Report for week ending 11 March 2007
Week Ending Sunday 11th March 2006
Unavailability of pitches due to weather induced conditions led to the cancellation of challenges arranged against Ballygallget (senior) and Avondale (intermediate) as well as much of the Saturday juvenile programme but there was still plenty of weekend activity.
On Sunday the minor A hurlers travelled to Collinstown Lane and overcame St Davids (Craobh Chiaran and Parnells combination) 3-12 to 0-9 in the opening game of the league. Crokes, having played with wind went in 4 pints to the good at the interval. Early in the second half St David’s had reduced the margin to two. From then on Crokes took command and pulled away with goals from Eoin Cullligan and Barry O’Rorke. There were also impressive performances from Ronan Walsh, Conor Clinton and Bill O’Carroll, when introduced
Team:
R Tighe, O Turley, W McEvoy, S McNicholas, P Igoe, R Walsh, N Mulligan, M Coughlan, C Clinton, B O’Rorke, E Culligan, N Butler, R O’Loughlin, B Hanamy, K O’Loughlin: Subs B O’Carroll for R O’Loughlin, K Doherty for N Butler and D McVeigh for O Turley
Playing in a higher division (Division 2) than 2006, the Minor B’s travelled to Lucan and went down 1-4 to 0-2. The homesters were powered by two members of the Dublin minor hurling squad. In a game where defences dominated Gary McMorrow, Cillian Caffrey, Karl Diaz, and Barra O’Liadhain were to the fore for Crokes.
Team:
K Hogarty, N McIntyre, G McMorrow, D Monnelly, A McPhilips, C Caffrey, G Murphy, K Dias, F O’Shaughnessy, B O’Liadhain, C Cunningham, K Motherway, K Noctor, C Thornton, E McGowan. Subs: E O’Sullivan, P Collins, J Doughan,
The Junior B’s opened their seasonal account by overcoming St Judes in Silverpark in a thirteen a side challenge by 4-17 to 2-6. In a game where Crokes were on top throughout there were particularly impressive performances from Colm Duggan, John Scanlon, Gavin Hyland, Ciaran McGrath and Muiris Loughnane.
Team:
C Maher, P Ryan, G Hyland, P Kennedy, J Scanlon, N Hall, S Russell, B O’Shaughnessy, C McGrath, H Liston, C Duggan, M Regan S Hogan. Subs: D O’Donnaill for N Hall, M Loughnane for S Hogan
The under 13’s had a successful trip to Wexford running out 4-5 to 3-4 winners against the Crannford under 14 team at the local side’s splendid grounds and many thanks to our hosts for their hospitality.
This was tough encounter on a heavy pitch where doggedness was a prerequisite and the level of skill on display was a credit to the boys involved. In a low scoring first half, captain, Michael Herlihy opened the account with a fine point. This was followed shortly after by a powerful goal from Matthew McNicholas after good work by Tomas Barry and Matthew Geraghty to leave it 1-1 to 0-1 at the break. During this period the backs, with Conor Sweeny prominent, excelled.
The second half was a real test. An early goal from Eoin Ryall, (who got a second later in the half) seemed to put daylight between the teams but Crannford would not give in and with five minutes remaining there was only the minimum between the teams. With the pressure piling on it took a great save by keeper, Barry Horan, to keep his side ahead. He was fronted by a heroic defence in which the full back line of Daibhid Corish, James Murphy and Mark Mannion were outstanding. Further out Conor O’Dwyer, Oisin O’Rorke and JJ Murray were steadfast while midfielders Robert Murphy (who made one particularly memorable catch and drive) and Conor Devins (with 1-1 to his credit) put in some great work. All through, centre forward Cian Gormley, worked tirelessly to let the ball in to his inside forwards ably supported by Conor J O’Dwyer (who also had a good first half as a back) while Caolan Conway’s free taking was spot on with one great conversion from near the right hand sideline.
Squad:
Barry Horan, Daibhid Corish, Conor Sweeny, Conor J O’Dwyer, James Murphy, Oisin O’Rorke, Conor O’Dwyer, Conor Devins (1-1), Robert Murphy, Caolan Conway (0-3, frees), Cian Gormley, Matthew McNicholas (1-1), Eoin Ryall (2-0), Mark Mannion, Michael Herlihy (capt 1-1), Tomas Barry, Matthew Geraghty and JJ Murray.
The 2006 under 12 medal presentations will be made by Kilkenny hurler Richie Power in the club after training on Thursday evening next.
On Saturday the under 10’s beat Faughs by good margins in two games. The under 9’s played Clontarf away in six games, winning four, drawing and losing one. The under 8’s took three teams to St Vincents where they played a total of six competitive games while two under 8 teams travelled to Clanna Gael.
Saturday also saw the continuation of outdoor nursery activity at Glenalbyn. This continues every Saturday at 10.00 am for children born 1999 or later. Contact Liam Coughlan 086-6063232 and lccoughlan@eircom.net. Active parental input is essential for the success of the nursery. No hurling experience necessary!
The annual Kilmacud Crokes on Tour trip to Kilkenny is scheduled for Sunday 1st April next. This is a bumper day out for our young hurlers (under 11 downwards) and not to be missed. Further details are available from Denis Gorey 087-2393625 and goreys@clubi.ie.
Work continues apace on our new Hurling Arena in Glenalbyn. This €500,000 project will be a huge addition to hurling in the club and is entirely funded by the Hurling Section. Our fourth annual Kilmacud Crokes Hurling Corporate Race Day takes place in Punchestown on Tuesday 24th April. The event has gone from success to success and if you are in any way in a position to influence your company’s entertainment spend at €1,760 for a table of ten you won’t find better value or quality. Please contact Brian Geraghty, Hurling Section, Commercial Officer, 087-2312378 and brianpgeraghty@eircom.net. Donations or spot prizes also very welcome.