Crokes Junior Stars match the Red Stars

A near season end league match was played out in a good competitive and enjoyable spirit in Drimnagh Castle on a warm September afternoon

Scarce resources and heavy downpours had our 5th hurling team heading to the Long Mile Road under a bit of pressure, but the lads rose to the occasion.

The teams were well matched throughout and played out a highly entertaining draw with some fine skills on show belying the mid table division 8 status of the 2 teams.

We had many of our junior 8 stalwarts on show with Matty Twomey leading the line at centre forward, surrounded by young Turks and old warriors.

A special mention to Mattie Hogan who contributed a fine 1-3 from play and was involved in everything in the full forward line. The 2 Gorman brothers Ciaran and Sean were rock solid at 5 and 7. A man with plenty of hurling brothers himself, Aidan Byrne was the link man at centre back.

Our attack started at the back with Barry Gavigan in goals, an experienced full back line of Tommy Hannifin, Ronan Egan and Eoghan Leacy literally picked themselves. (Guesses for the 3 figure combined aged of that line on a postcard please!).

The heart of the team at midfield were Steven Russell and Fergus Mangan. Great club servants who continued that fine service with contributions from scores and set up play.

Adam Tuck rose Lazarus like from his sick bed to get his paw on plenty of Barry's puck outs at number 10.

Daniel Coakley was on the other wing and gave a great display and missed out on the goal of the season by only inches. I'd say his dad Kevin reckons he would have got it in his prime. More likely in his dreams.

Our man of the match Mattie Hogan was our number 13. His dad Vincent expanding into photojournalism by agreeing to take the team photos.

Latch continued his resurgence at 14. If Adam is Lazarus, Eoin De Paor has rolled back the stone after 3 years, not 3 days and his hurling resurrection continues with every strike, shimmy and score.

Ever present stalwart Barry O'Sullivan contributed throughout and was a picture of energy and endeavour.

The two subs were Nursery debutant Conor Walsh (5) and his dad Player Manager Peter (39). Neither were called upon, only one would have been chosen. See warm up photo for that choice.

A good day out. Thanks to all. Team AHL8 keep an enjoyable season going.