Senior B's lose out to Olafs in Championship Q/F

Crokes bowed out of the Senior B Championship at the Quarter Final stage to local rivals Naomh Olaf in Páirc Uí Riain on Saturday 22nd September

This was a titanic struggle throughout but Olafs hung on by the slender margin of 2 points and fully deserved their victory. Crokes didn’t perform on the night, due mainly to the tenacity of St Olafs, who defended very well, particularly in the last ten minutes - and were inspired by the performance of County Player Declan O Dwyer. The game was played in a very sporting manner, considering the close rivalry between the two clubs, and was enjoyed by the large attendance. We wish Olafs the best of luck in the semi-final against Ballyboden.

Crokes went into an early 4 point lead but were rocked by a well taken goal by Olafs. Crokes continued to dominate and were leading 1-08 to 1-05 at the interval. Olafs then took control and were soon level. They then took the lead after only 10 minutes of the restart but Crokes were not going away. They battled gamely and took the lead again. But disaster struck, when a 60 yard free went all the way into the Crokes net. This put Olafs 4 points ahead with time running out. Hard as they tried Crokes couldn’t get the all-important score that would have given us victory. Outstanding for a gallant Crokes were Brian Hanamy, Shane McNicholas, Niall Lillis, Barry Mulligan, Terry McAlister, Damian Byrne, Donal McGovern and Fergal Armstrong.

Team:  E Dalton, A McCarthy, N Lillis, S McNicholas, E DePaor,  B Hanamy, D Byrne, B Mulligan, B O Leidhin, C Sheehan, H Gannon, F Armstrong, A Pilkington, D McGovern, T McAlister.

Subs:  S Beale for E DePaor,  G Melican for F Armstrong, S Garvey, A Tiernan, E OBryne, M Geraghty, P Clinton, N Mulligan

Scorers were A Pilkington 1-03 (1 1f), B Mulligan 0-02(2f),  B O Leidhin 0-02,  F Armstrong 0-02 (1f), C Sheehan 0-02, D McGovern 0-01, T McAlister 0-01

Report Mick Hynes

Photos by Diarmuid Ó Gallchobhair & Steven Dagg