Historic Penalty Shoot Out Win In First Match Of Centenary Year
Castlemartyr 0-8 Erin’s Own 0-8
(Castlemartyr win 4-3 on Penalties)
Plenty of drama on Bank Holiday Monday, as Castlemartyr played their opening game of centenary year.
Richard Burke, Ewan Cashman, Oran Murphy and Alex Broderick who made their debuts
A first ever penalty shoot out win at the venue for the reds, who got the better of Erin’s Own after the teams had finished deadlocked at 0-8 each following extra time. This preliminary quarter final in the divisional under 21 football championship, was a competitive encounter with little to choose between the sides at any stage. There were club debuts in the first fifteen for Richard Burke at wing back and Ewan Cashman in the inside forward line. Both acquitted themselves really well as did two more newcomers, Oran Murphy and Alex Broderick who were introduced during the marathon contest.
Having played against the wind in the first half, Castlemartyr trailed by 0-4 to 0-3 at the end of the first thirty minutes. Already both sides’ defensive strengths were evident as the contest took on the shape of a low scoring encounter. Mike O’Dwyer with a close range opening free and his excellent point from play helped the hosts settle early, before a fine finish by Tom Fleming following a good move saw the score at 0-3 to 0-1 by minute ten. Both sides had chances before Erin’s Own levelled it by the 17th minute and after a long barren spell, eventually hit the front at 0-4 to 0-3 just before halftime.
Mike O’Dwyer again made the most of a free early in the second half, but Erin’s Own then hit three in a row to lead by 0-7 to 0-4 entering the final five minutes. Castlemartyr had struggled to breach the opposition defence during the previous 20 minutes, giving reasons for concern coming down the home straight. However, their tenacious and determined play was rewarded as they won a series of close range frees , all of which were again converted by Mike O’Dwyer to bring the teams on parity early in stoppage time. Both sides pushed for a winner, but neither succeeded and thus an additional 20 minutes was the order of the day. During that frantic finish Jack Smiddy had looked to be hauled down inside the square after making an immediate impact on his introduction, but no spot kick was forthcoming.
Richard Burke, who was enjoying a great game, moved forward to kick Castlemartyr ahead early in extra time, a score which Erin’s Own balanced out soon after. Tiring legs didn’t deter from a big effort by both sets of players, who try as they might just could not eek out a winning score despite some close shaves at both ends.
The lottery of the penalty shoot out became reality. Top class finishes by Mike O’Dwyer, Billy McGann and Cian Murphy had balanced out the three spot kicks scored by the Caherlag side from their opening five kicks. Ewan Wimpenny’s spectacular save had been a high point of the developing drama. So we were now in sudden death territory and when Mike O’Dwuer expertly needed again, the pressure was back on the visitors and their subsequent miss ensured Castlemartyr progress to play Carrigtwohill in the quarter final this coming weekend.
After a stamina sapping encounter, it would be unfair to begin to hand out individual accolades, so a collective well done to everyone is the preference …… a very tight defence, strong midfield unit and a hard working forward line all combined to get the team over the line. Well done guys!
Team
Ewan Wimpenny, Oisin Cantwell (capt) David Lynch, Cian Murphy, Richard Burke (0-1), Darragh Leahy, Charlie O’Neill, Darragh Joyce, Tom Fleming (0-1), Billy McGann, Ciaran Sice, Mike O’Dwyer (0-6 inc 0-5 frees), Ewan Cashman, James O’Donovan and Sean Morgan.
Subs – Oran Murphy, Jack Smiddy, Alex Broderick
NEW MEMBERSHIP BUNDLES 2024
Our Membership Bundles are instrumental to our Clubs development. As we celebrate Castlemartyr GAA’s centenary in 2024 our goal is to enhance the club’s facilities. Upgrades to date include – 700m walking track, improved car park, new pitch lighting, improved toilets and improved pitch surfaces!
We could not have done this without your support. This year we plan to continue the development work and will complete our new All Weather Pitch in the next few weeks, with our ultimate long term goal of a new Club House! These facilities will benefit the whole community!
Re Details of Membership Bundles – cost €480, €360 and €252 euro respectively (standard membership is also still available), please contact a club member – we will be more than happy to discuss your options. Bundles include membership of Castlemartyr GAA, Castlemartyr Camogie & Kiltha Óg, and covers all the family! Payment can be made online via Club Force. Contact a committee member with any queries.
The new all weather will be a shining example of the club’s vision for the future – we obviously need you continued support more than ever this year. So, we appeal to all members and friends to sign up and also help in recruiting additional support.
– Thanking everyone in advance.
