20/01/2012

There was no winner of the clubs weekly lotto jackpot of €6,900. The numbers drawn were 2, 29, 31 & 32. The €20 winners were Geraldine Cresham, Dave Breen, Cyril McDonald & Lisa Ludden. The next draw will take place in Mulroy’s Bar on Thursday 26^th January with the Jackpot @ €7,000.The lotto committee would like to thank the Prendergast’s Bar for holding the draw and all the people who purchased tickets

Women Set A Difficult Challenge (www.connaught_telgraph.ie)

20/01/2012

CASTLEBAR Celtic manager Jeremy Dee has set his charges the challenge of winning their four remaining games in the Bus Éireann Women’s National League in the hope of lifting the crown.

He revealed the players are brimful of confidence after knocking Raheny off the top of the table with a 2-1 victory at Milebush on Sunday. Although they are six points behind new leaders Peamount United, Dee is convinced it is not an impossible dream to push for glory. Celtic’s closing fixtures in the series are against Wexford (next Sunday at Celtic Park), Shamrock Rovers (January 29, Tallaght Stadium), Cork (February 5, Celtic Park) and Peamount United (February 12, Glenogue, Newcastle, Dublin). While a six-point gap between Castlebar and Peamount will be exceedingly difficult to overhaul, Dee does not believe it is beyond Celtic’s reach. He stated: “We spoke during the Christmas break about needing to win our five remaining fixtures and we got the best possible start by overhauling Raheny despite going a goal behind. “Emma Hansberry got us back on track with an equalising goal and she struck the winning goal after half an hour when she lobbed the Raheny goalkeeper, Niamh Reid-Burke. “Because we conceded a late equaliser to them in the 5-5 draw between us in December, we did not take too many risks in the second half and our defence was very resilient.” Celtic suffered a setback with the loss of defender Carol Hegarty with knee ligament damage, an injury that is likely to keep her out of action for a number of weeks. However, Rachel King is expected to return after recovering from her knee injury in next weekend’s clash against Wexford while Jenny Byrne was back in action in the victory over Raheny. Dee announced midfielder Katie Walsh will miss a number of games due to the fact she is undertaking her final accountancy exams. “Overall, however, we are in good fettle and feel we can deliver on our pedigree over the coming four weeks or so. I always believed we would be contenders and I think we have proved that we are. But it is important to keep setting the bar as high as possible. “It would be very satisfying to reach the last game of the season against Peamount and still being in with a chance of winning the title. That’s our goal,” he added. Meanwhile, Peamount took advantage of Raheny’s defeat by pipping Shamrock Rovers 3-2 with a late winning goal by Sara Lawlor.

Sheriff In Control In FAI Cup (www.connaught_telgraph.ie)

20/01/2012       

Castlebar Celtic 1-3 Sheriff YC

Celtic’s FAI Junior Cup ambitions were severely crushed at Celtic Park on Sunday when they were outgunned and outfoxed by Sheriff YC. They paid a heavy price for a catalogue of defensive mistakes and their failure, most notably in the first half, to exploit a number of decent scoring opportunities.

