Early August Hurling Action

Intermediates keep championship hopes alive with impressive win against table toppers Craobh Chiarain - Sun Aug 10th

Score: Craobh Chiarain 2-6 ; Kilmacud Crokes 2-10
 
Crokes had an impressive 4 point victory over table toppers Craobh Chiarains in Clonshaugh. After the Saturday storms, the pitch was in excellent condition and Crokes started with the aid of a strong wind. A long range point from Rory O'Carroll opened the scoring and Crokes tagged on a further 3 points from the impressive Sean McGrath. Chiarains then came up the field and scored a good goal but this only seemed to rally the Crokes team. A well worked goal from Mick Dalton was quickly followed by good points from Dara Burke and Rob O'Loughlin which ensured Crokes were in the ascendancy. Just before half time, Damien McSweeney played a great low ball into Mick Dalton who in turn put Sean McGrath through for a great team goal. At half time, Crokes had an good 2-8 to 1-2 lead but were facing a very strong wind.
 
As expected, Ciarains piled on the pressure early in the 2nd half but Crokes back seven were impressive. Eoin de Paor and Rory O'Carroll dominated across the half back life and Dave Canny evoked memories of 'the Rock' with a storming display at full back.  After 15 minutes Crokes had only conceded 1 point and were increasingly frustrating Ciarains. An off the ball incident which saw goalkeeper Richie Sweetnam requiring attention for a facial injury had an unsettling effect and 3 points were conceded in as many minutes.  Despite his injury Sweetnam then produced a top class save, when diving full length to save a piledriver from 13 metres. This inspired Crokes and Sean McGrath relieved the pressure with 2 great frees into the wind.  A hectic last 5 minutes saw Crokes concede a goal in a goalmouth scramble but heroic defending from Fergus Monnelly, Gary McMorrow and Dave Canny in the full back line ensured no more green flags were raised.    
 
In their best performance of the year, Crokes were well served throughout the field. Sean McGrath led the way in the forward line with good assistance from McCarthy, O'Loughlin and Dalton. Midfield with the experienced McSweeney and newcomer Conor Sheehan impressed throughout before tiring towards the end. Rory O'Carroll gave an outstanding display from centre back and alongside him Eoin De Paor showed his leadership qualities with a storming 2nd half.  In the end Crokes were also grateful to Sweetnam in goals for another top drawer display.
 
Team: Richie Sweetnam, Gary McMorrow, Dave Canny, Fergus Monnelly, Ronan Walsh, Rory O'Carroll (0-1), Eoin De Paor, Damien McSweeney, Conor Sheehan, Dara Burke (0-1), Aidan McCarthy, Rob O'Loughlin (0-1), Sean McGrath (1-7) (0-7f), Mick Dalton (1-0), Brendan Hoyne. Subs:  Shane Canny, Joe O'Reilly, John Ross Hunt, Ciaran O'Grady, Niall Mulligan

 

Minors have useful run out V Wexford Development Squad - Sat Aug 9th:
Score: Crokes 3-13 Wexford Under 17's 5 - 09

Mercifully the rain stopped and the pitch in Silverpark was in great condition for a good competitive match between the two sides.

Team: Daire Brennan, Cillian Doherty, Jack Doughan, Andy Whelan, Paul Collins, Garry Mcmorrow, Niall Mulligan, Darren McVeigh, Eoin Culligan, Conor Caulfield, Jude Sweeney, Eddie O'Byrne, Fergus Hanley, Brian Hanamy, Seanie McGrath subs (all put on in 2nd half - Mark O'Dwuer, Colm Garvey, Cian O'Brien, Michael Cohen, Brendan Halpin

 

U11s beat Erins Own (Cork) - Sun Aug 10th

The u11s came out the right side of a 9-5 to 7-4 scoreline in very competitive and highly entertaining game in Glenalbyn on Sunday Aug 10th. Many thanks to the parents who served up great fare for the travelling party afterwards.
Team: Cillian Fleming, Killian Lannigan, Callum Pearson, Joey Dalton, Stephen McEntee, Darragh Butler, Mattie Hogan, Feargal Whitely, Conor O'Dwyer, Martin Connor, Cathal Keane, Mark O'Rourke, Adam Tuck, Alex Considine, Johnny Maher: Subs (all HT)Conor McNicholas, Conor Murnane, Sean Gorman.

Seniors win on the road V Tinnahinch - Mon Aug 11th

The Seniors recorded a 3-11 to 1-12 win on Monday (Aug 11th) in a tough physical championship warm up against Tinnahinch (Laois) in Mountmellick. It was clear that championship was just around the corner for both teams as all players made their pitches for starting places. Conditions were poor but the quality of hurling and levels of commitment was high in a game where both teams gave their all.
Team: Rob O'Loughlin, Damien Byrne, Dave Mahony, Rory O'Carroll, Aodan De Paor, Niall Corcoran, Daibhi De Paor, Adrian Grogan, Fergal Armstrong (0-2 (f)), Brian Motherway, Hugh Gannon (0-1), Conor Clinton (0-5), Neil Casey (1-1), Eoin Fitzgerald (1-1), Shane O'Rorke (1-1). Subs: Ross O'Carroll (0-1) for Brian Motherway, Willie Ryan for Damien Byrne, Ray Mangan for Daibhi De Paor, Niall Butler for Neil Casey, Eoin De Paor for Rory O'Carroll.