CROKES U21's Win Dublin Hurling Championship!

U21 Dublin Hurling Final: Kilmacud Crokes 3-19 Cuala 0-17

(Match report by Diarmuid Coogan. Photos Eamon O'Callaghan.)

On Saturday 22^nd November, local rivals Kilmacud Crokes and Cuala played out a keenly contested final where the extra “firepower” of Crokes proved too much in the end.

Playing with 4 intercounty players and a string of others who’ve played U20, U19 and minor for Dublin, Crokes were always the favourites going into this match.

Crokes opened the scoring with a 70 metre free from sharp shooter David Purcell. Andrew Dillon and Purcell added further points while Dublin U20 midfielder Conor Groarke and full forward Conor Lowry kept Cuala level. (KC 0-3 C 0-3)

On 14 minutes, wing forward Gearoid Flannery hit a lovely point from 50 metres on  the right sideline. Purcell followed up with a free after the Cuala defence were forced to foul industrious full forward Ciaran Donovan. Cuala’s Dublin U20 Jamie Conroy scored a great point from distance on 22 minutes to make it a one point game.

Predator strikes!

A minute later Donovan stroked over and then in the 23^rd minute, corner forward Oran O’Keefe carried deep into the square before shooting for goal. Cuala goalie Adam O’Toole made a great save but Donovan was quicker to react than the defence and finished the rebound to the net. (KC 1-6 C 0-4)

Purcell and O’Keefe added 2 points each to give Crokes a commanding 7 point lead at the break(Lowry adding 2 further frees for Cuala). (KC 1-10  C 0-6)

2^nd Half.

Crokes began the 2^nd half in determined fashion with a great point from Donovan from the left sideline. Purcell and Lowry then traded points to bring the score to 1-13 to 0-9 after 40 minutes. Cuala were almost in for a goal on 37 minutes only for a great block by full back David Lucey. Indeed Cuala were making serious efforts to go for goals but were met with resolute defence by the likes of Lucey, centre back Conall O Riain, wing backs Finnian Donohoe and  Ben Lynch while midfielders Eoin Keys and James Neary launched many good attacks.

Over the next 5 minutes Crokes stretched the lead to 9 points with points from O’Keefe, Dillon, O Riain and Donovan with only 2 from Cuala to make it 1-17 to 0-11.

Cuala rallied hard to get back into the game and wing forward Aodhan Englishinspired them with a marvellous point from a sideline cut (Joe Canning style!) on 45 minutes. They followed up with the next 3 points from Groarke and Lowry(2 frees) and suddenly the lead was down to 5 going into the last 10 minutes.

Crokes looked a bit “jumpy” but when wing forward Adam Fearon played a great ball into the right corner, sub forward Ruairi Walsh put enormous pressure on the defender to force a 65. Purcell nailed it to settle Crokes nerves. (KC 1-18 C 0-15)

From the resultant puck out, Neary made a marvellous overhead catch on the right sideline and passed inside to Purcell. Purcell carried at pace towards the Cuala danger area, expertly committing defenders before handpassing left to O’Keeffe who buried it to more or less “seal the deal”! (KC 2-18 C 0-15)

Purcell followed up with another free before Donovan fed Walsh who completed his “super sub” performance with a well taken goal. 

Although the game was now gone, Cuala battled bravely to the final whistle but had to settle for points from Lowry and corner forward Cillian Small. With time almost up, Lowry went for goal from a 20 metre free but Fionn Boyd saved brilliantly deflected it out for a 65 and full time followed shortly after.

Kilmacud Crokes: F.Boyd, J.Dunphy, D.Lucey, L.O’Gorman, F.Donohoe, C.O Riain, B.Lynch, E.Keys, J.Neary, A.Fearon, D.Purcell, G.Flannery, A.Dillon, C.Donovan, O.O’Keeffe. Subs R.Walsh f O’Keeffe,  O.McCann f Dunphy, B. Kenny f Dillon.

Other Fubs:F.Walsh, C.criostoir, C.Coogan, C.McClean, 

Cuala: A.O’Toole, E.O’Carroll, E.O’Driscoll, L.Sheehan, M.Grant, R.O’Connor, D.Fay, C.Groarke, C.Dockery, G.O’Toole, R.McGrath, A.English, P.egan, C.Lowry, C.Small.

Crokes Scorers: D.Purcell 0-9 (5f, 1 65), C.Donovan 1-3, O.O’Keeffe 1-3, R.Walsh 1-0, 

A.Dillon 0-2, G.Flannery, C.O Riain 0-1 each.

COMMENTS:

Crokes Stalwart and Dublin County Board delegate Tom Rock presented the cup afterwards on behalf of the county board and said: 

“We always saw the importance of maintaining the U21 Championship in Dublin. It is a short tournament but a real high stakes knock out championship with no second chances. Tom also paid tribute to referee Kevin McDonnell of St.Vincents who contributed to a fine game. I’d like to compliment both teams on a very sporting final but as a Crokes man, I’m delighted to present this cup to Crokes captain Eoin Keys.

Crokes Captain Eoin Keys: “When we knew it was going to be Cuala in the final, we were buzzing as there’s great local rivalry and respect between both sides. We knew that we would have to start & finish well and maintain our intensity throughout the match, which we did by and large. Cuala gave us a savage game and the final score didn’t reflect the closeness of the match and we’re very happy to win. Special thanks to James O’Donnell, Oisin O Rorke, Mick Hynes, Damian Kenny, Donal Donovan, Brian Sheehy and physio Padraic Linehan.”

Crokes Ard Bainisteoir James O’Donnell:

“It was a privilege to be asked by Hurling Cathaoirleach Vinnie Peters to “look after” under 21 hurling. The first task was to put together a cohesive management team. 

Michael Hynes in his 92 year, immediately responded to the call of duty agreeing to mentor me as a novice co- manager. I knew I was in safe hands and off to a good start-although I am sure Michael had real concerns after witnessing my driving ability.Oisín O’Rorke, had no hesitation in agreeing to the task of coaching the team. Oisín is a brilliant coach, who has now coached both a Minor A and an Under 21 A teams to County success; 2 county titles out of 2 campaigns, what a start to a coaching career!

Donal Donovan a former Club dual senior player, father of Ciaran, and Damien Kenny of Roscommon and father of Brendan, were both taken on permanent loan from football to act as Team Mentors and selectors. 

The coaching team was also assisted by Brian Sheehy and Padhraic Lenihan (who doubled up as a physio/medical office). 

Finally, every successful team needs a warrior and leader on the field, with Eoin Keys the unanimous choice. 

As expected Cuala, threw the proverbial kitchen sink at us. As a team we have the greatest respect for Cuala, who have a proud hurling DNA and were brilliantly managed by Finbar Murphy, a true gentleman. 

For a team that gave it’s all, with the final scoreline somewhat flattering us, Cuala were most gracious in defeat, as players and many school friends warmly embraced at the final whistle. 

Táimíd fíor bhuíoch as lucht tacaíochta a bhí i láthair. 

We now wish Kieran Dowling and the Under 21B team every success and look forward to supporting them in their County Final. “