Match Reports 2013 - Juvenile

U15 A Championship : October 6th 

Kilmacud Crokes 3-6 V Clontarf 1-17

U15 v Clontarf C'ship 6/10/13

Under 13 Football Division 1  

Saturday Oct 19th Venue Deerpark   Report by Donal Smith

Kilmacud Crokes 10 - 08  Ballyboden St Endas  3 - 08

U15 V Fingallians

Sunday Sept 22nd 2013 

Kilmacud Crokes 2-13  Fingallians 4-9

U 15 v Fingallians 22/9/13  Click on the above image for more pictures from S. Dagg

 

U15 League Division 1

Sunday Sept 8th 2013 Venue Silverpark Report by Joe O'Brien

Click on the image to view more pictures from S. Dagg

Kilmacud Crokes 3-4   Clontarf 4-12 

Sunday 8th September saw the opening of the U15 football championships and Silver Park was the stage for a mouth watering division one tie between crokes and the impressive Clontarf.
The first half opened with Clontarf showing clear intentions on playing a fast physical passing game and early signs were that a lot of work has been put in on the training pitch. For all Clontarf's posession in the opening exchanges, they seemed to have difficulty disecting the posts and this was one area of play where crokes were superior. The home side lead for all of the first half, at one stage even opening up an eight point gap thanks to efficient scoring across the front line. The score of the half, or the match for that matter came mid way throught the first half when the impressive Ronan Hayes rose above a defence struggling to contain his industrious input and fielded beautifully, then landing and turning in one swift act, crashed the ball past the flailing Clontarf keeper. While Crokes undoubtedly struggled for pace and physicality, such scoring brought the home side to the interval with a two point lead. Though to be fair, the Northside outfit probably felt unlucky not to be taking their refreshments with a comfortable lead, and but for some errant shooting and some classy work from Murray between the sticks, the scoreboard may have sang a different tune.
Second half, a different story. The Clontarf half-time chat must have been colourful. They showed early second half dominance in every area of the pitch. Their play was pacey and selfless, and confidence grew visibly. Searing runs from deep in defence right through mid field began to pay heavy dividends and try as they might Crokes struggled for answers.
Make no mistake there were honest contributions throughout the Crokes team, none more so than from Dunbar, O'Reilly and Hayes, but alas this was a day when Crokes didn't find their A game and the well oiled 'tarf were worth every point of their lead, punishing mercilessly any flaws in the Crokes game.
On another day Crokes definitely ran these 'tarf boys to a much more balanced encounter, but for now we must admire the utter quality of their game and wish them all the best in the rest of the championships. 

U15 League Division 1 

Sunday July 7th 2013 Venue Silverpark Report by Joe O'Brien

Kilmacud Crokes 1-6  Thomas Davis 1-11 

With a half dozen players unavailable for selection any division one fixture is going to prove a mammoth task,and Thomas Davis arrived fully prepared to probe for any signs of weakness.
Foremost on their minds no doubt,was the fact that we gave them something of a schooling in their own backyard earlier in the season.
Having spoken with some of their coaching personnel,i was left in no doubt that they felt they had a score to settle.
Right from the first whistle they seemed to vie for every ball with the intent of a hungry bear.Their passing was crisp and their movement off the ball was at all times measured and efficient.Most untypically Crokes just couldn't seem to find the pace of the game.For some reason the accuracy of the pass and the seamless interlinking between backs and the front men,which we have come to expect from this talented outfit,proved elusive and when the interval came,Davis were well worth their 0-8 to 0-2 advantage.
At the half time huddle, faces wore frustrated frowns and puzzled gazes as the coaching staff searched desparately in their armoury for an answer to the Davis onslaught.
Inevitably the ref called the sides together again.Immediately the Davis boys showed that they had no intention of allowing any chance of a Crokes recovery.Every breaking ball seemed to gravitate to a Davis hand,they appeared quicker and more assured and quite visibly their confidence swelled as they began to sense that they were about to have their day.
In fairness to Crokes,they never let up in their attempts to close the gap,and but for three or four attempts that fell just shy of the target maybe the outcome would have changed.A converted penalty brought the gap back to three points and just for a minute it seemed that the lads would pull off an escape similar to the one in the Dublin feile final,but alas as we say in sport,"it was just one of those days."
From the ensuing kick out Davis went straight down the pitch and registered a score that put the result beyond doubt.The final score showed the Tallaght outfit to be five points the better,and truth be told,on the day,they were well worthy of the victory.
Crokes for their part,can draw consolation from the fact that at this point in the season,our first in division one,only two teams have got the better of us.Every sport provides it's peaks and troughs,it matters not whether you're Djokovich,Cooper or Crokes but soon enough form will return,and annoying wides will be replaced by plentiful points and normal service will resume."Sooner the better" I say.

U15 League Division 1 

Sunday June 30th 2013  Venue: Martin Savage Park   Photos: Frances Mullin

Kilmacud Crokes 4-7  v St. Oliver Plunketts  1-9

Click on the above picture for more photographs

  

 

U16 League Division 1

Thursday June 20th 2013              Venue Popintree Park Report by Enda Kelly 

Kilmacud Crokes U16A 2-16 Ballymun Kickhams U16 1-13

This match was a great advertisement for Gaelic football. It was nip and tuck for the duration with Crokes behind for just a brief period at the beginning of the second half and winning by 6 points at the end of the game. A truer reflection of the balance of the game would perhaps be a 2 or 3 point win for Crokes but, in truth, Crokes would have been thrilled to win by just 1 score. From what can be ascertained, the last time Kickhams lost a game Bertie was Taoiseach and the Celtic Tiger still roamed the land. They are a superb team and play a very attractive brand of football. This Crokes team has reached that same level now - the challenge is to maintain that consistency of performance and indeed strive to get better again.
From the start of the match, you could sense that Crokes were going to put in a big performance. Playing on a small pitch and playing with the slope, Crokes got the first two scores, a point from Joe, who had a great first half and wasn't half-bad in the second half either, and a point from a free from Michael. It was point for point after that until half-time. The quality of play from both sides was of the highest order. Half of the scores Mun got in the first half were from frees, the only slightly disappointing aspect of Crokes game. The score at the short whistle was 8 point for Crokes to Ballymun's 6. On the basis of the performance to that point, Crokes were confident at half time but facing the might of Mun in the second half with just a 2 point advantage and the slope to come, our lads certainly weren't taking anything for granted.
If Crokes began the first half impressively, they began the second even more so. Callum, Tom and Fiachra, with a wonder score, had 3 points on the board within the first 3 minutes. Then came the Ballymun purple patch. They scored 1-3 in 8 minutes to take the lead for the first time before Conor got a fine point to equalise for Crokes in the 13th minute of the half. Crokes were responding. Ballymun got the next one before Crokes, through the galloping Fergal, levelled and then Michael fired over a free to put Crokes into the lead again , a lead they would not lose again.
Callum scored an absolute peach of a goal at this point with the defining score of the game. He won the ball in the air, cut in from the left and unleashed a shot to the back of the net that you wouldn't see the like of in Croke Park. Against a normal team at this juncture you would have said game over but Ballymun are not an ordinary team. Harry Kelly was harshly sent to the line for a second bookable offence but the Kilmacud just lads redoubled their efforts for their friend. Tom came out into the middle and won an ocean of possession which he used to great effect. Michael was very effective in this period also having his best game for some time.
Mun had their big midfielder sent off with 5 minutes to go and with Crokes leading by 2 points. It was looking very difficult for the championship winners at that stage. However being the champions they are they never gave up. With the game going into injury time there was just a goal in it and the Mun were pressing. There was another goal in the game but it went to the irrepressible Joe Doyle to leave Crokes the winners by 6 points in total what was a really good game of football for the neutral, not that there was too many of them around.
The atmosphere at the end was a little strange. Crokes celebration was muted. It wasn't clear whether that was down to the huge surprise that had just enfolded or just exhaustion at the end of an energy sapping match.
Someone asked who had played well on the Crokes team when we hit the southside later last Thursday night. In absolute truth, it would be impossible to single anyone out for special mention. Every player and sub played to their very best. Some even reached levels never seen before. It is difficult to envisage a situation where Crokes could play as well again but that must be the target.
Crokes have 2 matches beginning tomorrow night against Cuala ( in Shanganagh, Tuesday 25th at 7.30 - please support ) with the second v Raheny on Thursday. A clear gap has emerged between Ballymun and Crokes, first and second respectively in the league, and the following pack. It is important that this gap is maintained and perhaps widened this week to leave a good gap between second and third for the resumption of the league in August.
A final point must be made about the referee. You can always quibble about how a ref performs but in this game the man in the middle was fair, authoritative and contributed very much to an excellent game.

