Minor As capture Dublin League Crown!

Following a  great performance yesterday, our Minor A’s emerged triumphant in the 2007 Div 1 Minor League final over recently crowned Leinster Minor Champions, St. Brigids. The win ensured a unique achievement for the club at Minor level as both the Div 1 and Div. 2 titles now reside in Glenalbyn.

 

A windy Kiltipper Road saw a good physical battle between two teams eager to prove a point. The opening exchanges were cagey and were not helped by the stop start nature of the game. After 10 minutes, Crokes led by 3pts to 1 despite some good early pressure exerted by Brigids. However a great burst by Carl Diaz through the middle resulted in a good pass to Niall Butler who netted under pressure. Crokes then upped the ante and accurate place ball kicking by Barry O’Rorke and David Higgins saw us extend our lead to 7 pts. Brigids still looked threatening on the break and our full back line of Cian McGowan, Rory O’Carroll and Dan Kennedy were being put to the pin of their collar to defend our goal. A late flurry of Crokes pressure, with Ronan Walsh, Mark Coughlan Karl Diaz and Brendan Staunton especially prominent saw us extend our lead to 1-9 to 2 pts as the ref blew the half time whistle.

 

Facing a strong wind in the second half however the game was far from won as St Brigids’ greater fitness, after winning the Leinster Championship the previous Sunday, was expected to come to the fore. The management team led by Mick Jones and Maurice Leahy ensured that the team was in no doubt as to what was required in the second half. Employing a fast early long ball into a big Full Forward, St. Brigids put our defence under some fierce early pressure and but for some last minute heroics by Ronan Walsh and Darragh Byrne in goal, they may have the got the early goal they required. We emerged unscathed from that pressure and bolstering the defence by dropping back Ronan Byrne to the full back line ensured that Brigid’s were going to have to work hard to get through our defence.

 

A great move, 15 minutes into the second half saw Barry O’Rorke net for Crokes’ second goal and effectively kill the game as a real contest. To their credit, St Brigids kept going to the end and despite being hit by injuries proved why they are worthy Dublin and Leinster champions. A penalty helped them narrow the gap but at the final whistle, Kilmacud were victorious on a 2-12 to 1-7 scoreline.

 

For our team, the game provided a good finish to the year although the day was somewhat marred by the failure of the Co. Board to ensure that a cup was on hand for a presentation.

 

The second year minors say farewell to underage football after successful careers to date. They will now join the ranks of the adult teams and they will provide a great addition to the teams lucky enough to get their services.

 

The management would like to thank all the players for their involvement this season. We had a great year with them and we can only admire their attitude and commitment. We would also like to thank everybody in the club for their help during the year. It wouldn’t have been possible without you!