U10s Win Emeralds Tournament

Crokes had won this U10 competition for the previous 2 years so the pressure  was on to keep the sequence going. The format was straight forward. Two groups of five with the winner of each group qualifying for the final. We were straight into action against a handy Thomastown side, who already had the luxury of an earlier match so there was going to be no chance for the Crokes lads to slowly get up to match pace. Thanks to Niall Butler's pre-match drills they were ready for action from the throw-in and built up a 5 point lead by half time. With the full back line of Johnny Maher, Conor O'Dwyer and Fiachra O'Connor standing up to everything Thomastown threw at them and Cathal Keane playing a stormer in goal 'Crokes were never going to concede much and as the game opened up the the last 10 minutes Tom Fox and Brian Grogan were able to pick off the scores needed to get over the line. 

In the second game Naomh Eoin of Belfast put up a good challenge for the first half but in the end Crokes proved too strong with Stevie O'Dwyer, Chris Kealy, Martin Connor and Fergal Whitely impressing most. Next came Dicksboro, who had inflicted a heavy defeat on our boys earlier in the year. Although both teams were short several of the personnel who had played that day the 'Boro was still a name that was always going to cause anxiety. The lads responded to the challenge in style and after a tight first half  led by 4 points to nil. Luke Gaffney was manning the centre back position like a veteran with Darragh Butler ably assisting him on the right, and in front of them Conn O'Cleirigh was instilling fear into the Kilkennymen with is strength and agression. The first goal was always going to be a huge psychological boost and Crokes received that boost five minutes in when Stevie O'Dwyer found the net. The lads willingness to keep to the wings on a tight pitch was praiseworthy and it allowed the corner forwards, Adam Tuck and Stephen Crossan, to run on to fast deliveries and reap rewards. Adam particularly profited and picked off some fine points. Another goal saw us push further ahead but Dicksboro didn't give up and broke through for one goal and would have had more but for some fine goalkeeping from Cathal and good sweeping by Fiachra. In the end a good 2-7 to 1-3 win was recorded.

In the final group game we were too strong fo a young Paulstown side. Joey Dalton,  Killian Lannigan, and Conal Keane did best. The final was against the host club who had come through the other group unbeaten. Both teams were starting their 3rd hour of hurling for the day. Although Emeralds were playing into the wind they started brighter and goaled after 5 minutes. Crokes settled and goals from Stevie and Brian, along with points from Tom, and 2 Brian frees gave them a slender 2-3 to 1-3 lead at half time. Cathal Keane came out of goals for the second half to man-mark the Emeralds dangerman. This switch worked well and along with some excellent blocking by Luke, powerful clearances by Darragh, good first time pulling by Johnny Brian and Tom were able to bag another goal each to allow Crokes run out 4-7 to 1-4 winners. Quiet celebrations followed from a team who know that tougher challenges lie ahead. Team captain Luke Gaffney accepted the cup and thanked  the teams coaches Niall Butler and Collie Maher and Emeralds for their kind invitation.

For images of the day in Urlingfort see Niall Butler's website album by clicking HERE