Drimnagh Castle Dublin Junior Football Champions 25

After a long and challenging campaign our junior footballers qualified for the Dublin Junior Quarter finals. They were now 3 games away from being crowned Dublin champions. The team was packed with local talent from Crumlin, Good Counsel, James Gaels Gaa clubs amongst others.

Quarter Final February 5th 

Drimnagh Castle 5-11 V 2-1 Tallaght Community School

Following 2 wins from 2 before Christmas our Junior Gaa team started 2025 with a great win, over Tallaght Community School,  in the quarter finals of their Dublin Championship at the Castle grounds in February. Jayden Fagan put on an excellent display of scoring alongside Moad Dulqamoni while Caoimhín Byrne was excellent, as always between the sticks. Danny Keogh also grabbed himself a second goal of the campaign.

Our extended panel got a chance to make a case for starting positions. Alex Marlow, pointed to extend his scoring run from before Christmas. Redemption Odika, Nosh Khan, Alex Farrell and Maison Kenny all impressed from the bench in the second half too. 

 Match Report: Drimnagh Castle GAA Semi-Final vs Coláiste De Híde

Thursday 20th March  

V Colaiste d' Hide at 1.30 in Tomas Davis

S/Final

Col. de hIde

3-09 (18)

Drimnagh Castle C.B.S.

4-12 (24)

On a crisp and bright day, Drimnagh Castle's junior GAA team made their way to the semi-final against Coláiste De Híde with determination and focus. The match took place in the Thomas Davis Gaa grounds in the foothills of the Dublin mountains.The lads were in the zone, eyes set on the prize, ready for the challenge that lay ahead. From the very beginning, it was clear that everyone was fully committed to securing a place in the county final.

The warmup was sharp and focused. Coaches  Mr. Munnelly and Mr. O'Neill led the team through their warm up with precision, ensuring that the lads were fully prepared for the task ahead. The energy levels were high, and the lads were buzzing as they headed into the match.

As the referee blew his whistle, the lads were tuned in and Drimnagh Castle came out of the blocks fast. The team displayed their full potential early on, with Jayden Fagan and Dean O'Mahony showing their skill and composure in front of goal, putting points on the board for Drimnagh Castle. The attacking play was fluid, and the defence was solid, frustrating Coláiste De Híde's attempt. Full back Alex Bonney anchored the defence and was ably assisted by Good Counsel’s Conor Nolan and his Crumlin stablemate Jack Joyce. Alex Jeffers won plenty of ball at wing forward and fed Danny Keogh and Dean O Mahoney for their goal chances. It was another fine performance from Jeffers this year, returning to GAA after a couple of year away. 

However, as the first half progressed, Drimnagh Castle seemed to lose some of their early momentum. A few uncharacteristic mistakes allowed Coláiste De Híde to claw their way back into the game, and they managed to close the gap before the break. At half-time, Mr. Munnelly and Mr. O'Neill gave the team a stern but motivating speech. The hair dryer was on full blast! They urged the lads to push for a stronger second half. The message was clear, we needed to lift our game.

The team responded and started the second half like men possessed. Wing forward Moad Dulqamoni, who had already been impressive in the first half, showed his true class with some outstanding defensive play and vital turnovers. Patryk Kot was a constant threat, driving forward with pace and skill, while Brooklyn Byrne was superb with his intelligent running and link up play.

The introduction of Sean Gavigan in the second half quelled any potential Coláiste De Híde comeback with a masterclass in defensive play from the Crumlin Maestro. Gavigan controlled the game for the last 20 minutes allowing Moad and Fagan the freedom to continue their points scoring spree.

As the game progressed The Castle regained control. The scores continued to come, with excellent contributions from Cian Fitzgerald and Jack Walsh. Fitzgerald’s disappointment with a disallowed point was quickly replaced with elation following a cooley slotted home goal that ensured victory beyond doubt  for The Castle.  Thanks to the efforts of all the players, with important contributions from all areas of the pitch. Coláiste De Híde struggled to keep up, as Drimnagh Castle's intensity and team spirit pushed them to victory.

In the end, Drimnagh Castle held on for a well-deserved win, securing their place in the county final. The final whistle sounded and while it sounded full time, it started the preparation for the final. 

Goals came from Robert Roche (x2) Dean O' Mahony (X2) Jayden Fagan and Cian Fitzgerald. Huge credit goes to the entire team, with standout performances from Cory Brannigan, Robert Roche and Alex Byrne, who all played important roles in the victory. Thanks again to managers  Mr. Munnelly and Mr. O'Neill, who motivated the lads throughout the match and made everything possible.

Junior Gaelic Football Final Drimnagh Castle vs Beneavin College

Final

Drimnagh Castle C.B.S.

6-13 (31)

Beneavin D.L.S. Col.

