Crokes beat Cuala to reach U21 Final
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In front of a sizeable crowd, Crokes overcame local rivals Cuala in a thrilling Under 21 hurling Championship Semi Final encounter in Hyde Park, Dalkey.
It was a tight uncompromising game, both sets of players gave it their all and despite the early stage of the season, there was plenty of hurling skills on display.
Crokes opened the brighter with a great point from Barry Mulligan added to by 4 points from Kevin O’Loughlin, one a superb sideline cut from the right hand side. It was a close first half with both sets of backs on top and Crokes went into the break leading 5 points to 3 points.
Crokes again started the brighter in the 2nd half and extended their lead with a great point from Sean McGrath and then Kevin traded a couple of points with Cuala before Cuala equalised with a goal. The score now reading 8 points to 1 – 5. Cuala scored the next point to lead for the first time in the afternoon, but it was Crokes who now responded with Kevin adding a goal and another point to his tally to put Crokes three points in front. Cuala clawed back another point to narrow the margin to 2 points but Dillon Mulligan capped off a fine display in midfield with 2 points to finish Croke’s scoring and at the final whistle Crokes led by 4 points, 1-11 to 1-7.
Next up is Ballyboden in the final, who had a fine 10 point win over Na Fianna. The final is expected to be played on Saturday the 11th February 2012. Best of luck to the Crokes Under 21 footballers who face Na Fianna in their county final next week.
It was a tight uncompromising game, both sets of players gave it their all and despite the early stage of the season, there was plenty of hurling skills on display.
Crokes opened the brighter with a great point from Barry Mulligan added to by 4 points from Kevin O’Loughlin, one a superb sideline cut from the right hand side. It was a close first half with both sets of backs on top and Crokes went into the break leading 5 points to 3 points.
Crokes again started the brighter in the 2nd half and extended their lead with a great point from Sean McGrath and then Kevin traded a couple of points with Cuala before Cuala equalised with a goal. The score now reading 8 points to 1 – 5. Cuala scored the next point to lead for the first time in the afternoon, but it was Crokes who now responded with Kevin adding a goal and another point to his tally to put Crokes three points in front. Cuala clawed back another point to narrow the margin to 2 points but Dillon Mulligan capped off a fine display in midfield with 2 points to finish Croke’s scoring and at the final whistle Crokes led by 4 points, 1-11 to 1-7. Next up is Ballyboden in the final, who had a fine 10 point win over Na Fianna. The final is expected to be played on Saturday the 11th February 2012. Best of luck to the Crokes Under 21 footballers who face Na Fianna in their county final next week.
Crokes Team: Eoin Dalton, Sean Murphy, Bill O'Carroll, Gary McMorrow, Alan Carr, Brian Hanamy, Jack Doughan, Dillon Mulligan, Naomhan O'Riordáin, Mark Coughlan, Jude Sweeney, Eddie O'Byrne, Kevin O'Loughlin, Barry Mulligan, Sean McGrath
Subs Used: - Niall Mulligan for Alan Carr (45mins), Alex Pilkington for Sean McGrath (50 mins).
Unused Subs: - Brendáin O hAilpín, Caolan Conway, Cian O'Brien, Darren McVeigh, Gary Melican, Jamie Clinton, Jonathan Healy Hayes, Karl Russell, Killian Doherty, Matthew Geraghty, Paul Collins, Robert Murphy, Sean Garvey, Stephen Beale, Tom Clarke, Barra O'Leidhin (injured).
You can view photos of the encounter by clicking HERE or on the image below! To read the Evening Herald match report click on the newspaper image above.
Report: Pat Halpin
Photos: Diarmuid Ó Gallchobhair
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