CROKES SHOW GOOD FORM IN SFC OPENER

Posted on
CROKES SHOW GOOD FORM IN SFC OPENER
Great win this evening in Parnell Park against a combative and skilful Marys team! It was great to see Griff back in the white heat of championship action and Brian McGrath too after his Crossmaglen experience. Brian and his Longford namesake, BK, didn't start due to Leinster Champ games looming.  However, Master McGrath was called into action unexpectedly inside the first quarter due to an unfortunate hamstring injury picked up by full-back Ross O'Carroll. The Crokes got off to a dream start when a high ball deep into Marys territory was flicked to the net by Brian Hanamy after 3 minutes. Thereafter, Marys grew into the game and had a 1 point lead by half-time (1-5 to 1-4), helped by another flicked goal.

Brian Kavanagh appeared for the second half signalling trouble for Marys and a change in gear for Crokes. His impact was immediate and the half belonged in many ways to him and his sharp-shooting colleagues: Burke, Kelleher and Cossie.  These had been playing steadily and keeping us in touch all through the game. However, their combined play now improved and was a joy to watch at times, never moreso than when Captain Burke hit a diagonal screamer to the net after 50 minutes. By then the scoreline read 2-11 to 1-7 and the game was up for Marys who lost the second half 1-9 to 0-4.

All in all, a good start by the defending champions and a teamsheet full of promise for the rest of the campaign. A tilt with Thomas Davis is next up on a date to be confirmed. Well done Paddy Carr and all involved!

Starting Lineup: 

David Nestor
Paul Griffin
Ross O'Carroll
Nicky McGrath
Adrian Morrissey (0-1)
Kevin Nolan
Ronan Ryan
Paddy Duggan
Craig Dias
Ray Cosgrove (0-3)
Declan Kelleher (0-3)
Liam óg Ó'hEineacháin
Pat Burke (1-3)
Brian Hanamy (1-0)
Cian O'Sullivan

Subs Used: Brian McGrath, Brian Kavanagh (0-3), Johnny Magee, Karl Dias, Mark Coughlan

Other Subs: Joe Mooney, Eoin Culligan, Liam McBarron, Alan Carr, Mark O'Dwyer, Rory O'Carroll, Barry O'Rorke, Paddy Daly

Football.