4-09 (21)

Final  Tuesday 8th April Abbotstown 

It was a day of immense drama, excitement and history making  as our school team embarked on what might well be the final game ever played under the old Gaa rules at the National Sports Centre in Abbotstown. From the moment we boarded the bus, spirits were high, and the buzz of players and fans filled the air. The journey to the final was months in the making. We were accompanied by a bus load of supporters, including our Deputy Principal,  Mr. Hayes So, as we arrived, the magnitude of the occasion began to settle in and nerves hit!

In the changing room, the mood was a mix of focus and excitement. Coaches Mr Munnelly and Mr. O’ Neill  kept the lads settled, with their usual enthusiasm, they reminded the team of their potential and the importance of this moment. The players gathered around, listening closely as they spoke about staying calm and composed, focusing on the fundamentals, and supporting each other throughout. The energy in the room was immense as the players geared up for the final, ready to give everything on the pitch.

The warm up was intense and focused. Players sprinted, stretched and ran a few quick drills to get their blood flowing and minds alert. 

It was finally time, the whistle blew, and the game was underway.  From the start, it was clear we were in for a tough battle. The first half was a frantic exchange of scores, and despite getting off to a great start with a Cory Branigan goal we  found ourselves trailing at halftime, 1-6 to 3-6. There were moments where we let our guard down, which was uncharacteristic of our lads, allowing the opposition to find the back of the net a couple of times, but we were far from out of it. At half time, our managers gave the players a kick up the… The players were more determined than ever to go out there and show everyone what they were really about. 

When we returned to the pitch for the second half, there was a real sense of purpose and determination. We found ourselves 6 points down, but with our strong team spirit and relentless work ethic, anything was possible. The key was to stay composed and trust the game plan.

And what a second half it was!

The team came firing out of the blocks. The first goal of the second half came from Cory Brannigan, who made a determined run into the box and found the back of the net, reducing the deficit. Then, in a stunning display of power, Jayden Fagan hammered home a bullet of a shot that left the goalkeeper with no chance, bringing us even closer to the opposition.

Good Counsel’s star forward,  Conor Begley then took over, scoring a brilliant brace of goals in quick succession finding his form at just the right time. The opposition didn’t know what had hit them. Every time they thought they had regained control, the mighty Castle was there, knocking them back with wave after wave of pressure. Harley Doyle added to our tally with a well taken goal, and Robert Roche's finish was another highlight in what was becoming a breathtaking comeback.

Between  the sticks the leadership started with the calmness and accuracy of Crumlin’s no. 1 Caoimhin Byrne’s kickouts, interspersed with timely interventions in quelling any Beneavin attacks   

With each goal, our confidence grew. The forwards were clinical, but the points were coming thick and fast too. Captain and free taker  Jayden Fagan continued to inspire with a series of brilliant scores from all over the pitch. His leadership was unmatched as he drove the team forward. Moad Dulqamoni and Alex Byrne were instrumental in feeding the forwards.

Alex Byrne's ice-cold free-taking off the ground was crucial in keeping the scoreboard ticking over.  Byrne, reborn after half time,  put in an immense 2nd half performance from midfield covering  the entire pitch in gut-bursting performance. The opposition couldn't cope with Drimnagh’s pace and determination.

Meanwhile, our half-backs were relentless. Jayden Connolly and Brooklyn Byrne showed exceptional composure, winning key possession and driving the ball forward. On the Croke Park size pitch Brooklyn’s lightning pace caused havoc for the opposition, and they simply couldn’t deal with his direct running and ability to cut inside at speed.  This speed and directness helped set up Begley for the second of his Brace, a crucial score with the game still in the balance. Connolly, the hardest tackler on the pitch in the second half, did not let one Finglas man pass him. He also found time to charge up the pitch and slot over an exceptional point as the Castle slowly pulled away. 

As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard reflected a remarkable turnaround: 6-13 (31) to 4-09 (21) in our favour. The crowd erupted into cheers, and the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. The players embraced each other, knowing they had just turned a six-point deficit into a ten-point victory. The teamwork, the fight, and the belief were all there in that second half.

The celebrations were electric. Drimnagh Castle had achieved something truly special, and we knew that this victory marked not just the months of hard work but also potentially the last ever game under the old rules. As we celebrated, there was a sense of immense pride.

Captain Jayden Fagan lifted the cup, and the cheers from the team echoed throughout the ground. The win was a testament to the grit, determination, and skill of every player. The entire team, from the goal scorers to the defenders, from the midfielders to the bench, played their part in a historic victory. 

An Caisleán Abú!

