The Path from Intermediate to Senior Hurling
You could say it was a long time coming but success doesn’t come easy.
by Mick Hynes
Adrian Crean, Hugh O’Connor, Adrian O’Donoghue, Sean Maher, Joe O’Reilly, Paddy Hopkins, Eddie Murphy (rest his soul) and Mick Hynes tried manfully in the early part of the decade, but unfortunately, mitigating circumstances didn’t give us the success we craved.
There were a few barren years to follow from which we will pass on.
Billy Noctor took over in 2009 and was joined by Ger McGrath; Ciaran Sheeran, Eddie Holland , Richard Stakelum and Mick Hynes also lent a hand. We reached the semi-finals of the Intermediate Championship only to be beaten by Naomh Fionnbars in a pulsating match by a single point 0.14 to 1.10.
In 2010, it was the same agonising story, beaten by Thomas Davis in the semi-final by 1.14 to 1.11.
There was light at the end of the tunnel though with young talent starting to emerge. Our minors were having great success and it was only a matter of time. Billy moved on to Senior A and Ger took over and was joined on the management team by Tom Murphy (rest his soul), Ken Hanamy, Joe Mulligan, Ciaran Sheeran and Mick Hynes. What happened in 2011 is the stuff dreams are made of; the Championship and League Double!
It wasn’t easy but structures were put in place, lots of training, lots of meetings and the players bought into Ger’s philosophy. The “TEAM” was the most important thing and this example was set by Daibhi De Paor, Damien Byrne, Fergal Armstrong, Eoin De Paor, Hugh Gannon, Donal McGovern and Alan Tiernan. These lads had all played Senior Hurling for many years, had great experience and were more than willing to share it with the younger crew coming through. This blend of youth and experience was what was needed and the 9th October 2011 in Parnell Park will long be remembered as the day Kilmacud Crokes can boast of having two Senior Hurling Teams with a resounding victory over Naomh Barrog 4.10 to 1.09.
Where to now? Is it over?
Aboslutely not, it’s only the beginning. There has to be a platform where young talent can be nurtured, brought through and play senior hurling. That should be their ultimate goal and lead us to Senior Hurling Championship success. This will take Dedication, Commitment, Honesty, the Right Attitude and more!
In 2012, Ken and Joe stood down and we were saved by Diarmuid Howley who has been a revelation since coming in.
With movement of players throughout the Summer, the league hasn’t been kind to us. However, things are looking a bit brighter and have been improving. The B Championship beckons and we play St Olafs in the Quarter Final. This will be a difficult match but sure we will try and perform as best as humanly possible.
Gone but not forgotten
On a sad note, we are all saddened by the untimely death of our Club Chairman, Tom Murphy, former mentor. Tom was a man of great integrity and knowledge and will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with his family at this sad time.
They say things come in pairs and we recently received the news of the sudden death of Eddie Murphy, another former selector of our Intermediate Hurling Team, having only retired a few short weeks ago. He too will be sorely missed. We send our deepest sympathy to his family.
Dr Tiernan Murray
We are extremely lucky to have Dr Tiernan Murray on the team. Tiernan is a true professional and is greatly appreciated by players and management alike.
Roll on 2013 and we’ll seewhat it brings us.
Mick Hynes.