A Busy Weekend for Castleisland AFC

So, its finally arrived, Castleisland AFC will play VEC from the United Churches Football League in the FAI Cup last 64 round at Castleisland on Sunday.

By Mike Brosnan and Neil O’Sullivan

Edmond Hartnett’s men are in great form and are lying in second position in the Kerry District Premier League.

Castleisland beat Limerick team Killeaney/Bally Rovers in the last round with Mike Hanifin the hero of the hour by grabbing an 88th minute equaliser to make it 1-1 and Steven Bartlett outstanding in the penalty shoot out which Castleisland won 4-3.

Formed in 1974

The Dublin team are fifth in the United Churches Football Premier League on ten points but only two points off the summit.

They were formed in 1974 and they won their Premier League for the first time in the 2008-09 season.

VEC travel to Kerry this coming Sunday having reached the fifth round of the FAI Junior Cup for the third time in four years.

Vastly Experienced

VEC defeated Glebe North two nil in the last round. A hard fought opening 60 minutes saw the two defences come out on top but some excellent work from set pieces saw Mick Kinsella and Pat Meghen head home in quick succession to ensure VEC the trip to the Kingdom to take on Castleisland on Sunday.

A Titanic Battle

The vastly experienced team had six players in the UCFL Dublin team that played the Carlow League in the Oscar Traynor cup recently.

VEC player Sam Jackson scoring a goal in the 2-1 defeat.

So its all set for a titanic battle which Kerry-Dublin games usually are in any sport, Castleisland will be hoping that home advantage and a big home crowd will inspire them to victory over their illustrious opponents.

U-13s Going to Puck

Castleisland U13s travel to table toppers Killorglin on Saturday. The Islanders are unbeaten after three games and are three points behind Killorglin who have played six games so its a crucial game for the lads.

Fenit Samphires have three teams travelling to Castleisland on Saturday so there promises to be a cracking atmosphere in the field

U-15s Tops

The U-15s are top of Division 1 take on second placed Fenit Samphires and a vital three points is needed by Dean Poolman’s players to open a gap for the the race for the title.

Any slip up will let Fenit and Mastergeeha back into the race for the top.

Vital Game for U-13Bs

The U-13B team take on third in the table Fenit in Division 2 North league game, this is a vital game for the lads as if they win they will join Fenit in third position so Jason McCarthy’s team will be hoping to capture all three points to get their season back on track.

Girls Out at 9:30am

The girls are kicking off at 9:30am against Fenit, they will be hoping to move into forth place by grabbing all three points in their league clash, the girls will be boosted by the news that two of the girls have been selected for the Kerry U13 team for the ETP/Gaynor Cup squads.

Amy and Shauna Join Kerry Team

Congratulations to Shauna Wilkinson and Amy Curtin have been selected for the Kerry U13 team for the ETP/Gaynor Cup squads massive congrats to the girls and well done to their coach’s Aidan Joy and Jimmy Scanlon.

Denny Premier B: QPR 0-2 Castleisland AFC

Like a good bouncy ball from Tommy Hickeys the B’s bounced back and responded to last week’s defeat in excellent fashion against QPR.

The Bs made two changes from last week’s defeat with Shane O’Loughlin coming into the side after missing last week’s game and Ethan O’Connor replacing his brother Lee.

Castleisland began the game well and almost took the lead when Josh Horan delivered a corner to the front post but Dylan Browne’s header was just over.

Comfortable in Possession

The away side were looking comfortable in possession with Barry Lynch and Shane O’ Loughlin dominating midfield in the early stages. The opening goal came in the 15th minute and what a great goal it was. Goalkeeper Kevin Moran claimed a QPR cross and set the Island off on a counter attack.

Pauric O’Connor played a nice ball into Stephen McCarthy who played a one two with Damien Feehan before curling an effort straight into the top corner.

QPR Responded Well

Another goal for the Cooleener who has started the season well. QPR responded well to going behind and drew a first save of the game from Kevin Moran who done well to get down low to parry a shot away from goal.

Castleisland were looking very comfortable in defence with Brown and O’Sullivan looking solid together at centre back with O’Connor and Downey defending well down the wings.

QPR finished the half very strongly and had a number of corners but Castleisland had an answer for each attack and headed into half time 1-0 in front.

Fresh Legs Introduced

Early into the second half, Matthew Browne and Patrick O’Rourke were introduced and provided the fresh legs needed. On the hour a defensive header fell to Barry Lynch on the edge of the box and his shot found Dylan Browne who produced a bullet finish with his left leg that any striker would be proud of. 2-0 and a deserved second for the away side. QPR made changes and introduced more strikers but the back four of Castleisland were not to be breached and the team proved very solid for the remaining of the game.

Denny Youth League

St Brendans Park 7-2 Castleisland AFC
Scorers: St. Brendan’s Park: Sean McGrath, 2; Robert Kerins, Andrew Murphy, Conor Hayes, Liam Magee, JR Tshikato.
Castleisland AFC: Lee O’Connor and Daniel Kelly.

Fixtures: Saturday 1st December

9:30am U-14 Premier Girls Castleisland AFC v Fenit Samphires

11:30am U-13 Division 2 North Castleisland AFC B v Fenit Samphires

11:45am Division 1 U-13 Killorglin v Castleisland AFC A.

12:45pm U-15 Division 1 Castleisland AFC v Fenit Samphires

Sunday 2nd December

FAI Junior Cup 5th Round: 2pm Castleisland v VEC Dublin.