Week Ending 20th May 2007

A travelling party of 22 made the long journey to Glounthaune to play in the second annual Colman Dillon tournament, named after the very hale and hearty father of our senior selector, John.  While the Crokes boys were unable to replicate last year’s success in the cup competition they performed admirably to capture the Shield against high quality opposition. 

First game, just out of cars for most of the squad, was against Dungarvan, Waterford under 12 county champions for the past two years.  This was an end to end game with the Kilmacud team losing out by the minimum.  Next up were Sarsfields of Cork. Again the Crokes boys went down narrowly.  As results had panned out the third group game against St Finbarrs was not going to affect qualification for Cup or Shield.

After lunch provided by our excellent hosts Crokes faced the home team in the Shield semi-final and did very well to keep the interval margin to a single point against a strong wind.  In the second half the Stillorgan team found their best form of the tournament so far and ran out deserving 2-3 to 0-1 winners. 

Up to this all games had been of twenty minutes duration.  The final against St Finbarrs was a thirty minute encounter and provided great value and a high level of skill.  Crokes were first to score with a point and then went two up.  The Cork city side replied with a point and a goal but three more Crokes points had the Dubs one ahead at half time.  In the second half play swung from one end of the field to the other with scores very hard to come by.  After nearly five minutes injury time Crokes’ two unanswered points in the half left the final score Kilmacud Crokes 0-7, St Finbarrs 1-1.

All through the Crokes lads gave of their best and their off the field behaviour was a credit to the club.  Coming home with a trophy from such a high class competition is no mean achievement and further proof of the standard achieved by the Crokes boys came from the fact the Cup final was contested by Sarsfields and Dungarvan, both of whom had their hands full to deal with the Kilmacud team.  Our thanks to all our friends at Erins Own for their warm welcome and to all the teams we played as well as to our players, mentors, parents and travelling support for making it such a wonderful excursion.

Squad:

Michael O’Dwyer, Andrew Price (captain), Oran O’Siochru, Gregory Buckley, Conor Casey, Ferdia Rogers, Cian MacGabhann, Ronan Horgan, Shena MacGabhann, Conor Egan, Adam Spollen, Sean Bedford, Tadgh Costelloe, Davy Kane, Cathal Keane-Breslin, David O’Connor, Michael O’Kane, Ciaran McIntyre, Dara O’Gallchobhair, Dylan Paisley, Donncha O’Murchu and Mark O’Loughlin

Under 11s

Back in Dublin the under 11’s played two games against Lucan in the semi final of the “double team” cup and went down by an aggregate of three points.  In the “single” team cup semi final Crokes overcame Good Counsel.

Under 13's

On Monday one of the Division 1 under 13 teams kicked off the week in fine style with a 3-5 to 1-7 league victory over St Judes at Oatlands College.  The visitors scored the first point.  Crokes responded with two points and a goal before Judes put over another minor to leave it 1-2 to 0-2 at half time.  Judes upped the ante in the second half and had drawn level with ten minutes gone.  A goal then put them three ahead.  The Crokes boys stuck to the task.  They clawed two points back before a goal swung the advantage in Crokes favour by two points.  Another goal put five between the teams with five minutes remaining.  Judes refused to give in and their efforts were rewarded with a point to keep the tension high in a close fought, tough but fair encounter.

Under 16's

On Tuesday the under 16A’s had a five point league win over a game Na Fianna side in Silverpark.  Two goals in the space of a minute from Sean McGrath and Darren McVeigh, just before half time put Crokes 2-6 to 0-5 ahead at the break.  Two second half points from Na Fianna narrowed the margin before Jack Kelly, having moved from half back to full forward, goaled in the fortieth minute. This was followed by two more Crokes points but Na Fianna refused to lie down and narrowly outscored Crokes from then to the finish.  The under 16B’s travelled to play St Peregrines in their league and emerged with a good victory.  Also on Tuesday the under 14’s confirmed their Feile form with a 2-8 to 1-11 draw against Feile champions Castleknock in a league game at Oatlands College.  For report click HERE

South Dublin Schools

On Wednesday South Dublin Schools were edged out by a single point by St Kieran’s College Kilkenny in the Leinster Schools Juvenile (Under 14) Final in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 0-11 to 2-4.  Crokes players to feature were Jude MacSuibhne (Colaiste Eoin) at centre forward and Dillon Mulligan (Oatlands College) at left half forward.  For report click HERE.  That evening the Junior B’s had a 4-12 to 1-6 victory over Faughs in a challenge game at Tymon Park with impressive performances from Muiris Loughnane, Dara Lyndon, Mark Regan and Pat Kennedy.

Under 15's

Thursday saw the under 15’s record a two point away league win against Lucan Sarsfields (for report click HERE) while the two under 13 teams faced each other in a Division 1 league game at Deerpark.

The Coming Week

Tuesday coming sees the intermediates play their final championship round robin game against Clanna Gael in Sean Moore Park at 7.30pm.  On Saturday the senior programme resumes with a league game against O’Tooles in Silverpark at 6.00pm while the intermediate championship quarter finals are scheduled for the same weekend.

In Parnell Park on Monday Hollypark take on Scoil Lorcain in the Division 2 Cumann na mBunscoil senior final.  Both schools feature Crokes players and we wish all concerned the best of luck.

Hurling Arena

Progress continues apace on our new Hurling Arena in Glenalbyn. For more details click HERE. When complete this €500,000 project will be a huge addition to hurling in the club. 

Hurling Nursery

Saturdays see 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!