Athenry come up just short in tense decider

Athenry 0-15

By Darren Kelly in Duggan Park

Castlegar finally landed county U-20 silverware last Wednesday week in Ballinasloe when goals from Darragh Neary and Conor Scott secured the A1 title over Athenry.

The first goal from man-of-the-match midfielder Neary got the city side back in contention after they had fallen three points behind. Once they took the lead soon after, they’d never relinquish it, though it took substitute Scott in the 49th minute to effectively seal this contest, even if their opponents kept pushing until the final whistle.

Athenry came in as slight favourites having been unbeaten during the championship and they enjoyed a nine-point league victory over Castlegar, but Neary set the tone after just 10 seconds, taking possession from the throw-in and splitting the posts.

Castlegar were doing better in the early exchanges but not adding to their tally. They were guilty of 10 first half wides and Athenry eventually settled. Sean Keogh was on the end of respective moves from Conor Lawless and Gabriel McCann to overturn the deficit by the eighth minute.

Stephen Kelly provided great awareness for Brian O’Regan’s men and with plenty of ball sent towards Frank Burke, the latter popped it back to the waiting Kelly for the third score. Kelly was then provider for McCann to make it 0-4 to 0-1 on 10 minutes.

It was a good start for Athenry who lined out without Jason Rabbitte. The Galway U-20 did make an appearance before the finish with a heavily strapped left leg, but he should be OK to represent the club in their Senior B semi-final next month.

Castlegar needed a moment to turn this game back in their favour and it came on 14 minutes. Rhys Creavin’s fielding was already notable, and he fetched a long dropping ball from keeper Cian Callaghan’s puck out.

Pictured: Castlegar's Sean Flynn can't find any way through the Athenry cover of Gabriel McCann, James Diviney and Ruairi Keogh. Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy.