Crokes Claim Under 21 D Championship
On Saturday 13th February 20100 Kilmacud Crokes B team claimed the 2009 Dublin under 21 D Championship in fine style at Moibhi Road against Na Fianna. The afternoon was pleasant if a little cold. On a sod for which the home club are to be complimented, a third minute Conor Caulfield pointed free was immediately followed by a Naomhan O’Rearden goal. A brace of Na Fianna points made it 1-2 to 0-2 before Barry Mulligan from a long range free extended the Crokes lead. Then a stick pass from O’Rearden set up Eddie O’Byrne and the wing forward made it 1-4 to 0-2 with ten minutes gone.
On the quarter mark came the goal that really put day light between the sides. Mulligan’s long ball was won by O’Rearden. His popped pass was doubled to the net by Jack Doughan. Almost immediately Caulfield converted another placed ball. It was now 2-4 to 0-2. During the remainder of the half Crokes added on a further 1-2, the goal from O’Rearden at the end of a neat Paul Collins clearance via O’Byrne, and the points from Brian Sheehan, a superb individual score, and Mulligan from a 65. The home team could only register two minors in reply.
Within three minutes of the restart Mulligan made it 3-7 to 0-4. As often happens when a team is so dominant Crokes took the foot off the pedal over the next ten minute and allowed their opponents in for an unanswered 1-1. Notwithstanding this the Crokes defence with Fergus Monnelly, Paul Collins and goalkeeper, Richie Tighe, to the fore were well in control. An O’Rearden point arrested the slide and when Darren McVeigh slammed a fiftieth minute penalty to the net the outcome was unreservedly put beyond doubt. Points from Caulfield (free), Sean Murphy and captain Peter Clinton brought the final tally to 4-11 to 1-5.
The victory was a well deserved result for the management of Gerry McGrath, Billy, Noctor, Pat Halpin, Ken Hanamy and Ciaran Sheeran. Congratulations to all concerned. Team: R Tighe, C O’Brien, F Monnelly, P Collins, D Monnelly, P Clinton (0-1, 65-1), D McVeigh (1-0, pen), B Mulligan (0-3, f-2, 65-1), K Doherty, E O’Byrne (0-1), B Sheehan (0-1), C Caulfield (0-3, f-3), K Motherway, N O’Rearden (2-1), J Doughan (1-0). Subs C Cunningham for B Sheehan, S Murphy (0-1) for K Motherway, C Thornton for K Doherty, D Brennan for C Caulfield, B Halpin for P Collins and T Clarke. For photographs click on the link below