Croke’s French import scores first goal but champagne still on ice
Crokes made the long journey out to Hartstown, near Blanchardstown on Thursday evening to face current table-toppers St. Peregrine’s, eager to make up for the disappointment of their previous reverse against Saint Monicas. Despite the damp conditions, the level of commitment from the visitors was a vast improvement on the previous game and they shaded the opening stages of the first half.
With a strong showing from the half-back line and some excellent combination play by Declan Morris in the half forwards, Crokes managed to keep much of the early possession in the opposition half and were unlucky to only register two scores in this period. Having only the bare minimum to start, Sean Hogan was unfortunate to take an early knock which restricted his impact. Nonetheless, Ian O’Keeffe’s frees (including one from a very tight angle) had the visitors ahead mid-way through the first half before the unbeaten home side finally hit their stride and began to impose themselves more forcefully on the game.
A succession of points from frees and from open play followed and left Crokes three points down at the break, which was a poor reflection of the strength of their defensive performance, the significant possession enjoyed by the forwards and the strong wind in their favour during the opening half.
Nonetheless, there was confidence at the break that Crokes could force their way back into the game and they started the second half brightly with the half back line of John Galvin, Billy Condon, Richie Grant and the midfielder Padraig Doheny breaking up the opposition play and Paul Byrne, Noel Lannigan-Ryan and Kieran Donohue keeping the inside forwards quiet.
As the second half progressed, chances were at a premium for both sides and where Crokes failed to capitalise, their hosts tacked on a number of vital scores to pull away, their young midfielders in particular proving hard to handle. Despite a strong defensive display and some excellent goalkeeping from Tom McIntyre, Crokes were in danger of being left behind before pulling back a goal in the final ten minutes.
Though the trip out west for the game was long enough for all, surely none had come as far as corner forward Fred Mayr who showed that they make fine hurlers in France too when arriving at the end of a long period of Croke’s pressure to stroke home and tighten up affairs. It was no more than the man nor the team deserved for a dogged second-half showing.
Sadly there was not enough time for Crokes to complete a turnaround despite strong running and good ballwork from Barry Gavigan and Hugh Liston among others and the hosts strong defending and experience saw them through for a good win after a hardfought and good-natured game.
Scorers for Crokes:
Fred Mayr (1-0)
Ian O’Keeffe (0-2 frees)