NO LOSERS IN U21 FINAL THRILLER
The scoreboard may have read 1-10 to 1-08 in Na Fianna's favour but most people leaving this enthralling County Final were of the opinion that the real winner was Dublin football! Congrats to a fine Na Fianna team that played marvellous football, always in the right spirit, and emerged with the spoils. Congrats also to a well-balanced and never-say-die Crokes team that did the club proud on the night and throughout the campaign. They had their chances to win but Lady Luck proved one elusive lady!! Suffice it to say that a "soft" penalty in the first half allied to a fantastic save by the goalkeeper, as Crokes threatened to move ahead in the 2nd half, were crucially significant. Had a David Higgins well-placed effort found the net, after a wonderful flowing move, the script could have been all so different.
Na Fianna were out of the blocks quicker, no hangover from Christmas there, and led 1-5 to 0-4 at the break. At that stage they looked unbeatable, playing some lovely combined football and always looked threatening in attack. Their exciting young forward, Conor McHugh, was particularly dangerous. The Stillorgan boys took command in the 2nd half and outscored the Moibhi Rd. team by 1-4 to 0-5. Over the course of the hour the Crokes shot some 15 wides, as against a one-handful by the opposition, some being really gilt-edged opportunities. The result went the way of the primrose and blue and nobody in Kilmacud will begrudge them their hard-fought victory - they are indeed a top-notch team.
Well done to both teams on a great nights entertainment; we will be seeing a lot more of all of these lads in the months and years ahead - can't wait! Best wishes to our dual players that must now rise to the challenge of the U21 hurling final on Saturday next - not easy but you will do it!
Some photos will be added to our gallery in the coming days. In the meantime why not checkout Caroline Quinn's nice images from tonight by clicking on the team pic below (play the Slideshow for best viewing experience). For Hill16 match report clck here.