U14B's lose out in group stages of Dublin Féile Division 3

On a tight Moyle Park pitch in Clondalkin the U14B panel opened their Féile campaign against Clontarf. Crokes got into an early lead via points from Brian Grogan and Joey Dalton and an Aidan Healy goal.  A fine free from Mattie Hogan and additional overs from Michael Roche and Michael Frawley left Crokes up 1-5 to 0-3 at the break. Conall Keane in goal was very steady and our attack was aided by the accurate puck-outs from Ciaran Hennessy. A very strong response from Clontarf early in the 2nd half produced 3 quick, unanswered goals with Crokes additionally struggling for possession having been reduced to 14 men for indiscipline. A futher free from Hogan, a lovely goal from Micheal Roche and a point from sub Cian Ryan rounded out the Crokes tally. It finished 2-7 to 5-7 to Clontarf. Excellent performances in our defence from Ciaran Hennessy, Hugh Campion and Sean Gorman and from captain Oisin Doherty 

The second Group game was now critical as we faced our hosts Round Towers. Fine point scoring from Oisin Doherty, Conor Walsh and two from Micheal Roche were supplemented by a Mattie Hogan free and a majestic long range effort from Donal Callaghan just before the interval. It was 0-6 to 1-5 at half time. The second half was very tight and it required a man-of-the-match performance from Louis de Courcy at half back to keep us in contention. Losing Brian Grogan,  who had asserted primacy at centre field, through injury was a big blow as we sought to close the 2 point deficit.  A goal from Michael Roche and a goal and a point from Cian Ryan were matched almost score-for-score by Round Towers and their last minute point left it 2-7 to 3-6 at the finish. Strong contributions from Stephen McEntee, Stephen Crossan and Aidan Healy

We rounded out our Group games with a very healthy 12-11 to 6-2 win over Parnells in a high scoring game contested in a downpour by two tired and slightly deflated teams. Goals aplenty for Cian Ryan. Others to find the net  included Michael Roche, Oisin Doherty, Joey Dalton and to much applause Louis de Courcy. Others to take points were Conor Walsh, Aidan Healy and a superb free from Martin Connor

All the lads can take great pride in their effort and commitment today and over the past months of preparation. Skill levels have appreciably improved and the group have bonded really well as a team. Onward and upwards we hope

Congratulations to the group winners Clontarf and the runners up and generous hosts Round Towers

Panel

C Keane, H Campion, C Hennessy, S Gorman, M Connor, S McEntee, L deCourcy, B Grogan, M Roche, O Doherty, M Hogan, J Dalton, M Frawley, C Ryan, C Walsh, D Callaghan, A Healy, S Crossan