So a season that started with such high hopes of national and provincial glory for the county town club has ended in mid-January in bitter disappointment. The defeat, along with the cup exit of Claremorris at the hands of Ballymote, is destined to open up a fresh debate about the ability of clubs competing in a summer league to maintain realistic cup challenges over the winter months. And while Westport United may have proved the sceptics wrong when they triumphed in 2005, the evidence clearly suggests they were an exception to the rule. Whatever about the other issues, however, there is no question Celtic did not do themselves any favours with a performances littered with poor decision making, wayward passing and slopping marking. There was, in fairness, a 20-minute period before half-time when the home side caused serious problems for the Sheriff defence with the penetrating nature of their slick attacking play – but it lacked the killer instinct against a goalkeeper in the quality of Lee Murphy who made a number of decisive saves. Celtic got off to a disastrous start and found themselves in arrears after just four minutes. Alan McCabe and Darren Dunne combined brilliantly to create an opening through the middle for dynamic midfielder Joseph Flood and the finish was exquisite. The Castlebar response was very positive, inspired by a dazzling run by Steve Gavin into the Sheriff 18-yard box. But his release of the ball failed to find the in-rushing Ronan O’Boyle and a fine goal-scoring chance was lost. Gerry Burke launched a similar surge moments later and the outcome was more or less the same, highlighting a lack of understanding among Celtic’s attackers. The Sheriff defenders displayed a level of vulnerability when pressure was imposed on them and the unmarked Ioseph O’Reilly was inches wide with a headed effort from point-blank range following splendid work by Burke and Ollie Cunningham on the right.  The visitors reminded Celtic of their strength on the counter attack in the 32 minute when Dunne broke clear, only for a magnificent save by goalkeeper Conor Ward to deny him. But Murphy, at the other end, was to outdo Ward’s heroics before the interval. The agility and alertness he showed in stopping goal-bound attempts by Ronan O’Boyle and Gavin in the 36^th and 43^rd minutes, respectively, were exceptional. The expectation Celtic would keep turning the proverbial screw in the second half proved unfounded.  The home side’s confidence and composure fell asunder just three minutes into the second period when John Rock ruthlessly capitalised on the Celtic’s failure to deal with a high ball over the defence. Ward looked poised to save his side’s blushes, but Rock was shrewd for him and Castlebar had a mountain to climb. They were fortunate not to fall further behind in the 71st minute when Alan McCabe was clean through. But his lob over Ward struck a post. Celtic grabbed an unlikely lifeline with 20 minutes remaining when Ger O’Boyle scored expertly after being set up by Burke. But it proved nothing more than a short term reprieve as Dunne gloriously restored Sheriff’s two-goal advantage before the end, squeezing between Declan Flynn and Andy Neary before placing the ball neatly in the net. Not a good day for Celtic and a fresh assessment is required before the Mayo League starts in April.  Sheriff, who had Paul Murphy red-carded before the end due to a two-footed tackle on Ger O’Boyle, will approach the closing rounds of the competition with confidence. Celtic: C. Ward, O. Cunningham, E. Crean, D. Flynn, A. Neary, A. McDonnell, I. O’Reilly, S. Gavin, G. Burke, G. O’Boyle, R. O’Boyle. Subs used: F. O’Hara, C. Rowland, S. McHale

Noe Captains Ireland To Victory Over Portugal

19/01/2012

Noe Baba captained Ireland U16 team to a 2-1 victory over Portugal last Tuesday evening. They will meet the same opposition today which will conclude the teams training camp.

UEFA Professional Coach Comes To Rival Arena

19/01/2012

UEFA Professional Coach Austin Speight will deliver a coaching session to the Celtic U17 and U18 A squads on Wednesday 25^th January at 8pm Sharp. Austin is a former coach at Blackburn, West Ham and has worked personally with Phil Jones, Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole. All managers and coaches are welcome to attend and observe!

Emma Mullin Named Western Peoples Soccer Player of The year

19/01/2012

All at the club would like to congratulate Emma Mullin on been named The Western Peoples Soccer Player of the Year. Emma was part of the clubs Mayo treble winning side and with her teams mates have made a massive impact in the Women’s National League where they have been defeated once. Emma has also been involved in Sue Ronan’s last two Irish Senior Women’s squads. The awards presentation night will take place on the 24^th February in the Mc William Hotel.

Chris Rowland Receives Scholarship Grant

18/01/2012

All at the club would like to congratulate Chris Rowland on been announced as a recipient of the Mayo League Scholarship grant. Chris is a current member of the clubs senior side which captured the Elverys Super League this season. Chris will be presented with the first instalment of the Scholarship and a specially designed certificated at a reception in Milebush Park on Saturday 28^th January @ 6.30 pm.

Fixtures For This Week 3

18/01/2012

WNL: Castlebar Celtic V Wexford Youths Sun 22^nd Jan @ 2.00 pm Celtic Park

U-18 mayo League: Swinford V Castlebar Celtic B Sat 21^st Jan @ 2.00 pm Away

U-16 Mayo Cup S/F: Castlebar Celtic V Charlestown Ath Sat 21^st Jan @ 2.00 pm Rival Arena

U-12 Mayo League: K&K Utd V Castlebar Celtic Sat 21^st Jan @ 2.00 pm Away

Results For Last Week

18/01/2012

FAI Junior Cup: Castlebar Celtic 1-3 Sheriff YC

WNL: Castlebar Celtic 2-1 Raheny Utd

U-18 Quigley Cup S/F: K&K Utd 1-1 (2-4 Pen) Castlebar Celtic

U-16 Mayo Cup Q/F: Conn Rangers 1-3 Castlebar Celtic

U-14 Mayo Cup S/F: Castlebar Celtic 2-1 Ballina Town

U-12 Mayo Cup S/F: Castlebar Celtic 3-1 Westport Utd

Deepest Sympathy

18/01/2012

Castlebar Celtic would like to offer its deepest sympathy to the Mullahy family on the sudden death of Michael Mullahy. The club held a minutes silence in his honour before the recent FAI Cup game with Sheriff YC. Michael was a former player with the club. May he Rest in Peace

Celtic Women Hand League Leaders First Defeat (www.Extratime.ie)

