Intermediates lose out to Naomh Fionnbarra in Semi Final

At the end of an absorbing encounter that went right to the wire, it was disappointment for the Crokes intermediate hurlers in their Tuesday evening (20th October 2009) championship semi final clash with Naomh Fionnbarra under lights at Sean Moore Park.

 

After a rocky opening few minutes the Kilmacud team settled down and by the twelfth minute led 0-3 to 0-2.  By now William McEvoy was in control at centre back, well fronted by Mark Coghlan and

Declan Browne, and the inside forwards Daithi de Paor and Sean McGrath were giving their markers plenty to think about.  On minute seventeen hard work by McGrath saw centre forward Brian Hanamy finish to the net.  Finbarrs pulled two points back before Adrian Morrissey got his second of the half with five minutes left to play before the interval.  A point each from de Paor and McGrath put Crokes 1-6 to 0-4 clear before the Cabra men pulled one back and it was 1-6 to 0-5 at the break.

 

When McGrath put over a 50 metre free in the thirty fourth minute it was looking good for Crokes.  Gradually the Kilmacud team lost its grip and Finbarrs, who had opted for a more direct style of play in the second half with just two inside forwards, sent over four unanswered minors.  In the forty sixth minute Hanamy made it 1-8 to 0-9.  From the puck out the Finbarrs right half forward gained possession, turned and pointed.  The Crokes reply was instant, in the form of another McGrath point.  In the fifty second minute Finbarrs manufactured another point from a won puck out, run and feed.  Two minutes later a 65 had them level.  With three to play Hanamy passed to Morrissey who pointed for the third time.  Three unanswered points from frees in the time remaining were to prove Crokes undoing as it finished 0-15 to 1-10.

 

Team

 

R Tighe, S McNicholas, D Canny, F Monnelly, E Culligan, W McEvoy, A Hopkins, D Browne, M Coghlan, A Morrissey (0-3), B Hanamy (1-1), C Sheehan, N Butler, D de Paor (0-2, f-2), S McGrath (0-4, f-1).  Subs: A McCarthy for D Canny (4 mins, inj), M Kinsella for

N Butler (42 mins), J Doughan for A McCarthy (46 mins) and E de Paor for C Sheehan (59 mins).

To see a video clip of Brian Hanamy's goal for Crokes, click on the following link...

 

 

Were you at the previous Intermediates' match against St Peregines? Whether you were or not, check out Daire Brennan's excellent photos by clicking on the link below.