2015 7's - Crokes win Under 13 Competition
Hosts Kilmacud Crokes win the 11-a-side u13 Competition
U13 Competition Summary
Crokes last won this 11-a-side event in 2007 and closed a 8 year gap with progressively stronger performances during the day.
The round-robin and semi-final stages were held in Deerpark which always benefits from fine weather.
Both groups were competitive. Maynooth, a surprise package to some saved their best performances for Deerpark; Drom&Inch will consider themselves particularly unfortunate not to have made the semi final having lost out in a close last round-robin match vs Crokes. Crokes needed to continue their tournament inprovement to win their semi-final vs Cork's Sarsfields.
Group B winners were surprised by a whirlwind first half performance by Maynooth in their semi-final. In the final held at Glenalbyn Crokes gave their strongest performance at the expense of Maynooth.
U13 Kilmacud Crokes sevens competition 2015
On Saturday 5th September the Kilmacud Crokes All Ireland Hurling 7’s (under 13) saw eight teams battle it out for what has become a much sought after juvenile prize in the hurling calender. The usual format saw 2 groups of 4 teams battle for a semi-final slot in a dry sunny Deerpark. Teams in Group 1 included the host club and Waterford (Mount Sion), Tipperary (Drom & Inch), Kildare (Maynooth) while group 2 teams comprised Cork (Sarsfields), Kilkenny (James Stephens), Galway (Clarinbridge) and Dublin (Castleknock).
The home team were off to a flying start against Mount Sion with a comprehensive win. A very competitive Maynooth side narrowly beat Kilmacud in the second round (3-2 v 2-3)where Crokes failed to take advantage of their scoring opportunities. The final group match for the hosts was against a skilful Drom & Inch team and with only a minute remaining Cian O’ Cathasigh scored a winning goal that resulted in Crokes winning by 4-1 to 3-3 and topping the group.
The other group saw a much fancied Clarinbridge team lose out to James Stephens in a tight game and they along with Sarsfields qualified for the semi finals.
Semi-final play offs were: Crokes V Sarsfields AND Maynooth V James Stephens.
James Stephens were comprehensively beaten in the semifinal by Maynooth while Crokes played their best hurling of the day so far in the semi final, with a much needed Rory O’ Mahony returning stitched up from an earlier injury, playing a huge role at midfield. Conn Lohan scored a great goal in the first half, followed by Cathal Kennedy netting 2 goals with Crokes running out victors by 4-4 to 1-5.
The final gave Crokes a second bite at Maynooth and having been beaten in the group stages Crokes were ruthless in dispatching the Kildare team with a powerful display in front of the home crowd in glenalbyn. The display of hurling was outstanding throughout the team with defense solidly directed by Daniel Daly in goals, and a full back pairing of Michael Nealon and Naoise Golden that was majestic throughout the day. Half back pair of Leo Fearon and Cian O’ Cathasigh hurled ferociously and Cian’s long range striking put the Maynooth team under a lot of pressure. Davy Crowe and Rory O’ Mahony were a formidable pairing at midfield constantly harassing their opponents and winning most of the puck outs. Up front Daragh Purcell and Brendan Scanlon were a thorn in the side of the Maynooth defence with both picking off some nice points from play and frees. The full forward line of Cathal Kennedy Conn Lohan were in great form and Kennedy in particular had a great final bagging 3 goals. Brian Hayes came on and scored a wonderful point and all substitutes-Oscar O’ O'Lideadha, Barry Wolohan and Shane Ryall came on and contributed greatly to the team win.
Final Score was 4-8 to 0-0.
The Crokes lads were presented their trophy and medals by Hurling Chair, Peter Walsh, Noel McGrath, Tipperary hurler and Tom Rock, Organising Chair 7’s tournament. Huge compliments and thanks to the main organiser of the U13 competition , Ronan Conway, who did his usual wonderful job and finally many thanks to Paddy Linehan and Ray Mooney with their mentors/helpers for running Deerpark stages so smoothly.
The Kilmacud Crokes panel on the day was: Daniel Daly, Naoise Golden, Shane Ryall, Michael Nealon, Rory O'Mahony, Barry Wholohan, Cian O Cathasaigh, Conn Lohan, David Crowe, Leo Fearon, Daragh Purcell, Brendan Scanlon, Brian Hayes, Oscar O Lidedha and Cathal Kennedy.
Our thanks to Mick Crowe for the detailed report of the day's activities.
Full U13 Competition results are here 2015_results.pdf
For high res versions of any of the photos on this website please contact Diarmuid Ó Gallchobhair at O86 247 3998