16/01/2012       

Castlebar Celtic 2-1 Raheny Utd

Resolute defending and no little amount of luck saw Castlebar Celtic come away with all three points from their home encounter with Raheny United. After going behind early to a Shauna Cook goal, the hosts reclaimed the lead with two goals from Emma Hansbury and then had Marie Harrington and Aisling Concannon to thank for keeping the visitors at bay with stellar performances at the back for Celtic. The game was in its infancy when the greater cohesion in attack displayed by United paid early dividends. Mary Waldron, who would go on to have a war of attrition with Harrington, forced an early corner to be taken by Kate McCabe. The left footers cross was met expertly by Shauna Cook who finished with aplomb. With the way Raheny began the contest it seemed as though this might be a long afternoon for Celtic. Rebecca Cray in particular was effective down the right side for a Raheny side that in its entirely looked accomplished on the ball and dangerous anytime they ventured into the Celtic half. Celtic however, were dogged in their pursuit of parity and soon started to work the space on the break to fashion some half chances. Hansbury came close after 12 minutes when she was the recipient of a Emma Mullen pass after the striker had rode two challenges, but the strikers effort was blocked out for a corner. The resultant corner would ultimately lead to the equaliser. Shauna Jackson floated a cross into the danger area that was not dealt with properly by the Raheny defence and Emma Mullen was able to get a shot off that was blocked into the path of Hansbury who made no mistake from six yards, slotting home into the bottom corner. Despite the leveller, Raheny stuck to their fluid passing game with Sandra Mulhall and Mary Waldron, again, to the fore. Celtic were playing a high defensive line that suited the pace of Harrington who was able to cover adequately when the ball was played in behind, but such is the danger with this system Mulhall, Waldron and McCabe all nearly found themselves in one on one situations that would surely have put the game back into Raheny's favour, only for the flag to go up with routine consistency. Castlebar made good use of the space on the break again on 28 minutes when they took the lead again the run of play in rather fortuitous fashion. Mullen again made a nuisance of herself on the edge of the area shrugging off the attentions of Ciara Grant before feeding Hansbury down the right channel. Hansbury’s high cross was taken by the wind towards the goal where Niamh Reid Bourke fumbled to the net under the crossbar. With the lead now secured, attention clearly turned to keeping the Raheny ladies at bay, which was no small feat. Waldron was the first to come close when she fired over from the edge of the area after good link up play with Mulhall. She again came close when her snapshot on the turn was blocked by Harrington who was playing out of her skin in competition with Waldron. In the lead up to halftime it was all Raheny as they pressed for the equaliser before the whistle, Siobhan Killeen had the last shot in anger of the half but screwed her shot wide and Celtic had half the job done. A few changes were made at the interval for both sides as the respective mission statements evolved in different directions. Megan Campbell came in for Raheny as they sought to equalise as Suzie Cunningham came in for Celtic as they looked to consolidate their lead. Both changes had the desired effect in what turned out to be a war of attrition. Raheny started to command the ball with authority in the second half and yet could not break down the Celtic rearguard that was well drilled and ferocious in the tackle. It wasn’t until the 70th minute that Raheny started to make their possession show in the final third. Mulhall should really have done better when she found a sight of goal 8 yards out but fired over much to the consternation of the management who were getting more and more animated as the clock ticked down. The heart rates in the visitors camped weren’t helped either by what they judged to have been a hand ball in the penalty area that referee Tom Munroe decided against. In a brief respite for the hosts Mullen won a free kick 25 yards out from the Raheny goal and decided on an effort at the nets. Reid Bourke had to get down smartly to keep the effort from nestling in the corner and Raheny were again on the attack. Katie Flood came in for Katie McCabe in the Raheny attack and almost bore immediate results when she got on to the end of Rebecca ray cross only to see her header sail wide and we were now entering the final few minutes. As the visitors pushed and pushed for an equaliser they seemed to abandon the cohesive play that had bore chances earlier in the game, in favour of the route one tactic that in truth played into the hands of Harrington and Avril Kilkelly who were accomplished under the high ball. Killeen however did get one more chance to equalise in stoppage time but her first time volley was well saved by Concannon who was in no rush to release the ball allowing the game to peter out. Celtic: Aisling Concannon; Caroll Hegarty, Avril Kilkelly, Marie Harrington, Jenny Byrne; Lauren Bowles, Aileen Gilroy, Grainne Barrett, Shauna Jackson; Emma Mullen, Emma Hansbury. Subs: Ciara Caroll for Carol Hegarty, Suzie Cunningham for Ciara Caroll