Kilmacud Crokes - Oisin Doherty, Stevie O'Dwyer, Eoin Sheehy, Lorcan Cunningham, Fergal Whitley, Sam Daly, Harry Kelly, Conor Kelly, Michael Frawley, Andrew Fox, Fiachra O'Connor, Dan O'Brien, Callum Pearson, Tom Fox, Joe Doyle, Stiofan O'Cassaide, Nathan Nolan, Mattie Hogan

U15 League Division 5 

Saturday May 25th 2013  Venue Silverpark Report by Matt Cahill

Scoil Uí­ Chonaill 5-8 to Kilmacud Crokes B 2-4 

 SCOIL SET US A TOUGH TEST

Despite a sluggish start we played enough good football early on to have built up a decent half-time lead. Cian Moriarty at left half back had a mighty game. His fielding and general play were excellent. One surge forward after starting a counter-attack ended up with a goal. Cian's low-drive was never going anywhere but the bottom corner. Great determination shown here. Full back Dermot English continues on an upward curve. Right-corner back Tom Cordial impressed with an important interception and classic catch over the head.

Right-half forward Cal Kavanagh looked lively - he tucked away his penalty with great assurance. Michael Lyndsey's pace at corner forward unsettled Scoil's defence any time we got the ball that far up the pitch. In another committed performance, mid-fielder Rory Fitzpatrick scored a fine point from close range. Another highlight was a brave block by Rory. After falling four points down very early we clawed our way back to parity. Some unforced errors undid all the good work but there was no lack of effort which was very encouraging to see.

Half-time:- Scoil Uí­ Chonaill 2-2 Kilmacud Crokes 2-1.

Scoil upped their game in the second half and immedietly we were under the cosh. Fergal McGinley in goals "stood tall" in the face of the onslaught and could not be faulted for anything that went last him. Our attacks dried up for a while as Scoil "made hay" and then Daithi Sultan sprung into life and was unlucky not score on a few occasions. Likewise sub Luke Nestor's smart shot whistled by the post. Half-forward Conor scored our last point with a neat finish. Another shot struck the crossbar. When your luck is out, its out. Scoil ran out convincing winners in the end but our late rebellion augers well for other days.

Playing on or managing the second team can be a difficult task. It is important to never let results or below par performances get you down. Patience is required and you have to emphasise the positive. Always there are bright moments which give hope for the future. So it was with this game. Once again we were up against the one and only team of a club. Several of their players would be on our A team. Some of our players showed potential to be excellent players given time. There is no rush after all. Beidh lá eile an bPaorach!

U15A Kilmacud Crokes 3-6 v St. Brigids 1-16

Silverpark - Sunday May 26th

Click on the above picture for more photos from the match (S.Dagg & F. Mullin)

 

Dublin U16 Championship Final 

Click on the above image for more photos from game - thanks to Steven Dagg.

Saturday 25th May 2013 Venue: Parnell Park Report by Enda Kelly

Ballymun Kickhams 0 - 14 Kilmacud Crokes 0 - 6

With 10 minutes gone in the second half of this tightly contested, absorbing championship final in Parnell Park, Crokes were just 3 points behind and on a roll. All the momentum was with the young southsiders. In what was probably the key moment of the game, an absolutely outstanding full length save from the Mun goalkeeper prevented what seemed a sure goal for Crokes. The ball was eventually cleared. Mun worked their way to the far end of the field and scored a point to leave four between the teams. Thereafter they found their composure again and got the next 4 scores to win eventually by 8 points.

The last time these teams met in competitive action, the gap between them was 24 points. So the gap is closing and an eight point differential possibly slightly flattered the Ballymun team but Crokes went as close as any team in Ireland to beating them in the last few years. It has to be acknowledged that Kickhams are truly an exceptional team and it is unfortunate in some ways that they must be beaten for this fine Crokes team to win anything, but such is life. Crokes had won 10 games in succession before Saturday so despite the size of the challenge that Mun represent, the journey to the Northside was not without hope.

Crokes had a few opportunities in the opening minutes to score but the first 2 scores went to Kickhams from close in frees. Crokes first score came from a Michael Frawley free in the 9th minute. Whether it was stage fright in the team's first outing in Parnell Park or just the quality of the opposition, who were a few levels ahead of what Crokes had faced in their previous games, Crokes weren't to score again until the 27th minute when Conor Kelly scored from play. By this time, the opposition had 7 on the scoreboard and were dominating physically around the centre of the field. Crokes turned over the ball cheaply on occasion but the effort from the Kilmacud boys couldn't be questioned and even though they were 5 points down at half time all hope wasn't yet lost.

Whatever was said at halftime galvinised the Crokes lads and they came out in the second half with a renewed and increased vigour and intensity. They were like a different team. A free converted by Michael in the seventh minute followed by points from play by Joe and Tom had everyone believing that a win could be achieved. Then came the great save referred to earlier. Mun seemed to up a gear thereafter and after Conor's second score in the 10th minute of the second half Crokes didn't score again and Ballymun went on to win by eight points in the end.

Taking the game into account overall, Mun were well deserving of their win. They are a superb team who look to be getting stronger with every season. A winning margin of eight points didn't flatter them unduly. Having stated that, the Crokes lads can be very proud of their contribution on the day. In terms of effort and resilience they couldn't be faulted. Technically they have some distance to go before matching Ballymun but who is to say that with dedication and preparation over time that the bridge can't be crossed. From a physical perspective, particularly around the middle of the field in the first half, Crokes played second fiddle and this will need to be addressed over time. It should be reiterated that there is no shame in losing to this Ballymun team.

Crokes U16s have improved immeasurably in the last few months. Everyone who togged out for Crokes on the day gave of their very best and there were some outstanding displays from the lads, notably Harry Kelly and Stevie O'Dwyer. It is to the great credit of the Crokes backline, including Oisin, that Ballymun didn't raise a green flag on the day. There aren't many occasions when that happens. The team was admirably lead by Sam Daly who, especially in the second half, was simply inspirational.

Its back to league action from the middle of June with the first match, believe it or not, against Ballymun Kickhams away. After that there are two more league matches in June and then a break for July. Crokes' aim for the rest of the season must be to build on the progress made to date and to achieve second place in the league at the end of the season.

Kilmacud Crokes : Oisin Doherty, Stevie O'Dwyer, Eoin Sheehy, Lorcan Cunningham, Fergal Whitley, Sam Daly, Harry Kelly Conor Kelly, Ben Shovlin, Michael Frawley, Tom Fox, Dan O'Brien, , Callum Pearson, Joe Doyle, Andrew Fox, Stephen McEntee, Stiofan O'Cassaide, John Maher, Nathan Nolan, Stephen Kilgallen, Brian Carr, Niall Murray

 

Under 15 league Division 5

Tuesday 7th May 2013   Venue Silver Park  Report by Matt Cahill

Ballyboden B 6-8 Kilmacud Crokes 5-7.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT Silver Park and the evening was throwing us the merest hint of summer's promise. Once upon a time, the mists of time now, "fadó, fadó" , we were out there kicking football ourselves. Nothing beats playing but seeing our own children keeping the tradition going is compensation enough.

This was a performance to gladden the heart forged as it was in the teeth of adversity. Murphy's Law operated straightaway. We found it hard to get out of first gear as Ballyboden went into overdrive - and pronto. Their early blitzkrieg stunned us - three goals and a point to nil very early doors. Our heads were scratched, this was not in the script at all, at all! Admittedly two of the goals were just plain unlucky ones to concede. We were under siege from a cohesive team full of running, excellent passing and with a fondness for going for goal which in a way helped us and cost them a "rake" of points.

