Castlegar show no mercy in securing group stages spot

Date Published: 09-May-2012

Castlegar 1-18

Kiltormer 1-8

Cian O’Connell at Kenny Park

ON a foul Saturday afternoon in October, Castlegar’s mini revival commenced when relegation was avoided with of a gritty win over Kinvara and, at Kenny Park last Monday, there was a similarly dynamic display from Padraic Connolly’s team.

Top flight survival for this campaign has already been secured by virtue of a replay triumph that was every bit as comfortable as the scoreline suggests – a disappointing Kiltormer beomg blitzed by a Cashel performance featuring equal measures of character and conviction.

Playing into the teeth of a strong wind in the first half, Cashel battled admirably going in protecting a 1-8 to 0-6 advantage as Kiltormer were utterly frustrated. When Cashel started the third quarter equally intent all that needed to be determined was how much they would prevail by as Kiltormer never seriously threatened.

This was a Castlegar success laced with splendid contributions from players in all lines of the field. Before departing injured Padraic O’Flynn had been safe and solid at full back, in the half line Tomas Mannion, Kevin Keane, and Patrick Connell were defiant throughout with the nifty Kevin Brady offering protection and polish in a sweeping role. At centrefield, Ger Farragher supplied another reminder of his abundant class at this level with a typically crafty hour.

Wing forward Dean Higgins was prominent during the opening period netting a smashing goal, while Enda Concannon was influential on the edge of the square. Concannon rifled over four excellent points which carried real importance as Castlegar advanced to the group stages with the minimum of fuss.

Considering that Castlegar’s senior status wasn’t secured until the Autumn of 2011, progress has been made and the ambition now will be to replicate the intensity that burned Kiltormer.

From early on it was apparent that Cashel meant business aware that a back door clash with Athenry could bring complications. They were physical, but there was a crispness to their striking too which was reflected by three points inside five minutes with Farragher nailing two either side of a Concannon effort.

Trailing by 0-4 to 0-2, Kiltomer spurned a goalscoring opportunity in the 15th minute when a combination of Cashel custodian John Connor and Brady saved a Keith Kilkenny penalty after Kevin McKeigue had been fouled by Stephen Connell.

Ultimately Kiltormer were too reliant on Keith Kilkenny frees as Cashel repeatedly denied their forward unit space. Brady revelled in the free role not only stopping Kiltormer attacks, but also launching Castlegar ones and, by the 25th minute, they led by 0-6 to 0-5 which was a feat considering the breeze.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.