U16s Junior Football Panel 2024/2025:

Caoimhin Byrne, Patryk Kot, Alex Bonney,Conor Nolan, Brooklyn Byrne                                   Sean Gavigan, Jayden Connolly, Alex Byrne, Robert Roche, Moad Dulqamoni                               Jayden Fagan, Jack Joyce (Byrne), Alex Jeffers, Danny Keogh, Cory Branigan                                     Jack Walsh, Harley Doyle, Conor Begley, Redemption Odika, Alex Farrell                                 Cian Fitzgerald, Nosherwan Khan, Maison Kenny, Alex Marlow, Dean O’ Mahony                 

Managers: Mr. Munnelly & Mr. O’ Neill

Selectors: Zack Higgins, Cillian Burke & Craig Brady McGrath

1st & 2nd year Basketball Regional Finalists

1st Year Basketballers

2nd Year Basketballers

Our 1st and 2nd year basketball teams had a good year with both teams reaching the regional plate finals. Our U14 team also qualified for the All Ireland Division A quarter finals for the first time.

1st Year Basketball

Our 1st year Basketball team got their season off to a great start with a one  point overtime win against local rivals Templeogue College in January. Despite losing the next two games to Belvedere College and Castleknock College the group responded well by defeating another local rival Moyle park college in a winner takes all local derby. This derby result qualified the team for the quarter finals of the East Leinster Division A plate competition.

In the quarter finals we faced a physically imposing Blackrock College team. We got off to the worst possible start when we lost  our big man Jack Byrne to injury inside the first minute. Led by Jake Skerritt and Hadrian Ambrosio on defence the team  kept the score tight. There were great performances also from Cillian Murtagh, Tyler Kennedy  and Charlie Holmes to get us over the line.

In the semi finals we played local rivals Moyle Park for the second time this season. We got off to a great start and never let the lead slip. The outstanding performer was Fiach Kildee Doolan who grabbed 20 rebounds! Riley O' Duffy, Gerard Roche, Jacob Moore and Omar Mady were excellent on the day also.

 In the 1st year plate final we met Gonzaga. We got off to a good start and were only 4 points behind at the end of the 1st quarter. Gonzaga dominated the second quarter however and they continued to stretch the lead out to 14 points early in the 3rd quarter. Most 1st year teams would give up facing such a big deficit in a final but The Castle lads never dropped their heads and kept working hard on defence. Jack Byrne started to dominate the boards and Terence Ermitano made some big steals. On the offensive end Jamie O'Toole made a big outside shot and Tezuka de la Pena and Ollie Whelan started to find their form. By the end of the 3rd quarter the lead had been cut to 7 points.  The Castle comeback continued in the 4th quarter with the introduction of Kobi Core who added pace to our attack and defence. Jack Byrne  was a rock in the middle of the defence and was now scoring at the other end. With one minute to go Terence Ermitano made a huge outside shot to cut the lead to 3 points. Unfortunately we ran out of time on the day and the cupo went to Gonzaga.

2nd Year Basketball

After reaching the Final of the All Ireland B League in first year lots was expected of our second year team competing in Division A for the first time. The team didn't disappoint. Although we lost our first game at home to Templeogue College to a last second buzzer beater we responded really well by winning the next 3 games against Belvedere College, Moyle Park College and Castleknock College. 

In the quarter finals of the plate the team were drawn at home to Blackrock College. With strong defensive performances form Leon Prah, Jude Vallejo and Sam Malone we had a convincing win to set up a home semi final vs Moyle Park College. Alvin Bau was outstanding in the semi final, giving a man of the match performance to help us get the win. He was supported by Conor Byrne, Timothy Sofowora and Dexter Lupu on defence while on offence Cian Mooney, Alex Erasmus, Dara Farrelly and Lane Hynes were excellent on the day.

Our plate final was a repeat of last year's 1st year league final in which we faced Gonzaga College. We went into the game without Alvin Bau who was man of the match in the semi final. Despite that setback the team played extremely well on the day. We got off to a poor start with Jude Vallejo and Sam Malone getting into early foul trouble. Gonzaga took a  7 point lead and looked in total command.In the second half  Leon Prah and Jack Byrne stepped up to deliver big performances on offence and defence. Sam Malone settled into the game with some big buckets and Jude Vallejo started to make some good outside shots. Terence Ermitano was relentless pressing up on their point guard and forcing errors. With one minute to go there were only 4 points in the game when Leon Prah made some big free throws to cut the lead to 2 points. Gonzaga had possession and tried to run down the clock but we managed to steal the ball back only to lose it again on the fast break! Possession back to Gonzaga with 30 seconds left and again they tried to run down the clock. Unbelievably the Castle defence forced another turn over and with 8 seconds left we had and inbound possession. The team ran a clever inbound play devised by Coach Ciarán O Doherty to get us an open shot. Unfortunately we missed the shot on the day and Gonzaga held on the two point lead to win the game and the cup.

In the U14 A All Ireland Cup we won our playoff tournament in February defeating Presentation Bray, Castleknock College and St Fintan's High School. This qualified the team for the All Ireland Quarter Final against Castleisland Community School in April. We went into the games missing 3 key players and Castleisland were much too strong for us on the day. Beidh lá eile ag an bPaorach.