Experience meets exuberance in novel cup final
Kailin Barlow (left) and his Castlerea Celtic team-mates will be hoping to land Challenge Cup honours against Carrick Town on Sunday. Picture: Gerard O'Loughlin
On Sunday at 3 p.m., Castlerea Celtic and Carrick Town will square off in what promises to be an intriguing Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup final at the RDFL grounds, Lecarrow.
It has all the ingredients needed for a cup final. The established force that is Castlerea Celtic in the red corner — a team oozing experience and class who have no shortage of know-how when it comes to winning one-off cup finals.
With stalwarts Cathal Dineen and Ronan Curran possessing four Challenge Cup medals to their name, Castlerea Celtic certainly should not be overawed by the big stage. Jason McCarthy is still the team’s talismanic, as evidenced by his hat-trick in the 5-1 demolition of Moore United in the semi-final.
Former Sligo Rovers player Kailin Barlow brings a control and an attacking edge to the middle of the park for the West Roscommon outfit, while Ryan Larkin and Jack Higgins bring plenty of calmness and quality to their side’s defence.
Dara Curran is also a highly regarded player within the club although they are set to be without winger Oisín O’Farrell, who produced a Player of the Match display in their last cup success in 2023.
Meanwhile, in the blue corner, a Carrick Town side — that will enter this contest as underdogs — are hoping to cause a major upset. The club only entered the Roscommon and District Football League circuit this season, but it has embraced the challenge.
Despite operating in the Division Two League, Patrick McGarry’s team have shown little fear on their cup run to date. They will be expected to climb the ranks in the coming seasons, but a cup run that has seen them claim five wins, including an opening round 5-1 victory over Castlerea Celtic B and taking Cloonfad United’s scalp in the last four, makes for impressive reading.
They have also managed to defeat Ballaghaderreen FC (5-3), last year’s semi-finalists Dunmore Town (3-0), and 2025 finalists Glen Celtic (3-2).
Consequently, Castlerea Celtic would be foolish to overlook their foes.
Carrick have netted 18 goals during their cup run to date, albeit keeping just one clean sheet in that time will give Castlerea Celtic plenty of encouragement.
It is an important year in the club’s history. With the club founded in 1976, its first team will be hoping to celebrate 50 years in existence in fine style, by pulling off a sensational triumph.
Frankie Smith, who is a member of the Carrick Town management team, was one of the founding members of the club back in October 1976.
Meanwhile, there are further connections with this current side. Seán Maguire lined out when Carrick Town were getting off the ground. Maguire’s son Michael captains the team, although he is a doubt through injury. Centre back Jack Barnes is set to miss out with a hamstring complaint, while goalkeeper Oleh Troschii is also a doubt for Sunday’s final.
Ultimately, this boils down to whether the experience of Castlerea Celtic or the exuberance of Carrick Town will prevail. A fascinating battle awaits.
