3-in-a-row for the Under 10's

The U10's made the annual pilgrimage to the O'Loughlin Gaels blitz on Sept. 29th where Crokes had proved victorious on the last 2 visits and were going for the 3-in-a-row.

The O' Loideáin Cup had spent the last 2 years in Glenalbyn so the lads were advised that we were only returning it for the duration of the blitz! The format of the tournament was first half ground hurling and second half full rules.

St Martins Kilkenny provided the opposition for the first game and the Crokes boys  out firing on all cylinders. All of the ground hurling done in their formative years paid off as the lads went in 3 goals up at half time.  They kept up the pressure in the second half when full rules applied and were worthy winners in the end.

The 2nd game of the group was against our old foes James Stephens, who took the spoils at the U9 blitz in Crokes last year. Our boys needed no reminding and got stuck in from the word go but were unlucky to go a goal down in the early stages. Crokes piled on the pressure and were rewarded with a fine goal from Brendan Scanlon to put the sides level at half time.
James Stephens got a quick goal at the start of the 2nd half but the heads never dropped and Crokes struck back with a cracker from Mark Kelly with the ever industrious Davey Crowe tagging on 2 fine points. The Kilkenny boys piled on the pressure in the final moments but some resolute defending from Leo Fearon and Daniel Daly ensured a great victory for the Dubs.

The final game of the group brought on O'Donovan Rossa who had travelled down from Belfast. This was another very tight game with Crokes again displaying their fine ground hurling skills.Charlie Owens and Rory O'Mahony were on fire as they grabbed a brace in the first half. Paddo Gibbons was the net-minder for the day and put in some wonderful saves combined with very accurate puck outs.
Crokes were under pressure in the 2nd half but Cian O'Cathasaigh and Evan Jennings commanded the half back line and kept the Belfast boys out. Crokes had a narrow victory with a couple of fine points from Brian Hayes and Cathal O'Kennedy.

This meant that Crokes topped their group and qualified for the final against the host club O'Loughlin Gaels. Once again the boys started well with Michael Donnelly and Mark Murphy getting a couple of early goals. O'Loughlin Gaels came back strongly but Conor Crumlish and Daniel Daly held firm at the back with some very tight marking.

All in all a great day's work from the boys in the purple and gold, a real team effort with everyone making a telling contribution on the day.

A big thank to to all in O'Loughlin Gaels for the great hospitality and running a very well organised tournament.

Leo Fearon was captain for the day and accepted the trophy on behalf of the team.