Three quality goals, two from Dan Goggin and one from Michael Slattery helped Park progress to their second Kerry cup final in a row.
Having secured the league a week earlier one could have excused the Park lads for taking the foot off the pedal. But that would be to underestimate the dogged determination in this team. They always seem hungry for more.
Goals will always win games but special mention must go to the outstanding Park defence who were once again magnificent. Their challenge now is to repeat this performance in the final.
Starting well, and despite Castleisland pressing high up the pitch, Park created chance after chance. Michael Slattery hit the post after two minutes and also had two other chances saved well by the Castleisland keeper in the 25th And 27th minutes. The young Castleisland keeper also kept out Kevin Browne and Robin McCarthy in between Slattery’s attempts and looked to be in for one of those nights players only dream of. It wasn’t to be though and it was a superb Park team goal on thirty five minutes that eventually broke the deadlock.
Dylan Casey calmly picked out Sean Carmody in midfield and his perfect through ball to Michael O’Gara put the pacey winger in behind the Castleisland cover. He could have shot himself. Instead O’Gara steadied himself and showing maturity beyond his years unselfishly picked out the unmarked Dan Goggin who slotted his shot to the back of the Castleisland net. It gave the home side a lead they would never relinquish.
Eight minutes into the second half Goggin bagged his second. Again a good move. Kevin Browne’s fine ball to Slattery was followed by an equally fine ball to Dan Goggin who still had plenty to do when he received the ball on the left wing. Ducking and weaving like Katie Taylor in an Olympic final Goggin somehow stuck the ball into the Castleisland net from an awkward angle. His agility was mimicked on the sideline by his dad who was seen doing cartwheels and backflips and claiming all the credit for Dan’s prowess in front of goal.
Fair play to the Castleisland lads who never gave up. Shay Walsh and Ben Cooney in particular ran themselves to a standstill and the Castleisland back four stood strong in the face of constant pressure. They never resorted to foul means but gave their all for the cause. A credit to Georgie and his mentors.
Goggin could have sealed his hat trick but the Castleisland keeper again saved when a save looked unlikely. Kevin Browne then had a goal ruled out before, finally, Slattery stepped up to seal the deal with five minutes left to play. A typical run across the box and a strike worthy of winning the game flew into the top left hand corner of the Castleisland net and at last their resistance was broken.
3-0 was a fair reflection of the game but Park will know a similar performance won’t be enough against Camp or Killarney Celtic in the final. Both teams have caused Park plenty of problems in recent league games and in Genie Farrell, Kevin Boyle and Liam Shine they have experienced heads plotting Park’s downfall. It’s a game to look forward to, whoever we play.
Thank you to the parents, friends and club members who supported us on the night. Thanks also to the ref, Martin Courtney, who was firm and fair with both teams and let the game flow as much as he could.
We play Dynamos at home on Saturday in our final home league of the season at 4.15pm. Your support would be appreciated at that game and in the Cup final.
Panel:
Thomas Burke, James Rusk, Matt Lukco, Dylan Casey, Adam Ward, Michael O’Gara, Raul Vnzcel, Sean Carmody, Kevin Browne, Dan Goggin, Ruairi O’Kelly, Niall Sertutxa, Robin McCarthy, Jake Deering & Michael Slattery .
Report by P.Carmody
