Crokes take Dublin Feile title !!

Kilmacud Crokes took their second Dublin Féile title in Parnel Park on Saturday 17 May, when they beat Ballyboden St Enda's by 2-09 to 0-02. 

On Saturday 17th May 2008 Kilmacud Crokes claimed its second Dublin Feile na nGael title.  As in 2005, neighbours Ballyboden St Endas provided the opposition.

Crokes played with the wind in the opening half and were quicker to settle than their opponents.  With ten minutes gone Crokes led 0-3 to 0-1.  They then extended the lead to three points before a fourteenth minute goal from Neil Gory put real daylight between the sides.  Conor O’Byrne added a point and just before the break Neil Gorey added a second goal to make it 2-5 to 0-1.

In the second half a brave Boden side did their utmost to bring the game to the Kilmacud team but were unable to get the early scores they needed.  Crokes continued to play with gusto and won out 2-9 to 0-2.

Goalkeeper Conor Sweeny was assured and confident throughout.  In the right corner Conor O’Dwyer was first to the ball and cleared well.  Beside him Kevin James McGowan and Daibhid Corish were steady and redoubtable.  The half back line of Ross McGowan, Robert Murphy and James Murphy played superbly.  Rangy Conor Devins and midfield partner Oisin O’Rorke kept their forwards well supplied.  The wing men Cian Gormley and Cian MacGabhann gave their markers no end of trouble while Matthew Geraghty, on the forty, was a handful.  Inside Neil Gorey, with 2-1 to his credit, took his chances well while Barry Horan and Conor O’Byrne posed a constant threat. 

Using the rotation allowed by the rules of the competition Crokes sprang men from the bench regularly.  Caolan Conway impressed first at half forward and then at midfield.  Matthew McNicholas’s grit and determination were rewarded with an excellent hard earned point.  Michael Herlihy, Mark O’Loughlin and Tomas Barry came on as inside forwards while Louis O’Sullivan stepped in to the centre forward berth. In defence Philip O’Shea, Conor J O’Dwyer and Mark Collins made their mark.  Also to be mentioned for their contributions to the campaign is Andrew Colclough, Hugh Gowing, Cormac Spain, Donal Keane, Odhran O’Siochru and Michael O’Dwyer.

Congratulations to all involved including players, parents and families.  Particular congratulations to the management team of Ronan Conway, Denis Gorey, Brian Geraghty, Niall Corcoran and Tom Barry.

You can view images of the match by clicking  HERE or on the image below.