Perfect conditions on Saturday created the ideal situation for an exciting game and our U15s didn’t disappoint in this thriller against local rivals Holycross. With silverware up for grabs both teams came into this match hungry for victory. And it was Castle who started the brighter, forcing two early corners. But they could not convert them into goals. Holycross responded and both teams struggled for supremacy. The Castle midfield partnership of Ciaran Considine and Fergal O’ Connor gave the team the perfect platform to show their talent. Sean Lyons and Oisin Browne went close with chances. But it was Holycross who ended the half the better. They forced a stunning double save from our keeper, John O’ Dea who was once again in top form.

Very little needed to be said at halftime. More of the same would surely yield positive results. Castle again started brightly, forcing more corners. None of which led to a goal unfortunately. Holycross came close with a corner of their own, headed just over. Then it looked as if the moment had finally arrived. Declan Gilligan went flying down the wing and put a superb cross into the box. It was met by the head of the impressive Sean Lyons. All eyes watched as the ball struck the foot of the post and was cleared by a despairing Holycross boot. That was to be as close as Castle came. Holycross provided a late scare by sticking the ball in the back of the net, only for it to be correctly ruled out for offside. The Castle defence, led by Shaun Moloney, held firm until the final whistle. 0-0 it finished but it was a thrilling contest. And the best part? We get to do it all again...