Heartbreaking is the only word you could use to describe Charlestown’s exit from this years U16 championship. A place in the county final next Tuesday in MacHale Park seemed on the cards for the green and white as they led all throughout the second half, until the last minute when a Carras goal put the home side into the slenderest of leads as the came reached its conclusion. The scoreline only tells half the story, the game was played at a frantic pace; often going from end-to-end.
The Sarsfields started slowly and were four points in arrears thanks to an early Carras goal. However, this seemed to kick our young men into life as they responded immediately through to a Patrick Goldrick goal midway through the half. This was a sweeping move involving Conor O’Toole, Matthew Lenehan and Paul Towey. Charlestown grew in confidence as the half progressed and kicked points from the boots of Towey and Lenehen.
The half concluded in fantastic style for the away side as we goaled through a clever goal from Ruairi Cullen, who chipped the oncoming keeper from 15 metres whilst under pressure from his marker. This meant Charlestown led by the minimum at half-time, 2.04 – 1.06. This great first half display did come at a cost for the away team however, as Eoin Beirne was black carded on 14 minutes. The corner back had a solid start to game and the decision to send him to the sidelines was questionable.
The second half started as the first ended, with Charlestown in complete control, particularly around the middle third with Martin McCormack, Daniel Murphy and Aaron Doherty coming into their own in the half back line during this period together with Alan Brennan when moved to half forward.
There was a lengthy stoppage two minutes into the second half due to a clash between two Carras players but this did not deter the Sarsfields who were just as impressive upon the restart. Points from Goldrick, O’Toole and Lenehan ensured Charlestown led by 5 points with minutes remaining. This lead was also thanks to the accurate Paul Towey who barely missed a dead ball throughout the hour.
However, three seperate convertible open play opportunities were missed by the away side in the last quarter and this was to cost the Sarsfields in the dying minutes. The concession of three minors meant that the ‘town were two points to the good in the penultimate minute. However, Carras ventured up the pitch for one last foray with their corner forward goaling despite the best efforts of Darragh Casey, Cormac Bones and Declan Forkan. There was nothing goal keeper Luke Dunleavy could do.
To their credit, Charlestown never bent their knee to the home side and mustered up two more attacks but could not find the major needed to take charge at this crucial juncture.
In the end, it wasn’t to be for our lads but it was a monumental effort from them and they can be very proud of the hour shift they put in. On another night, perhaps the rub of the green would have gone our way and the few missed chances in the second half would have gone over the bar. A speedy recovery is wished to the Carras centre-forward who collapsed after the game with what seemed to be exhaustion. Well done to all involved, including the large travelling crowd that supported the Sarsfields.
Next up for the U16s is the East Mayo Championship which is expected to start on Tuesday, 1st September.
Team: Luke Dunleavy, Eoin Beirne, Cormac Bones, Martin McCormack, Daniel Murphy, Aaron Doherty, Conor O’Toole, Alan Brennan, Paul Towey, Matthew Lenehan, Patrick Goldrick, Declan Forkan, Ruairi Cullen, Darragh Casey, Jack Mahon, Ben Conway.
