Under 16 Hurlers Triumph in Vincent Morrissey Memorial Tournament in Kilkenny.

Congratulations to our Under16 Hurlers on winning this prestigious hurling tournament hosted in Kilkenny by the renowned James Stephens club (“the Village”) on 6th May 2016 last. This tournament is played annually in memory of the late Vincent Morrissey who was a talented juvenile hurler with the Village.

The tournament, played at the newly developed Kells Road Pitch Complex brought together    top juvenile clubs from across Kilkenny, Cork, Tipperary, Limerick and Stillorgan.With an early start it was no surprise that our boys were a bit car-lagged after their trip from Dublin.  Their opponents in the first game were Erins Own from Castlecomer.

The Kilmacud team started slowly and were facing spirited opposition.  There were strong performances from Mark Grogan at centre back and Denis Murray in the middle who helped neutralise many Castlecomer attacks with fine saves from Goalie Tadhg Dunbar assisting the cause. Points by  Anthony Quinn and   Denis Murray helped nose Kilmacud in front by the narrowest of margins with the Dubs leading by 0-4 to 0-3 at the break.

The second half proved easier with the Crokes finding their rhythm. Points from sharpshooter Eddie Gibbons (who bagged 0-5 over the game) and Sean Kinsella (0-3) and singles each from Padraig Purcell and Tom Fagan saw Crokes pull away to win by five points.

First Round - Final Score:  Kilmacud Crokes 0-12 Erins Own 0-7

Meanwhile in the other first round games Holycross/Ballycahill (Tipperary), Blackrock (Cork) and James Stephens came through with a particularly impressive performance from the host club. 

Kilmacud Crokes were paired against Holcross Ballycahill of Tipperary for their semi-final.  This game was played under extremely heavy rainfall throughout which provided difficult conditions for both teams.  We were privileged to witness a masterful display of hurling from Sean Kinsella who seemed to conjure and cajole every chance over the bar from all angles (scoring 0-9 for the match).  By half time Kilmacud had built up a substantial lead. The Croke’s boys powered on in the second half with notable contributions from Niall McDonald (1-2) Joe Proudfoot (1-1) and nice points from Max Murphy and Padraig Purcell.  Newcomer Niall Roe played with true grit and determination making a notable impact on the game. Management observed a rotation policy with all players contributing. The Kilmacud defence and midfield were unrelenting in their work rate with rock solid performances from Colin Veale, Stephen Callanan and Tom Stakelum at full back. James Dillon put in a huge shift at midfield running a marathon to chase down every ball. Notching further scores from the bench were Anthony Quinn (1-1) Eddie Gibbons (0-2) and Liam Reddy (0-1) to help seal a convincing victory.

 Semi-Final Score      Kilmacud Crokes 3-18 Holycross Ballycahill 0-4

James Stephens came through the other semi-final beating Blackrock (Cork) by a score line of 3-11 to 2-3 setting up the mouth-watering prospect of us facing the hosts in the final. 

During the interval we were treated to a marvellous feed of tea, coffee, buns, cakes and sandwiches of all varieties which nourished the travelling masses. Michael Veale was happy out after this grub. Thanks to everyone at James Stephens who provided such wonderful hospitality including the many members of the Morrissey family who helped out on the day.

The final proved to be a classic affair.  There was competitive tension in the air as five James Stephens’ coaches patrolled the length of the pristine championship pitch infield to give encouragement to their charges.  The game was played at a fast tempo throughout with marvellous skills being displayed by both teams. No quarter was asked or given. The Crokes backs were being tested by the Villages nippy inside forwards. The Kilmacud full back line held firm with resilient displays from Rory Smith, Cormac Keys and Stephen Calanan although the concession of some frees couldn't be avoided. Dermot Jordan came in for the unfortunately injured Calanan and gave a fine display.  It appeared that Crokes were gaining the upper hand approaching half time with Padraig Purcell James Dillon Sean Kinsella and Eddie Gibbons showing great form. Crokes surged into a five point lead but a goal and point from James Stephens closed the gap to a single point at half-time.

Halftime Score: Kilmacud Crokes 0-6 James Stephens 1-2

On the resumption the Kilmacud Crokes team played out of their skins with top class performances being given in all positions.  Crokes extended their lead with scores from Niall McDonald (0-1) Eddie Gibbons (0-5 for the game) Sean Kinsella (0-3) and the irrepressible Padraig Purcell (0-2) who absolutely tormented his marker. Joe Proudfoot and Niall Roe were launched from the bench for further scores (0-1 apiece). Fine displays were given all over the field with Tom Fagan, Mark Grogan Max Murphy all notable. Stephen Dunne was introduced for the injured Fagan and kept the team motoring.  The game was played in front of an enthusiastic and vocal audience.  At the end of the game the James Stephens coaches sportingly played tribute to the high skill levels toughness and athleticism displayed by the Kilmacud players.

FINAL SCORE:   Kilmacud Crokes 0-13 James Stephens 1-6

The presentation of the winner’s trophy was made by the Chairman of James Stephens to our gallant captain Cormac Keys who led three cheers for the hosts. The Chairman tribute to what he felt was a very talented and sporting Kilmacud team. He said the tournament and the standard of play was a fitting tribute to the memory of Vincent Morrissey.

In the Plate final Erins Own triumphed over their Kilkenny rivals Dicksboro on a score line of 3-5 to 0-2

Match day squad Kilmacud Crokes

Anthony Quinn
Colin Veale
Cormac Keys
Denis Murray
Dermot Jordan
Edmund Gibbons
James Dillon
Joe Proudfoot
Liam Reddy
Mark Grogan
Max Murphy
Niall McDonald
Niall Roe
Padraig Puirceal
Rory Smith
Sean Kinsella
Stephen Calanan
Stephen Dunne
Tadgh Dunbar
Tom Fagan
Tom Stakelum

Well done to all the boys who represented Kilmacud Crokes and Dublin Hurling with distinction on a marvellous sporting occasion. Thank you again to everyone at James Stephens and to the Morrissey family for a wonderful tournament and your warm hospitality.  Thank you as always to our coaches and mentors John Dillon, Robbie Kinsella, Kevin Walsh and Martin Lacey and well done to all.  

Author - Donal Smith.