaghan; Eoin Mulvihill, Justin Barrett; Tom O’Halloran, Andrew Monaghan, Eoin Monaghan; James Dolan, Alex Gardiner, Doron Harte. Subs used: James Sheerin for M Monaghan, Jason Nugent for E Monaghan, Cathal Mannion for G McCallon, Enda Keena for A Monaghan.

Mullingar Shamrocks: Philip Shaw; Mark Flynn, Eddie Moore, Dillon Matthews; Brendan O’Reilly, Micheal Curley, Davy Gavin; Denis Corroon, Daragh Daly; Dean Moore, Paddy Fagan, Donal O’Donoghue; Jordan Warde, Ciaran Curley, Ross Corroon. Subs used: Zak Aherne for R Corroon, Jack Gillen for O’Donoghue, Kieran Gavin for C Curley, Billy Flynn for Fagan, John O’Reilly for M Flynn.

Referee: Damien Maher (Ballynacargy).

Caulry bow out

Meanwhile, Caulry pushed St Loman's Mullingar all the way in their quarter-final last Saturday, but the reigning champions eventually claimed a 1-10 to 0-8 victory.

A late goal by Ken Casey sealed victory for St Loman's but challengers Caulry impressed many observers with their valiant display.

St Loman's will meet Coralstown/Kinnegad in their semi-final.