CROKES MEN TO THE FORE AS RACE FOR SAM HOTS UP

For many GAA enthusiasts, last weekend marked the real start of the Football Championship.  The room for manoeuvre is getting tighter all the time as teams get dumped out of the Qualifiers while the “heavyweights” get on with things.  A notable feature of this year’s games has been the fabulous goals and wonderful saves in so many of the games.  This seems to be a welcome new trend where forwards are encouraged to have a blast and many have the requisite skills to match.  Likewise, the much lauded Derry approach against Armagh, featuring direct football and clinical finishing, reminds us of a game we thought we had lost forever; long may this trend last. 

It’s great to see several Kilmacud Crokes members playing prominent roles in the championships, continuing a great tradition of contributing beyond the immediate club environs.  Last weekend featured active contributions from Brian Kavanagh (Longford), Brian McGrath (Wicklow), Adrian Morrissey (Wexford) and particularly strong performances from both Kevin Nolan and Rory O’Carroll for Dublin.  Off the pitch (mostly!), Tomás Ó’Flatharta (Galway Manager) and Paddy O’Donoghue (Dublin Selector) played their parts and it’s far from over yet.  As if that wasn't enough, up pops former Crokes man, Colly Flanagan, to present the MoM award on TV after Donegal disposed of Tyrone!  Well done to all concerned - keep it up lads!

Click on the image below to get a flavour of O’Donoghue’s thoughts on the GAA world (as published in our All Ireland Sevens programme last year).  Paddy won an All Irl Club medal with Crokes in 1995 and has served in various committee and coaching capacities over the years, a wonderful clubman!