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CHAMPIONS……. just, as Firhouse push Celtic to the limit
Porterstown was the setting for the Monday Night Sky Sports Football high stakes game between Castleknock Celtic and Firhouse Carmel. Promotion was the prize and Firhouse arrived in top form with confidence high having recently inflicted Celtic’s first league defeat in 21 months and followed it up by winning an Invitational Tournament in Scotland over the May weekend. Celtic, for their part ,had bounced back with a thrilling performance by despatching St Josephs Boys. A good crowd were in attendance for what was promised to be an enthralling encounter.
Celtic got a dream start and scored early to ease some of the nerves. Antonio Neto spread the ball out wide to Ciaran “Merlin" Collins who continued his fine form of late with a lovely curling right foot shot into the net. However Firhouse had not travelled to play second fiddle and immediately upped their game. They raided down both wings and the resulting crosses always had Celtic in trouble. As the half wore on Celtic regained their composure and started to pass the ball with purpose as midfield duo Mark Hughes and Antonio Neto linked well with “Merlin” and Aaron Rice, whose trickery had the Firhouse defence at sixes and sevens. As the half time approached it was Celtic who came closest to scoring with three good efforts in the last 5 minutes of the half. HT: 1-0.
Having finished the half in the ascendency one would have expected Celtic to push on but it was Firhouse who began the stronger and were asking the questions of Celtic. The next goal would be crucial and thankfully it came Celtic’s way. A clearance fell to Antonio whose low strike through a crowded goal mouth nestled into the net 2-0. goal !!! A two goal lead and Celtic began to look comfortable but were set back when a missed clearance allowed the Firhouse striker in to finish well. 2-1 and still 10 minutes left. Firhouse seized the initiative and went in search of an equaliser. Cathal Flynn, Alex San Emeterio and Franc Ajunomah were being tested at the heart of the Castleknock defence but stood tall as they repelled the Firhouse attack. With minutes remaining Castleknock broke quickly and following a determined run Mark fed “Kiano” Ryan who finished well to seal the game and the title. goal !! FT: 3 – 1.
This was far from a vintage performance by Celtic and Firhouse deserve great credit as they worked tirelessly from start to finish in search of the all important win that could have secured them second place. The game itself was tense with neither team ever truly dominating and on another day Firhouse could have got the result. However today was Celtic’s day and the final whistle was met with cheers and hugs…… and that was just the Parents.
The title was not won tonight it was won over a gruelling season where the Boys brand of football , which has thrilled their supporters all season, deservedly sees them earn the title as League Champions. The Boys were absolutely ecstatic and it was great to see all 14 of the squad fully fit and playing for only the second time in 6 months. All went up to be congratulated by Club Secretary ( and all round good egg), Tony Jordan and the final cheer of the night came when Tony presented the trophy to the smiling Captain, Mark Hughes. Mark may have lifted the trophy but it was 14 heroes that won the league – take a bow Tommy, Cathal, Alex “Bob”, Franc, Matthew, Andrei, Alex, Antonio, Mark, Aaron, Dylan, Ciaran, Leigh and Kiano. Well deserved . Enjoy it - The Major Division awaits. Watch this space there’s more to come from our Celtic Warriors
