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Mitchels Archive
Mitchels Notes - 1 September 2002
By Noel Byrne
2, Sep 2002 - 08:30

County League 2002 Div 2A Sat 31 Aug 2002
Castlebar Mitchels 0-15: Ballaghaderreen 1-14

Castlebar Mitchels suffered a serious defeat when they went under by two points in injury team to a very hungry Ballaghaderreen team. This defeat takes control of the promotion stakes out of the Mitchels hands and they must now depend on other results coming right for them. Both teams realised form the start how important this game was and the resultant atmosphere was cup like with the winner taking all.

Mitchels were first out of the blocks with a Jamie Fitzmaurice free but within minutes Ballaghaderreen would have had a goal except for a very brave and skilful safe by Ciaran Naughton. Kevin Malone responded with a well-taken point before the opposition had their first score in the 8th minute. Diarmuid Byrne intercepted a poor kick out and scored the first of his tally. Dwayne Flynn put the Mitchels back in front after Ballaghaderreen had drawn level. A point from a Diarmuid Byrne free led to a purple patch for the Mitchels between 21st and 28 minute when further points from Lydon and Byrne with two, putting daylight between the teams. Dwayne Flynn beat the goalkeeper only to see his fisted effort come back off the upright. With half time approaching it looked as if the home team would have a fair lead but in the last two minutes Ballaghaderreen scored two points to leave only a point between the teams at half time 8 points to 7 points.

Shane Kenny replaced the injured Lydon at half time but it was Ballaghaderreen who had the ball in the back of the Mitchels net within 90 seconds of the start and this was followed up immediately by a point. The Mitchels, with their backs to the wall, needed cool heads and experience at this stage. Tim Byrne replaced Brian Malone. Paul Jordan following a good run down the wing scored from the right and this was followed by two more points from Diarmuid Byrne and Shane Kenny. Ritchie Feeney was having a good game a fullback and Shane Fitzmaurice was delivering good ball to the forwards but two more points from visitors kept them in front. Michael Rocke replaced Dwayne Flynn before Diarmuid Byrne scored three points from frees to put Mitchels one point in the lead with five minutes to play. Ballaghaderreen however came back to snatch the lead with two good points. Whatever of the Mitchels, they certainly have character and would not lie down but instead stormed down the field and Kevin Malone scored in the 31st minute to tie up the scores. With the Mitchels in possession in their own half and time running out, the ball was given away and Ballaghaderreen gladly nipped in and scored a point for the lead. This was followed by another point from the kick out before the referee blew the final whistle.

The euphoria of Ballaghaderreen was matched by the despair of the Mitchels. The realisation of the difficult league position was evident but there is the matter of a Championship meeting with Shrule/Glencorrib in a fortnight. The character of the team was severely tested in this game and they responded admirably only to be caught by a mistake in injury time. Ciaran Naughton had one marvellous save; Ritchie Feeney at full back was solid. Declan Shaw covered a lot of ground. Shane Fitzmaurice was dominant at centre field. Diarmuid Byrne has regained his hunger and confidence and a personal tally of 8 pts (5fs) is testament to his present form.

Ciaran Naughton, Brian Hennelly, Ritchie Feeney, John Fahy, Declan Shaw, Rory O Grady, Brian Malone, Shane Fitzmaurice, Kevin Malone (0-2), Dwayne Flynn (0-1), Eamonn Kennedy, Jamie Fitzmaurice (0-1), Paul Jordan (0-1), Diarmuid Byrne (0-8), Niall Lydon (0-1). Subs used Shane Kenny (0-1) for Lydon, Tim Byrne for Malone, and Michael Rocke for Flynn.
West Mayo Minor Champions

Congratulations to the minor team who retained their West Minor Championship. They now prepare for the Co Semi Final, which is scheduled for next Fri evening in Ballinrobe.

County U 16 League Semi Final
Ballina Stephenites 1-10: Castlebar Mitchels 0-11

This was an exciting and entertaining game played in Foxford last Thursday evening. Mitchels played with great heart and determination especially in the 2nd half. However time ran out on the Mitchels gallant effort to win this game. A number of outstanding saves by the Ballina custodian ensured that Ballina advance to meet Ballintubber in the final.
Castlebar:
Kevin Stenson, Daire Conway, Padraig Healy, Nigel Byrne, Sean Keane, Alan Joyce (0-1), Niall O Hara, Enda Murphy, Barry Moran (0-3), Kieran Hopkins, Alan Lyons, Emmet Feeney (0-1), Donal Coleman (0-3), Ronan Henry (0-3), Ronan O Boyle, Rory Irwin, Keith Lyons, Brendan Connor, Adrian Roache, Kevin Hyland, David Hopkins, Richard Martin, Keith Staunton. Tom Cunniffe, Ciaran O Dowd, Sean O Donaghue.

U10 Blitz
The Club U10 Blitz will take place next Sat 7 Sep commencing at 1030 am. With such a large number of teams and games, all and any help would be appreciated. Please come along and help out in some way.

Mitchels Notes
Please note that this correspondent will be away for the next couple of weeks, so any notes for the media should be sent direct to the various papers, radios and Internet at info@castlebar.ie

Noel Byrne
PRO Castlebar Mitchels

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