U14's beat Cuala to go top

Crokes travelled to Thomastown Road on Saturday 26 September to take on Cuala in a top of the league clash. On a balmy afternoon, playing on a very narrow pitch, the pre-match tension could be sensed among players and supporters alike. Crokes started well, with three fine points from play, by Dara O Gallchobhair (02) and Donal Keane (01). Cuala responded with two points. Cian MacGabhann, playing at left half back, pointed four excellent frees, bringing Crokes' tally to seven points. With the end of the first half approaching, Cuala ponted twice more and keeper Eamonn Allen made a good catch and cleared his lines to keep Crokes ahead. Seven points to Cuala's four at the short whistle.

Crokes scored first again in the second half, with a goal from a penalty by the in-form Cian MacGabhann. Donal Keane was causing havoc up front, being fouled time and again by a nervous Cuala defence. Resulting frees were popped over four more times by Cian. Crokes seemed to be in the driving seat, six points up. However, urged on by a vociferous home crowd, Cuala notched up four more points (2 frees). Crokes' back line of Michael O Dwyer, Odhráin Ó Siochrú and Gregory Buckley worked hard to keep Cuala at bay. Michael O Dwyer made a vital stop on the line. Ronan Horgan and Donncha O Murchú in the half backs gave very little away. In midfield David Kane and Edward Campion were constantly pushing forward, creating opportunities for the visitors's forwards, including Stephen Faughey, Ryan Conlon and Ciaran McIntyre. At this stage substitute Dara Mullin scored a point from play and Sean Bedford, who had a goal disallowed moments earlier, got Crokes' final point.

Cuala piled on the pressure, scoring a goal which put them within three points. But time ran out and the final score was Cuala 1-08, Kilmacud Crokes 1-11. This was a tough match, in which Crokes showed great fighting spirit. Well done!!

Squad: E Allen, G Buckley, O O Siochru, M O'Dwyer, C MacGabhann (1-06, frees), D O Murchu, R Horgan, E Campion, D Kane, D O Gallchobhair (0-02), S Faughey, C McIntrye, R Conlon, D Keane (0-01), S Bedford (0-01), 

Subs: D Mullin (0-01) (for R Conlon), A Spollen, D Paisley, K Doyle, C O Flanagain, C Hayes.    

Unavailable for selection was Cathal Keane-Breslin, whose grand Aunt had died tragically in the Glenties in Donegal last Friday. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.