U18’s Advance To Quigley Cup Final

16/01/2012       

K&K Utd 1-1 (4-2 pen) Castlebar Celtic

The club's U18 side booked their date with Ballyheane in Milebush Park in the Quigley Cup final after a hard fought, dramatic win on penalties in Kiltimagh Knock United last Saturday. Celtic were struggling for numbers on the day due to injuries and other circumstances which led to them having only the minimum number of substitutes. Celtic were forced to use their sub early on as they struggled to come to terms with the strong breeze they were playing against. A poorly timed challenge saw striker Patrick Harkins limp off after around 20 minutes. He was replaced by an in form Michael Padden, who moved into his usual right midfield role, pushing Gerry Hunt up to his normal position up front. The game was stalemate for almost the entire half, but after a K&K corner, Celtic broke brilliantly and saw captain Steve Walsh go clean through on goal, and the center half made no mistake slotting the ball into the bottom left corner of the net to give Celtic a vital lead right before the break. But just after the second half started, K&K equalised. Celtic were delivered a further blow, as right back Mark McHugh, suffering from a very badly timed challenge on him from the first half, had to be withdrawn due to injury. The visitors were forced to play the rest of the 42 minutes with 10 men. Erik Eaton was outstanding in goal, while Steve Walsh and Jamie Ivers were superb. Kenneth McDermott played in an unusual left/right back role (switched to right back after McHugh's injury) and made no mistake throughout, while Lorcan King filled the gap on the left after McHugh was withdrawn. The back four, considering everything, were terrific throughout. In midfield, Colm Nevin, with Adam Murphy in central midfield, organised brilliantly. Jordan Loftus and Gerry Hunt had to take up right and left midfield roles, respectively, while Michael Padden, suffering from a slight knock, went up front. The whole squad performed terrifically to see the game to extra time, not least thanks to a stunning double save from Eaton right at the death. K&K were visibly disappointed that they couldn't finish off the 10-man Celtic, which gave the visitors the upper hand going into extra time. Again, Celtic saw it out brilliantly, bringing the game to penalties. Colm Nevin, Michael Padden, Steve Walsh and Jordan Loftus all confidently finished their spot kicks, while and Erik Eaton save made the final score 4-2 on penalties. The Celtic team showed tremendous mental strength and character to get by K&K, and the management were delighted with their team. Celtic: Erik Eaton, Kenny McDermott, Steve Walsh (c), Jamie Ivers, Mark McHugh, Gerry Hunt, Colm Nevin, Adam Murphy, Lorcan King, Jordan Loftus, Patrick Harkins; Michael Padden

Celtic U14 Advance To The Mayo Cup Final

14/01/2012       

Castlebar Celtic 2-1 Ballina Town

The Tom Kelly and Colm Murphy U14 side completed a great hat-trick of Mayo Cup semi-final victories for the club when like their U12 and U18 counterparts booked their Cup Final spot after a ding dong battle with the excellent Ballina Town side on Saturday afternoon at the Rival Arena. The last time these two teams meet it was Town who were victorious and they will consider themselves unlucky not have done the double over one of their great rivals. That said nothing can be taken away from this gallant Celtic side that lost their goalkeeper Mark Benson to injury but held out for a deserved victory. Once gain like last week Q-final win the goals were supplied by the inspirational Colm Quinn and Cathal Hastings. It was the Hoops who started the brighter with the home midfield of Ben Murphy, Fintan Borotto, Colm Quinn and Gavin Durcan in commanding form and this dominance was rewarded when Colm Quinn was put through on goals by an excellent Fintan Borotto pass and he made no mistake from close range. The Hoops front two of Robert Fallon and Cathal Hastings were causing the Town back four a lot of problems. Celtic lost its goalkeeper mark Benson and 30 minutes and was replaced by Jack McCormack. The home side went in at half time a goal to the good but were guilty of missing a number of gilt edge opportunities which nearly came back to haunt them. The second half saw the Hoops once again in control and they got the second goal their played deserved when Cathal Hastings was on hand to slot the ball home from close range. Soon after that Celtic lost its inspirational centre-half Conor High and he was replaced by the impressive Mark McDonnell who is working his way back to full fitness. With 15 minutes remaining Ballina pulled a goal back and from then till the end they pinned the home side back into their own half. The Celtic rearguard of Thomas Hestor, Ray Loughran, Fintan Borotto and Paul McDermott were under tremendous pressure but never gave an inch and when they were breached the superb Jack McCormack came to their rescue with three wonderful saves. The introduction of Ryan Timlin, Jack McCormack, Aaron Naughton and Mark Kelly helped to stem the tide and they all made telling contributions to this great result which booked their place in the Mayo Final.