1st June 2008

 AUL Mullion Cup Final

Castleknock Celtic  1   Greenpark  3

"Long season takes its toll"

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A long season which brought them the 3rd league title in a row since graduating to senior ranks proved too demanding on Eddie O'Callaghan's squad when they faced a Greenpark side that bore no resemblance to what had played against them in the league.  Yes, it was most likely Greenpark's Premier B team, which is permissible under the rules of the Mullion Cup.  Celtic were without some prominent squad members through injury, including the unfortunate Weah t'Uway whose season was ended in a tackle in the cup final the previous week.

Celtic started brightly, and almost got in for an early score when Steve O'Callaghan skinned the full back before crossing, but alas there was nobody in the box to finish.  The first 20 mins were  pretty lack-lustre.  Greenpark did manage however to get their noses in front after 23 mins when a long throw in was ushered into the Celtic net at the near post. 

Simon Fleming did go close 24 mins when his shot was just wide after the 'park keeper spilled the cross.  Greenpark should have doubled their advantage on 36 mins when they blasted over from 10 yards out.  0-1 half-time.

Celtic did not look like they were going to get back into the game for a long spell in the second half.  However, Adam O'Callaghan won a free kick on the edge of the box on 70 mins.  Andy Weldon delivered a beautiful strike into the bottom left hand corner to level the game.   1-1.

But 11 mins later, when Celtic looked like they could go on and win, Greenpark were awarded a penalty kick for  hand ball. The resultant penalty was put away with aplomb, which gave substitute keeper Steve Lawlor no chance. Celtic's keeper, Garga t'Uway, had had to leave the game with a foot injury.  The last act of the game was a fine individual effort that saw Greenfort put themselves out of sight.  1-3.

There was some consolation for Celtic, whose Billy Thompson was awarded the Man of  the Match trophy for his dynamo-like performance.  Well done to Billy for this well-merited award.

Spare a thought for Celtic who had a long hard season, and they must be commended for sticking to their task despite their many injuries.  They have an exciting season ahead of them starting in August following their promotion.