Double for New York Celtics

By Maggie Tierney

HALLOWEEN morning brought more than ghosts to Rockland County, as the New York Celtics faced off against St. Raymond’s in the ulder-16 Minor Board final. The Celtics won by a final score of 2-9 to 2-6.

The first half put Celtics on the board with great points from C.J. Molloy. They were soon to be answered from Denis Kilkenny and Steven Gomez from St. Ray’s.

Molloy scored four more points from free taking. St. Ray’s Thomas McGovern was quick to the mark with a mighty goal and point to follow, leaving the halftime score a draw, Celtics 0-6 to St. Ray’s 1-3.

During the second half the battle became fierce, with St. Ray’s Conor Brady taking control and delivering the ball to teammates Padraig O’Connor and Shane Dennehy, who barreled on towards the Celtic net, only to meet the brilliant defense of keeper Kevin McArdle.

As the play turned down to the Celtic end of the field, superb passing moves from Rory Creegan, Brian Hegarty, Kevin Purce and the O’Connor brothers, Shane and Chris, got the ball exactly where Celtics wanted it to be.

Daniel Tierney delivered a shot to the corner of the net to score a goal. St. Raymond’s did not falter. They answered the call with their second goal of the day by Mike Ruane.

The battle was in full force, with the clock ticking on. Celtics’ hefty lefty, C.J. Molloy, against the relentless marking of Thomas Nellis, added three more points for Celtics. 

Yet again St. Ray’s answered the challenge and racked up three points for their side. With only minutes left, the score was even.

Celtics took on the challenge and came barreling down the field again. Daniel Tierney won the ball and took flight with a 20-yard solo run from the left corner. He buried the back of St. Ray’s net, leaving the Celtics with a three point lead.

St. Ray’s defenders initiated a mighty attack at this point, and won the ball to make every effort to score. But they met with hard luck by hitting the crossbar three times and enduring the defense of Celtic’s McArdle yet again. 

With the blow of the whistle by referee John Fitzpatrick, the New York Celtics captured the 2004 league final, earning them the double honor of championship and league winners. 

New York Celtics: Kevin McArdle, Chris McSweeney, Kieran Patton, John Creegan, Mehal Lang, Brian Hegarty, Kevin Purce, Shane O’Connor (captain), Rory Creegan, Sean Tierney, C.J. Molloy, Brendan Guerrier, Chris O’Connor, Sesan Purce, Daniel Tierney, Allison Traynor, Anthony Smith.

St. Raymond’s: John Mango, Gregory Cardona, Thomas Nellis, Daniel Cregan, Shane Dehenny, Gerard Dunleavy, Conor Byrne, Wade Schroeder, Conor Brady (captain), Mike Ruane, James Ruane, Thomas McGovern, Denis Kilkenny, Justin Brennan, Nicky Green, Rory Gurley, Padraig O’Connor, James Mulligan.