Junior B hurlers secure home quarter-final in win v Naomh Barróg- 8:16 v 0:12 (ht 3:09 v 0:7)

Sunday 30th August 

For a fourth year in a row Junior Hurlers advance to the knockout stages, securing a coveted home fixture;

Crokes dominated every aspect and every sector throughout the field; goalkeeper, Eoin Dalton kept his goal intact. Eoin’s accurate puc out’s found easy targets, setting up the forwards for attack.

Aidan Cleary at full back, with Cian Lyndon and Paul Collins as corner backs ensured a “Maginot Line” of resistance, which Barróg were unable to break through;

Half backs, Mark Lynskey, Steven Beale and Mike Herlihy, mopped balls from the air, time and again, launching a platform for attack, with precise passing to the half and full forward lines; 

Eddie O’Byrne and Eoin Sheehy, worked tireless ruling the middle third;

Half forwards Rory O’Carroll, Joe Proudfoot and Niall Corcoran, using their combined experience ensured no easy attacks from the opposition back line, snuffed danger early and when in possession took scores or passed to a player in a scoring position;

Full forwards, Des Dagg, Barry Horan and Ciarán McIntyrne epitomised the team work ethic; skilful goalscoring mixed with tireless and relentless chasing and harassing their opposite numbers;

Strong displays from second half subs David Hyland, Kevin Dalton, Stevie O’Dwyer, Henry O’Donnell and Hoppy (Andrew Hopkins) showed a genuine squad depth and strength.  Hoppy’s last minute goal line body block, typified the hunger and desire to fight for every ball to the final whistle; 

Add to today’s squad, those injured and absent including Max Murphy, Barry MacGabhan, Ciarán MacEacháin, Peter Whelan, Joe Codd and its clear Árd Bainisteoir Mick Culligan has build a formidable squad to go far in this tournament.

In his post-match address to players, while acknowledging securing a home quarter final Mick Culligan emphasised the hard work required to progress further.

Árd bainisteoir Michael Culligan, has not only build a strong and experienced team but has very strong backroom support team with Tom McIntyre, James O’Cleirigh and Adam Buggy. 

Crocaigh Abú