Kilmacud Crokes Hurling resurgence powers ahead
Heartiest congratulations to the Minor B team and their mentors, Gerry McGrath, Padraig O’Sullivan, Paddy Lenehan and Billy Noctor, and all concerned on a notable victory over Cuala B in the Dublin C Championship Final. Played in O’Toole Park Crokes trailed by 1-1 to 0-6 at half time. On the turnover the Stillorgan men had the advantage of a strong wind and slowly ate in the Dalkey side’s lead. Goals from Brian Sheehan and Brian Hanamy were critical in what was an excellent team performance with Shane McNicholas, Paddy Igoe, Barra O’Leidhin, Brian Mahon and Brian Sheehan outstanding. When added to the under 15A and under 16 A county titles already resting on the Glenalbyn sideboard the auguries for 2007 are good. Read detailed match_report.
On Monday 20th November the hurling feelgood factor will be greatly added to when work commences on the long awaited Kilmacud Crokes Hurling Arena in Glenalbyn.
“This was first proposed by Gerry Hanley over 25 years ago and is finally about to come true” - the words of one Kilmacud Crokes Hurling veteran when the commencement date was announced. Costing just under €500,000, the Arena is expected to open in March 2007. It will be entirely funded by the Hurling Section save for a National Lottery allocation covering just over 10% of the cost.
When complete the dedicated facility will be managed and run by the Hurling Committee and will house an indoor hurling alley together with an external hurling wall. Hurling alleys and walls are indispensable tools for the thorough coaching and development of players and are to be found in most leading hurling clubs throughout Ireland. Especially suited to perfecting striking, balance and anticipation they allow players and coaches to work at a pace far faster than achievable on the training field. The Arena will particularly help younger players and can also be used for indoor nursery hurling and fun games.
Back to Sunday’s playing fields. In their fourth game in the Carrigeen all weather ten a side tournament the Under 12’s prevailed 4-7 to 5-2 over Blackrock of Cork. Having played against the breeze in the first half Crokes led 3-2 to 2-2 at half time and seemed to be in a strong position. However, the Rockies refused to lie down and the game ebbed and flowed for much of the second half. With eight minutes remaining the Kilmacud boys had stretched into a 4-7 to 3-2 lead but two late Blackrock goals kept the issue in doubt right to the end of an exceptionally hard fought game. Among the Crokes stars were Conor O’Dwyer, Conor Sweeny, Kevin James McGowan, Conor O’Byrne, Michael Herlihy, Caolan Conway and Barry Horan.
Squad:
Neil Gorey, Barry Horan, Daibhid Corish, Conor Sweeny, Conor O’Dwyer, Michael Herlihy, Conor Devins, Caolan Conway, Matthew McNicholas, Tomas Barry, Matthew Geraghty, Conor O’Byrne and Kevin James McGowan
The Under 11’s were in tournament action in Naas where they recorded 2-1 to 0-0 and 0-4 to 0-3 wins over the hosts and Dicksboro of Kilkenny respectively. Outstanding on a Crokes team, which had many impressive performers, were Kevin O’Flanagain, Ronan Horgan, Ciaran McIntyre, Edward Campion and Cathal Keane Breslin. To see photos of this match click HERE
Sunday also saw the continuation of indoor nursery at Oatlands College. From now to March this continues as follows:
9 am Born 2001 or later
10 am Born 2000
11 am Born 1999
Contact Liam Coughlan 086-6063232 and lccoughlan@eircom.net. Active parental input is essential for the success of the nursery. No hurling experience necessary!