Week Ending 22nd July 2007
Week Ending 22nd July 2007
Wednesday night’s Leinster under 21 final between Offaly and Dublin in Parnell Park was set alight by Crokes Ross O’Carroll’s early goal. A pulsating mach followed which saw Dublin claim the provincial crown for the first time since 1972 on a score of 2-18 to 3-9. We extend our heartiest congratulations to all concerned and wish them well in their All-Ireland quest.
On Tuesday 17th July 2007 the senior hurlers kept up their winning League run when they recorded a comprehensive 2-22 to 3-5 win over Naomh Mearnóg in Silver Park.
The home side flew out of the blocks and were 9 points up within 9 minutes. Donal McGovern opened the scoring with a fine goal after a minute. Points were quickly rifled over by Fergus Garvey, Niall Murphy, Eoin Roche (2) and Fergal Armstrong (2 frees). Crokes had 1-10 on the board before Naomh Mearnóg got on the scoresheet and went in at the break 1-12 to 0-1 ahead.
With the game effectively over as a contest the second half saw a slight drop in tempo. Although Crokes increased their lead through points from Roche and Armstrong some sloppy defending allowed Naomh Mearnóg in for 2 soft goals. Additional points were then added by Armstrong, McGovern, Brian Motherway, and Paul Graham, who had switched to full forward at half time. Another softish goal was conceded with 5 minutes to go before Donal McGovern completed the scoring with a goal from a rebounded Graham shot.
Team: Paul Graham, Niall Lillis, Kieran Murphy, Ray Mangan, Damien Byrne, Aodan De Paor, Daibhi De Paor, Niall Murphy, Hugh Gannon, Fergal Armstrong, Declan Browne, James Burke, Brian Motherway, Donal McGovern, Paul Graham, Eoin Roche. Subs: Neil Casey (blood sub) for Garvey (20 mins), Tom Donohue for Garvey (HT), Eoin De Paor for Daibhi De Paor (40 mins), Alan Tiernan for Hugh Gannon(45 mins), Willie Ryan for Ray Mangan (45 mins), Neil Casey for Donal McGovern (55 mins).
At the same time Crokes played Setanta in the Intermediate Hurling League at Poppintree. Notwithstanding the conditions neither side could be faulted for endeavour or wholehearted effort in a keenly contested game with the visitors eventually going d own 2-13 to 1-11. For match report see link?
On Thursday the Junior 5’s received a walk over from Skerries Harps in the championship. By Sunday morning the Junior 5’s were in further championship action against Na Fianna at Moibhi Road. This turned out to be a very exciting game with Crokes most unfortunate to come out on the wrong side of a 2-9 to 1-11 scoreline. In the end a slow start that allowed the home side 2-3 without reply in the firs fifteen minutes, proved very expensive. Nevertheless the Kilmacud team put up a very courageous display with a marvellous second half come back against the breeze. Kieran Lynch’s fifty seventh minute goal brought the sides level. Two late chances to seal the game were unproductive and Na Fianna stole down the field for a late point to garner the laurels. Stars for Crokes included Stephen Russell, with one great long range point from half back, centre back Billy Condon, Padraig Doheny and Ian O’Keeffe
On Saturday the under 12’s reached the final of the Alan Cregan Tournament in Erins Isle where they went down to Naas by a small margin, 1-3 to 0-4. To reach the final Crokes beat Whitehall, Setanta and Na Fianna. Stars throughout the day included Carl Doyle, Stephen Doyle, Sean Bedford and Michael O’Dwyer. On Thursday the under 12’s beat Naomh Barrog, Round Towers and Castleknock in camant in Oatlands.
Challenge games fixed for Sunday against Camross of Laois (minor) and Oranmore Maree from Galway (under 10 and under 12) were cancelled on account of the postponement of the All-Ireland Quarter Finals on account of the unfortunate death of Vanessa McGarry. James McGarry, the Kilkenny goalkeeper, has been a frequent visitor to Crokes over recent years and we extend our sincerest sympathies to him on his sad loss.
Outdoor nursery activity continues at Glenalbyn up to and including 28th July every Saturday at 10.00 am for children born 1999 or later. Contact Liam Coughlan 086-6063232 and lccoughlan@eircom.net. Active parental input is essential for the success of the nursery. No hurling experience necessary!