Oldcastle proved too good for neighbours Ballinlough in this IFC round two clash at a bitterly cold Pairc Tailteann on Sunday.

Oldcastle ....... 2-11
Ballinlough ...... 0-6

A repeat of last year's thrilling IFC semi-final between the sides - which Ballinlough won with a Peader Byrne stoppage time free - never looked likely after Oldcastle opened up a triple scores interval advantage despite playing into a strong crosswind in the first-half.

Oldcastle didn't have to step into overdrive thereafter to post their first win of the campaign, having drawn with Nobber in round one. 

Robert Farrelly lead the way with 1-4 for Oldcastle, outscoring understrength Ballinlough on his own. 

Backed by the strong wind blowing from the town end, Ballinlough hit the front within 10 seconds of the off when Sean Geraghty pointed at the old swimming pool end, as they attempted to build on their dramatic opening round win over Drumbaragh.

Leo McEnroe's charges responded with 1-2 in an eight minute spell, all courtesy of Farrelly. He opened the scoring for Stephen Baxter's men with a goal from close range with assistance from Paddy Gilsenan and Jason Scully. 

A pointed Peader Byrne free left just a goal between the teams after 10 minutes. Oldcastle looked the sharper side but were still just a goal to the good with half-time approaching. 

Oldcastle closed out the half with 1-2 without reply. Points from Keith Connell and Colin Hawdon bookended Jason Scully's stoppage time goal that left it 2-6 to 0-4 at the break. 

Within three minutes of resumption, Mark McCullen almost pulled a goal back for Ballinlough. However, his low well-struck angled effort was wide. 

Last year's IFC runners-up were also first to register in the second-half with Niall Farrelly's point after Benji Smith's effort rebounded off an upright. 

Oldcastle replied with Robert Farrelly's sole second-half score. Unlike his three first-half points, this one came from play. 

Having provided the assist for the previous scores, Paddy Gilsenan's point moved Oldcastle 10 points clear, 2-9 to 0-5, deep in the final quarter. 

There was no doubt about the outcome long before Peader Byrne departed on a second yellow card in the 51st minute. 

A brace of Hawdon points wrapped up the Oldcastle scoring. Padraig Muldoon's stoppage time point was Ballinlough's second score of the half.

In round 3 Ballinlough face Kilmainham while Oldcastle take on Meath Hill.

Oldcastle - Patrick Kevin; Louis Colleran, Cian McPartland, Oran O'Reilly; Steven Lawless (0-1), Gerard Reidy, Terry Farrelly; Patrick Rahill, Ronan Maguire; Keith Connell (0-2), Darren Hawdon, Robert Farrelly (1-4, 0-3fs); Paddy Gilsenan (0-1); Jason Scully (1-0), Colin Hawdon (0-3). Subs - Rory McHugh for P Rahill (43), CJ Healy for Connell (45), Dylan Garrigan for O O'Reilly (52), Keith Connell for Healy (bc 54), O O'Reilly for Gilsenan (58). 

Ballinlough - Dereck Muldoon; Robbie Farrell, Podge Muldoon (0-1), Matty Farrell; Emmet Smith, Michael Geraghty, Dara Caffrey; Lorcan Maguire, Thomas McCullen; Sean Geraghty (0-1), Patrick Briody, Mark McCullen; Benji Smith (0-1), Niall Farrelly (0-1), Peader Byrne (0-2 fs). Subs - Joshua Lynch for R Farrell (bs 8-16), Joshua Lynch for L Maguire (20)

Referee - Keith Sheeran

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