Under-14's vs. Durlas Og (12th March 2006)

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On Sunday 12th March, a large party of Under-14’s travelled to Thurles to play Dúrlas Óg in two challenge matches. The first match saw Dúrlas Óg  taking an early lead through a well taken point, which was followed by a goal from a penalty in the 7th minute. Three minutes later, Thomas Clarke opened the Kilmacud Croke’s account with a well taken goal. This was not enough, however, to stem the pressure from the hosts, who added a further 1-1 before Thomas was again on the mark, in the 16th minute, with a smartly taken point from 20 metres. At this stage the Croke’s boys began to settle with Darren Lawlor, James O’Keefe and particularly Niall Murphy harrying and blocking everything on the full-back line. They were ably assisted by Gary Melican, the tenacious Steven Beale and the very effective Fiachra Lynn on the half-back line. Dúrlas Óg, however, played their best hurling in the lead up to half-time and added a further 1-2 without reply to leave Croke’s trailing 3-4 to 1-1 at the interval.

 

On the resumption, the Kilmacud boys were a completely different outfit. Every ball was keenly contested and when Karl Russell shot a low ball to the net eight minutes after half-time, following an earlier Mark O’Dwyer point, Dúrlas Óg knew they had a fight on their hands. Baetan Teague was switched to centre forward and suddenly the effectiveness of the Tipperary team’s most influential player was dramatically curbed. For a while, it looked as if Dúrlas Óg might regain control as their full-forward shot to the net to leave the score 4-4 to 2-2 with twelve minutes remaining. However, two magnificent saves from Paddy Tighe – one a full length dive across the goals bringing gasps of appreciation from the crowd – ensured that Dúrlas Óg would not score again. When Mark O’Dwyer rounded his opponent and shot to the roof of the net with six minutes remaining, following an excellent long pass from Louis Whelan, a sense of panic was discernable in the Dúrlas Óg defence. This was further compounded by an equally well-taken goal from Thomas Clarke following some excellent play by the terrier-like Dillon Mulligan. With time running out, the Croke’s forwards were carving large openings in the opposing defence. However, the full-time whistle came just a little too early and the Tipperary lads held on for a narrow two point win on a score of 4-4 to 4-2.

 

Kilmacud Crokes:- Paddy Tighe; Darren Lawlor, James O’Keefe, Niall Murphy; Gary Melican, Fiachra Lynn, Steven Beale; Dillon Mulligan, Eoghan O’Dwyer; Mark O’Dwyer (1-1), Louis Whelan, Karl Russell (1-0); Niko Salvino, Baetan Teague, Thomas Clarke (2-1).

Subs:- Nathan Timmins for Niko Salvino and Alex Pilkington for Eoghan O’Dwyer (both half-time).

 

In the second match, Crokes were much the superior team, running out easy winners on a scoreline of 10-2 to 1-2. The defence was in fine form with goalkeeper Sean Garvey well protected by a solid full-back line of Robert Crossan, Johnathan Hayes and the fast improving James Butler. In front of them, the half-backs gave nothing away with Enda Grogan, Louis Whelan and Sam Cosgrave acting as the launch pad for most of the attacks. Alex Pilkington (1st half), Niko Salvino (2nd half) and the redoubtable Nathan Timmins at mid-field acted like dynamos. However, it was the forwards, who inflicted most of the damage. In particular the full-forward line was in devastating form with Alex Mulvey (2-1), Rory Bourke (1-0) and James Lyons (4-0) all contributing handsomely. Other forwards, who shone brightly were David McNamara, Justin Cassidy and Oisín Ó Gallchobhair (1-0).

 

Kilmacud Crokes:- Sean Garvey; Robert Crossan, Johnathan Hayes (1-1), James Butler; Enda Grogan, Louis Whelan, Sam Cosgrave; Alex Pilkington, Nathan Timmins; Oisin O’Gallchobhair (1-0), David McNamara, Justin Cassidy; Alex Mulvey (2-1), Rory Burke (1-0), James Eastwood-Lyons (4-0).

Subs:- Niko Salvino (1-0) for Louis Whelan (half-time).

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