Millmore Gaels prove too strong despite Garrycastle rally

Millmore Gaels 3-14, Garrycastle 3-7

By Eamon A. Donoghue

Millmore Gaels proved too strong for a younger Garrycastle team in this U-16 Division 3 league final at Seán Doolin Memorial Park, Milltown last Friday evening.

On a very warm and sunny evening, with five minutes remaining in this final, the amalgamation of the Milltown and Ballymore clubs were leading 3-14 to 1-5. It was a one-sided final and it was about to dwindle out to the final whistle with a comfortable Millmore Gaels win. But Garrycastle then had their best spell in the game, scoring 2-2 without reply.

The late Garrycastle rally put a better complexion on the final scoreline, but it was too little, too late to change the outcome. From the Athlone based side's perspective, it was a pity that they didn’t generate momentum earlier in the game which would have given them a better chance of challenging their opponents.

Garrycastle are a young team, the majority are members of the successful Feile team (U-15). Their opponents were the more physical side and that was crucial in the end result.

The visitors actually got the better start to the game but Christian Necil’s goalbound attempt cracked off the post and back into play. Garrycastle were unfortunate not to get scores in the early minutes.

Once Millmore Gaels opened their account - a goal scored by Tristan Duncan and created by Niall Gaughan - the host club controlled the game from then on.

Liam Gill added a point before Charlie McGauran and Louie Dillion both kicked scores and Millmore had 1-4 on the board, with Garrycastle yet to open their account at that stage.

Then Tadhg Mulvihill scored an excellent individual goal for Garrycastle. Mulvihill gained possession way out on the sideline and he made his way through the defence before hitting a rocket of a shot to the net past Adam Reynolds in the Millmore goal. It was a boost for Garrycastle just before the first water break.

Yet that inspirational Mulvihill goal failed to ignite his team and they added just another score in the first half, a point from the boot of midfielder Dylan Nicholson.

As Millmore pushed on, Sam Byrne kicked a brace of scores and Harry Hughes kicked another brace before the interval. At half-time, it was Millmore Gaels 1-8 Garrycastle 1-1.

Garrycastle were the first to score after the resumption, Tadhg Mulvihill the scorer, but again they were unable to build on this and their challenge dwindled out. Millmore grew in confidence and turned the screw on their opponents.

The third quarter was Millmore’s best. Max McGauran scored their second goal and then Duncan scored his side’s third. It seemed to be a case of game over by the second water break, with Millmore leading 3-10 to 1-5 and totally on top.

In the fourth quarter, both teams used a number of substitutes and the game looked like it would end in a very comprehensive win for Millmore Gaels, but Garrycastle’s strong finish to the game made the scoreline respectable. Midfielder Jack McCallon Tucker scored two late goals for Garrycastle.

Millmore Gaels will look forward to the championship after this confidence-boosting win, with Garrycastle having defeated them in the earlier rounds. This win should put them in a good place to challenge for championship success.

For Garrycastle, they will first deal with their upcoming Féile adventure before they start thinking about the championship.

Scorers - Millmore Gaels: T Duncan 2-0, H Hughes 1-1, N Gaughan and C McGauran (1f) 0-4 each, S Byrne 0-3, L Dillon and L Gill 0-1 each. Garrycastle: J McCallon Tucker 2-1, T Mulvihill 1-1, D Nicholson 0-2, C McCormack, C Necil and D Clyne 0-1 each.

Millmore Gaels - Adam Reynolds, Sean Lynn, Shane Aherne, Joe McGuire, Cathal Mulvey, Robbie Byrne, Liam Mahon, Louie Dillon, Tristan Duncan, Liam Gill, Sam Byrne, Charlie McGauran, Jack McDonnell, Harry Hughes, Niall Gaughan. Subs used: Neil Moran, Luke McCormack, Calum Maloney, Max McGauran.

Garrycastle - Jay O’Brien, Shane Glennon, Caleb Lynch, Daniel Crosbie, Conor Keegan, Aaron Mulvihill, Luke Stankard, Jack McCallon Tucker, Dylan Nicholson, Christian Necil, Sheriff Bamidele, Tadhg Mulvihill, Jack Kilmurray, Darragh Clyne, Ryan Kilmurray. Subs used: Tyler Gallagher, Conor McCormack, Eoghan Joyce, Fionn Murphy, Aidan Costello, Joey Dunne, Scott Lowe.

Referee - Enda Kelly (Castledaly).