AFL4 Season to Date- a tale of Achievement and "Aspire-atio

A somewhat rocky start marked Crokes AFL-4 teams first season in the Intermediate ranks in 28 years: 1 point from 4 League games and a 2nd round loss in the Championship.  However, in mitigation, it must be remembered that the lads had no off-season after their AFL5 season ran into February 2009 (yup – a 13 month season!) and they then played both teams relegated from AFL3 in their first two league games.  Not an ideal start to any season!

Despite this, they regrouped brilliantly and started to build some momentum.  This culminated in a superb two point win in Glenalbyn over Clann Mhuire who were unbeaten up until then (and haven’t been beaten since).  At the moment Crokes remain on course for automatic promotion to AFL3.  The team sits comfortably above mid-table and is in with a chance of a promotion play-off place should they win their remaining 3 games. 

In addition to this they recently qualified for the Conlon Cup Final where they will meet St. Pat’s of Donabate in a game that promises to be another cracker between these two sides.   Whatever happens in their remaining league matches and in the Conlon Cup final, the lads have done extremely well to cement their place in Intermediate football next year, which must surely have been their primary goal at the start of the year.  Click here to view their full League record and AFL-4 Table.

Not content with their exploits on the training and football pitches, the squad headed to ASPIRE in Clara, Co. Offaly recently for a day’s training, followed by a night of R&R in Tullamore.  The lads had a great day and the management team of Marcus Ó Buachalla, Jim Fitzgerald, Declan Collins, Martin Johnson and Gerry Collins would like to thank all at ASPIRE for their efforts and their work with the lads.  They hope to see them again over the next few years.  In addition they would like to thank the staff at the Days Hotel in Tullamore for their hospitality in what was a great day and night for all concerned.  Checkout the photos below to see some of the stuff the boys got up to!! 

 For further information on ASPIRE please see their website www.asp-ireland.ie

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