U-14B's reach Semi-final (9th Sept.'06)
The Under-14B’s qualified for the semi-final of the Championship with a great win over Naomh Fionnbarra on a balmy September afternoon in Deerpark. For a while it looked as if the opposition might not even make an appearance. However, about fifteen minutes after the appointed start time, a white mini-bus was seen driving somewhat aimlessly around the area and, a few minutes later, a fully togged out Naomh Fionnbarra team appeared on the horizon ready for battle. In the beginning, it was unclear whether the opposition were more intent on a battle of words rather than getting on with the match. In any event, the Crokes boys were told to concentrate on the hurling and this they did in style.
After Jonathan Healy-Hayes slotted over an early point from a free for Crokes, Naomh Fionnbarra took the lead for the only time in the game with a goal after two minutes. Within a minute, however, Jonathan put Crokes back into the lead, when he blasted to the net from a second close-in free. This was followed by a point from Ciarán Sheehy to leave Crokes 1-2 to 1-0 ahead after nine minutes. A string of superb saves from Sean Garvey in goal meant that Naomh Fionnbarra could only add a further point and, even this was countered by a similar score from Jonathan at the other end. After 21 minutes, Fionán Motherway latched onto a ball on the left and crashed to the net to put Crokes firmly in the driving seat. This was followed by the best point of the day from none other than the redoubtable Grahame Fogarty, who soloed from well inside his own half before splitting the posts from the half way line. This left Crokes ahead 2-4 to 1-1 at the interval.
After half-time, the Kilmacud boys resumed where they left off. Brian McHenry was brave as ever, Enda Grogan and Cónal Ó Neill defended stylishly and Sam Cosgrave played the game of his life at full-back, where he won possession and cleared every ball that came his way. A good goal from James Eastwood-Lyons after four minutes was followed by two Naomh Fionnbarra points before Paul Sheridan scored a great long-range point from well out on the right. Naomh Fionnbarra were still pressing hard and cut the arrears to five points (3-5 to 2-3) with a close-range goal, as the game entered the final quarter. At this stage the Crokes resolve was truely tested but gutsy displays from Eoghan O’Dwyer, Justin Cassidy, Baetan Teague and Kenneth Kelly ensured that Naomh Fionnbarra were kept on the back foot throughout. Also, James Eastwood-Lyons was playing a blinder after being moved into the defence to replace the injured Cónal Ó Neill. After 46 minutes, Jonathan Healy-Hayes pointed another free before Neil Gorey scored a lovely point from the left wing. Then came the best move of the match. A clearance from Sam was deftly deflected by Fionán Motherway into the path of young Neil Gorey, who soloed down towards the left corner before delightfully centering the ball for Johathan Healy-Hayes to finish to the net. A further point from Jonathan left the score 4-8 to 2-3 with a few minutes remaining. As time ran out, Naomh Fionnbarra were still being denied by Sean Garvey in goal and had to settle for two consolation points. All in all, the Crokes team well deserved their victory, which was achieved with no little style and panache.
Kilmacud Crokes:- Sean Garvey; Grahame Fogarty (0-1), Sam Cosgrave, Brian McHenry; Paul Sheridan (0-1), Enda Grogan (Capt.), Cónal Ó Neill; Eoghan O’Dwyer, Oisín Ó Gallchobhair; James Eastwood-Lyons (1-0), Baetan Teague, Justin Cassidy; Ciarán Sheehy (0-1); Jonathan Healy-Hayes (2-4, 1-2f), Fionán Motherway (1-0).
Subs:- Neil Gorey (0-1) for Oisin O’Gallchobhair (injured – 14mins) and Kenneth Kelly for Conal O’Neill (injured – 42mins)