Charlestown contested the Centenary cup final against Kiltimagh in a sun soaked Aghamore in a thrilling contest ending all square after extra time on a score line of Charlestown 1-14 – Kiltimagh 2-11 as the Sarsfields must be wondering how they failed to close out the game as a contest.
The game had a lovely opening with Charlestown dominating proceedings as Gareth O’Donnell and Niall Murphy were excellent from deep as Charlestown took a quick 0-2 lead courtesy of Colm Maye. Kiltimagh however worked hard and gained their reward as an over worked Sarsfields attack resulted in a Kiltimagh break that punished the Charlestown turnover as Kiltimagh full forward and former mayo minor Liam Lydon held his composure and placed the ball under Kenneth Brennan.
Charlestown however were much the better outfit and began to get a real grip of possession at centre field as they punched holes in Kiltimagh’s packed out rearguard as Paddy Walsh stormed forward and slotted a fine score. The break through came soon after as a well worked play seen Colm Maye break clear of the Kiltimagh defence before intelligently squaring the ball to Martin Mulvaney who palmed into the net as Charlestown led at the break 1-6 to 1-3.
Charlestown opened the second half strongly with a great score off the weaker foot of Jack Reilly after some excellent running by Niall Murphy followed by a Sean Lenehen fisted effort put Charlestown firmly in the driving seat as they looked to have killed the game as a competition.
However Kiltimagh’s attitude was good as they kept chipping away at the score board until they finally made a dent with 4 minutes remaining as Kiltimagh’s big number 9 ran through the heart of the Sarsfields defence before smashing the ball across Kenny Brennan and into the bottom left corner.
This gave Kiltimagh great confidence as the sought the equaliser and eventually achieved it as a poor Charlestown turnover resulted in a last minute equaliser as the sides ended all square.
Extra time looked to have favoured Charlestown as they looked fitter as they took a two point lead as Colm Maye slotted over yet another free as Charlestown looked composed. However Charlestown will of felt the game should of been over midway through the second half of extra time as they completely dominated the final few minutes; however a lack of discipline in their defending aligned with poor decision making allowed Kiltimagh to level matters once more as Peter Gerraghty blew the full time whistle as both sides will have to do it all over again.
Best on the night for the Sarsfields were Gerry McLoughlin, David Caffery, Patrick Walsh, Gareth O’Donnell and Niall Murphy.
