2007 - end of year review
2007 was a year of many highlights for Kilmacud Crokes Hurling including:
€500,000 Hurling Arena Opens
Long term the Hurling Arena will be looked upon as a very significant departure. Spoken about for many years, this dedicated facility has now become a reality. Featuring an external hurling wall and internal alley with gallery the Arena has proved hugely popular and will be of enormous benefit in developing the skills of hurlers, particularly our young hurlers. For more see www.kilmacudcrokes.com/hurling
Three Championship Titles
Dublin County Championships were won by our under 14A’s, under 16A’s and under 18A’s while our second under 16 team finished runners-up. Many congratulations to all involved, players, mentors, parents and supporters.
Six Leinster Medals
Sixty one years after the first Crokes man, Geoff Sutton, to do so, Barry O’Rorke captained the Dublin minors to Leinster Final victory over Kilkenny. He was ably assisted by three club mates Rory O’Carroll, Rob O’Loughlin and Kevin O’Loughlin. Two more provincial medals were gained at under 21 level by Ross O’Carroll and Shane O’Rorke.
Adult Teams
The seniors put in a terrific effort in the Kilmacud Crokes AIB All-Ireland Hurling Sevens before giving way to a strong Sarsfields side from Cork in the final. This was the first time in many years a Dublin club reached the final of this highly prestigious tournament. As the year draws in they are still very much in the hunt for the senior league title and can take heart from the fact they were the team to run county champions Ballyboden (to whom we extend our congratulations) closest in the championship.
One step below, the Intermediates reached the county semi-final before going down gamely. The Junior B’s lost a qualifying place play-off to the eventual county champions, Liffey Gaels, while the Junior C3’s had their best campaign in several years, narrowly failing to make a play off place.
Corporate Race Day at Punchestown National Hunt Festival
This event goes from strength to strength with over 1100 people in attendance and everyone having an extremely enjoyable day out.
If 2007 is anything to go by the forthcoming 2008 event on 22nd April should be something to really look forward to. Please note the date in your diary now. Contact: Brian Geraghty 087-2312378 brianpgeraghty@eircom.net
If you weren't there this year, ask anyone who was, and you will get a ringing endorsement of the event both as a fun day and in particular an inspiring way to entertain clients in the highly impressive Punchestown Event Centre.
If you're in a position to influence your company's entertainment ‘spend’ please give serious consideration to using this event, particularly if your clients are racing fans. All proceeds go towards the Hurling Development Fund.
AIB Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Hurling Sevens Festival
The AIB Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Hurling Sevens was another outstanding success on the Saturday before the All-Ireland Hurling Final with huge crowds, live television coverage and hurling of a very high quality. For the second year in succession the trophy went to a Cork club, Sarsfields, but not without a strong showing from our own seniors who became the first Dublin club in many years to reach the final. The benefit the event brings to the club as a showcase of the best hurling talent cannot be overstated.
Summer Hurling and Taking to the Road
Hurling is a Summer game and the Kilmacud Crokes Hurling programme to ensure our teams continue to play and develop during the best hurling weather has been an outstanding success. It is now the norm that our teams seek out and play quality country opposition.
In 2007 our young teams participated in games and tournaments all over the country. We went to all points North, South East and West frequently coming away with silverware.
Hitting the road, or as is becoming more usual, taking to the air, requires a commitment over and above the ordinary but if we want to be a club rubbing shoulders with the best, not only do we have to continue the trend, we have to build and expand on it
Kilmacud Crokes on Tour
This is now an annual highlight for our young hurlers. In April, five busloads carrying 250 children from under-11 down along with 60 parents travelled to Kilkenny for challenge games against local clubs. They went on to the Kilkenny -v- Galway National Hurling League match in Nowlan Park and then to a meal in Langtons where they met several of the Kilkenny players. All for just €20!
Schools Success
Strong hurling schools are a boon to any club. The umbilical link with St Laurences BNS remains strong and rewarding. While, by their high standards, St Laurences may have had a quiet year trophy wise, there was Cumann na mBunscoil success for Hollypark and Scoil San Treasa. At secondary level Oatlands College and St Benildus won the Dublin “B” senior and junior championships respectively while Colaiste Eoin competed creditably in both Leinster and Dublin “A” competition. We gratefully acknowledge our debt to the teachers and school authorities in question.
Website (www.kilmacudcrokes.com/hurling), Text and Email Bulletins
The Kilmacud Crokes Hurling website has received very favourable comment and is increasingly accessed by people who wish to keep up with the latest club news. Pay it a visit if you have not done so already. Contributions to the website are always welcomed and encouraged. If you would like to contribute, please contact our Communications Officer Diarmuid O’Gallchobhair 086-2473998 and Diarmuidog@hotmail.com
The text service and email bulletins continue to be great sources of news. For information on the email bulletin please email martin.keane@heissmann.ie. To subscribe to the text service text
* if you are a Meteor or O2 customer text SUB KCHURLING to 086 6004285,
* if you are a Vodafone customer text SUB KCHURLING to 51745.
