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Aonghus Clarke Has A Lovely Moment With Young Supporter As Castletown-Geoghegan Go Down Fighting

Aonghus Clarke Has A Lovely Moment With Young Supporter As Castletown-Geoghegan Go Down Fighting
Niall McIntyre
By Niall McIntyre Updated
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Castletown-Geoghegan looked to be on their way to a Leinster final when Aonghus Clarke's 53rd minute screamer gave them a two point lead on Kilcormac Killoughey.

Captain Clarke expertly found the top corner after a pinpoint pass from David Fennell, sending the Castletown-Geoghegan supporters wild in TEG Cusack Park.

It's been an unbelievable four weeks for them,  first winning the Westmeath final in a replay against rivals Lough Lene Gaels.

Not many gave them a chance two weeks later against Thomastown, one of the most rapidly rising teams in Ireland but Alan Mangan's charges triumphed with a spirited display, striking a historic blow for Westmeath hurling.

It was the same story seven days later with Kilcormac Killoughey the popular choice but Castletown-Geoghegan had their measure for much of Sunday's showpiece.

Niall O'Brien of Castletown Geoghegan reacts during the AIB Leinster GAA Senior Club Hurling Championship semi-final match between Castletown Geoghegan and Kilcormac-Killoughey at TEG Cusack Park in Mullingar, Westmeath. Photo by Tom Beary/Sportsfile

The atmosphere was once again notable with the home support turning the Mullingar stadium into a cauldron of noise and emotion.

Peter Clarke was inspirational in midfield while Aonghus Clarke and Niall O'Brien showcased their class in attack.

It was a huge blow for them losing talented attacker David O'Reilly to a shoulder injury in the 17th minute after a relatively innocuous collision. O'Reilly hit three from play against Thomastown having won man-of-the-match in the county final, scoring 1-5 from play.

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They received another knock-back when Peter Clarke's sideline was waved wide in the second half even though the cameras shown it had gone over the bar.

But they kept on coming back, eventually creating Clarke's goal.

It was a killer just five minutes later as Conor Slevin's quick and long puck-out defied their defence, allowing James Gorman in for the handiest of goals. But Castletown-Geoghegan responded again with Clarke setting up O'Brien for the point of the day.

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Adam Screeney of Kilcormac-Killoughey takes a shot at goal during the AIB Leinster GAA Senior Club Hurling Championship semi-final match between Castletown Geoghegan and Kilcormac-Killoughey at TEG Cusack Park in Mullingar, Westmeath. Photo by Tom Beary/Sportsfile

Then the genius of Adam Screeney kicked in to strike the final blow with a magical goal, putting KK three up. Their young team deserve huge credit for finding the answers, seeing them through to their second Leinster final.

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Screeney and James Gorman were their top men, while goalkeeper Conor Slevin stood tall for Niall O'Brien's last gasp 21, where the boggy pitch appeared to put off the Castletown-Geoghegan man, rising the ball slightly too far in front of himself.

That was the end, but Castletown-Geoghegan brought passion and excitement to this club season, giving it one of its best stories so far.

Aonghus Clarke showed his class moments after the final whistle, sharing a lovely moment with a young supporter on the field.

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It was a fitting way for them to bow out.

Read More: "I Just Turned On The Spot And Ran In Behind" - Screeney Hails Team-Mate For 'Genius' Call

 

 

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