U10s in O'Loughlins Tournament

We were drawn in the 'Group of Death' along with Dicksboro and Gorey. Dicksboro are undoubtedly the top team in the country at this age at present and Gorey are not too far behind. Dicksboro had beaten Gorey in the first match and were well up to the pace of the game from the start against the Crokes lads. Two soft early goals into the wind gave the 'Boro a perfect start and against this strong a team Crokes were going to find it difficult to recover. To their credit they battled back well to be down 2-2 to 1-0 after 10 minutes but another goal just before the break was a killer blow. We were unable to make any inroads in the second half and the 'Boro ran out 5-4 to 1-0 winners and advanced to the final, where they beat O'Loughlins by 4 points.

Gorey were up next for a place in the shield final. Gorey got off to a flying start goaling after 2 minutes. Crokes quickly equalised and the trend was set for a even contest where nothing was given away softly. The half-time score was 3-1 each. The second half was nip and tuck and as the game entered the last 2 minutes with Gorey leading by 1 point, 4-2 to 3-4, Crokes raised the roof with a a great goal following a good move. Gorey are not easily beaten and came up the field immediately to take the lead again. As the game went into injury time Crokes pressed hard but couldn't get the important score. Final score 5-2 to 4-4 for Gorey. Gorey went on to beat James Stephens by 8 points in the Shield final.

A very good days work despite the 2 losses. Off to Dicksboro next week for another tournament to try to learn more.

Squad:CONNOR, Martin; Considine, Alex; CROSSAN, Stephen; FLEMING, Cillian ;FOX, Tom; GROGAN, Brian; KEANE, Cathal ;MAHER, Johnny ; McENTEE, Stephen; O'Cleirigh, Con; O'CONNOR, Fiachra; O'DWYER, Conor ; O'DWYER, Stephen; PEARSON, Calum; SHEEHY, Eoin ;TUCK, Adam ; WHITELY, Feargal