Nursery Hurling
The nursery remains the key to the future. Summer activity takes place in Glenalbyn and Oatlands while 2008 winter indoor hurling will resume on Sunday 13th January 2008 at Oatlands College Sports Hall. From then to March this continues as follows
Boys born in 2002 9am to 10 am (including beginners)
Boys born in 2001 10am to 11 am
Boys born in 2000 11am to 12 noon
Older ages are catered for in the Paddock, also on Sunday mornings:
Boys born in 1999 10am to 11am
Boys born in 1998 9am to 10am
Boys born in 1997 11am to 12 noon
Boys born in 1995 12 noon to 1pm
Active parental input is essential for the success of the nursery. No hurling experience necessary!
There was much else besides in an action packed 2007 and our thanks to all those who participated or supported Kilmacud Crokes Hurling in any way.
BE PART OF IT!
Kilmacud Crokes Hurling has a policy of continuing to attract new people and talent.
With over 20 teams and nearly 500 stakeholders we can use any skill you might have and need your active input. Don't be shy. A hurling background is not a prerequisite. From IT people, to first aid/medical personnel, to archivists, to copywriters, to photographers/video operators and to any other skill you care to mention good men and women are always needed. If you have something to contribute to your club and your community we want to hear from you. Don’t leave it to others. Further information from info@kilmacudcorkes-hurling.com or Barry Gavigan Recruitment Officer 086-6005412 and Barry.Gavigan@o2.com
Special Request for Mentors for Juvenile teams
We have made great strides in the few years promoting hurling among our younger players with our All-Ireland Feile na nGael win in 2005 being a huge boost. Juvenile numbers have trebled over a short few years leaving us with a shortage of mentors. We are appealing particularly to two categories of people to get involved in 2008:
- Current or former players with Crokes or any club who wish to repay the fun and enjoyment they obtained from the game, and
- Parents, male and female, of young players. Some of our best mentors have no experience of hurling but enthusiasm can go a long way and we provide courses for mentors.
Contact Colm Maher, Games Officer, 087-2755074 and colm.maher@citigroup.com
Level 1 Coaching Course
The Dublin Coaching and Games Committee are running a Level One Hurling Course in Kilmacud Crokes commencing in January 2008. The course will run over 10 nights beginning on January 14th in the Club House. The Hurling Committee very much encourages participation in this excellent course. To book a place on the Course simply log on to www.dublingaagamesdevelopment.ie or contact the Dublin Coaching Dept on 01 8312099. Alternatively you can contact Niall Corcoran on 087 9834287. Places may be limited on the course so book early to avoid disappointment.
Kilmacud Crokes Hurling Roll of Honour 2007
Senior Kilmacud Crokes AIB All-Ireland Hurling Sevens Runners-up
Under 18A County Champions
Under 16A County Champions
Carlow 11-a-side Tournament Runners-up
Clarecastle (Clare) Tournament Runners-up
Dublin League Div 1 Runners Up
Under 16D County Championship Runners-up
Under 14A County Champions
Dublin League Div 1 Runners Up
Under 13 Kilmacud Crokes 11-a-side Tournament Winners
Na Piarsaigh (Cork) Tournament Runners-up
Dublin League Division 1 Runners-up and third (2 teams)
Dublin A Shield Winners
Under 12 Dublin League Division 1A Winners
Dublin League Division 1B Runners Up
Erins Own (Cork) Plate Winners
O’Donovan Rossa (Belfast) Tournament Winners
Alan Cregan Tournament Runners-up
Dublin Section 2 Cup Runners Up
Camaint Runners Up
Under 11 Kilmacud Crokes Tournament Winners
Dublin South A Two Team League Winners
Dublin South B Two Team League Runners Up
Dublin South One Team Cup Winners
Under 10 Urlingford (Kilkenny) Tournament Winners
Dicksboro (Kilkenny) Tournament Runners-up
| Kilmacud Crokes Hurling Officers 2007/8 | |||
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Position |
Name |
Mobile |
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Chairperson; |
Tom Barry |
087-2200527 |
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Secretary; |
Tom Rock |
086-8333046 |
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Assistant Secretary; |
Kevin Collins |
086-8118009 |
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Treasurer; |
Padraig O'Sullivan |
086-2230745 |
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County Board Delegate; |
Tom Rock |
086-8333046 |
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Coaching Development Officer; |
Gerry McGrath |
086-8282390 |
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Commercial Officer; |
Brian Geraghty |
087-2312378 |
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Communications Officer; |
Diarmuid O’Ghallchobhair |
086-2473998 |
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Games Officer; |
Colm Maher |
087-2755074 |
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Marketing Officer; |
Denis Gorey |
087-2393625 |
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Recruitment Officer; |
Barry Gavigan |
086-6005412 |
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Juvenile and Schools Officer; |
Brian O’Neill |
086 8155140 |
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Social Officer; |
Billy Noctor |
087-2556635 |
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Other members. |
Sean Allen |
087-2551602 |
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Michael Culligan |
087-2527281 |
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Tom McIntyre |
087-2563493 |
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Don’t forget Married V Singles match on St Stephens Day @11am in Glenalbyn. Club bar open until 3pm.
Le gach dea ghui i gcóír Na Nollag agus Na hAthbhliana.
