SENIORS OFF TO GOOD START IN CHAMPIONSHIP

This opening round of the Dublin SFC versus Naomh Maur was played at the well-appointed St. Finians grounds in Newcastle this evening, in dry but relatively dark conditions.  The conditions were quickly forgotten as a sizzling start saw Crokes 4pts up within 5 minutes, playing football of the highest, mesmerising quality.  Before long it was 0-9 to 0-3 and an easy victory looked on the cards.  This did not materialise however as the proud, and very fit, Maurs men gradually worked their way into the game.  Despite the aerial dominace of midfielders, Darren Magee and Patrick Duggan, Maurs won an increasing amount of midfield breaks and their speedy forwards were able to pick off some delightful scores from the improved supply.  By half-time Crokes had lost their zip and led by 5 points, 0-11 to 0-6.  The 2nd half saw Maurs continue to take the game to Crokes, at one stage cutting the deficit to a mere 3 points.  Both sides missed a number of chances while Crokes seemed determined to take the wrong option or surrender possession cheaply.  As the intensity grew, the more experienced Stillorgan men wrestled control back at a vital stage when their patience and persistence was to pay a handsome reward.  Substitute, Barry O'Rorke, took a lovely pass at full speed from Declan Kelleher and rattled the ball to the Maurs net to effectively seal the deal.  The final whistle followed a few minutes later with Crokes ahead by 1-15 to 0-10.

Well done to all involved on a solid start which will undoubtedly be built upon.  In the absence of regulars such as Ross O'Carroll, Brian Kavanagh, Mark Vaughan and Paul Griffin it was particularly gratifying to see Darren Magee (pictured with brother Johnny) make a welcome return after his serious injury in August 2010.  He provided many glimpses of what top class midfield play is all about and worked tirelessly throughout - keep it up Darren!  Young championship debutant and All Ireland U21 medal winner, Paul Mannion, also raised the spirits of the Crokes supporters with a stylish and energetic hour's work - we look forward to watching his career flourish in the months ahead.

The Dublin championship is in full swing with some interesting results already in as per the "All Dublin" page on this web-site.  Crokes now face St. Peregrines who had an impressive win over Clontarf this evening - more on this anon.