Our early highlights were all defensive. It was " backs-to-the-wall" time. Whole-hearted centre-back Conal Keane performed bravely throughout - one by now trademark block by Conal lifted us. Michael O'Connor's pace at cornerback saw him intercept time and again. Jack Byrne fought for everything at left corner-back as usual and launched countless counter-attacks with customary dash. In the middle of a great last line of resistance full back Dermot English was a tower of strength. This trio gave the term "last ditch defence" a whole new meaning. Another bright moment was when mid-fielder Richard Barnwell arrived out of nowhere to steal a ball which thwarted yet another promising Ballyboden attack.

It seemed to take forever for Crokes to gain a foothold at the race course end. Eventually full-forward Matthew Cahill gathered well and turned quickly to score the first point of a good evening's personal haul. Energetic right-half forward Daithí­ Sultan made it three with a "cuilí­n an-dheas" from an acute angle. Willow-o-the- wisp Colm O' Shea at top-of-the-right was threatening for a while before gathering and turning in one movement and he placed the ball low into the bottom corner - a real citeog's goal reminiscent of Robin Van Persie. Iontach are fad! Kieran Horan made great runs into space at left corner-forward and laid off cleverly to team mates.

Gradually as we competed better in every sector we gave as good as we got. Mid-fielders Rory Fitzpatrick and Richard Barnwell started infuencing affairs. Callum Raftery at left half-forward foraged well and hit some useful passes. We were making inroads. The earlier the ball went into the inside line the more dangerous we looked. So by half time by " digging in" we had limited the damage to only a seven point deficit.

Half time score Ballyboden 3-4 to Crokes 1-3.

Water and encouraging words from management at the interval sent thelads out in determined mood even if Mrs Sultan and Mrs Raftery lamented the absence of oranges. Managers can never get it right! It was a case of "tús maith leath na h-oibre" in the second act. Another sniping run by corner-forward Colm O'Shea ended up with a great shot which thundered off the cross-bar. Matthew Cahill was on to the rebound in a flash and slotted a neat goal - RVP arí­s!. We were in business! David O' Farrell, released from goal-keeping duties, landed two delicious points from difficult angles on the left to cap a combative performance. In an exciting period scores were swopped several times, point for point, goal for goal. Michael Lyndsey made a big impact as super sub, threatened continuously and capped it all
with a fine goal.

Oscar " Ozzie" O' Farrell had really upped his game and was winning priceless possession and driving us forward. The deliveries were bang on. Added to that his superbly flighted 45 caused havoc and ended in a penalty which Oscar slotted home with admirable coolness. " Take it out of that!" His namesake Ozzie Ardilles would have been proud of the strike. There was more to come as he chalked up another goal minutes later. The scores were level - the game was truly on. What a comeback! Still the chances came but we could not land the knock-out punch. Inevitably Ballyboden broke out and landed the game-breaking goal against the run of play. It was a cruel twist in the tale of a remarkable come-back story.

While our scoring flourishes were eye-catching, the basis for the comeback was the honest effort from goalkeeper out. Callum Raftery took over the keeping duties in the second half and was soundness personified and his judicious kick outs found a Crokes shirt nearly every time- just like Stephen Cluxton does for Dublin. Half back Tom Cordial was as consistent as ever and courageous to a fault. Tom drove forward at every opportunity from the off. Another super sub Fergal McGinley at right-half back kept his immediate opponent under wraps with a diligent performance. On the "forty" ( Centre-forward) Cian Moriarty played a great team game in doing his main job well but also helping out way beyond his position.

Also putting massive shifts when the going got tough were the mid-field pairing of Richard Barnwell and Rory Fitzpatrick who never let up over an exhausting hour. This was particularly true in the second half up the hill. One highlight was Rory's chase back fifty yards to snaffle a ball which prevented a certain score. Unglamorous graft like that is vital to any team. Luke Nestor came on in the second half and added threat to the inside line.

This game showed that we have youngsters made of the right stuff. So much went wrong but character and perseverance brought them right back into the game. Who knows how far they will go with encouragement and as skills improve over time? It was a miss-match considering the height and heft advantage Ballyboden had but in the end the lads made light of the size differential and showed immense character and if anything were superior in the skills department.

We were lucky to see an excellent game between two very commited teams. There were some great moments which these lads can remember and build on for the future. A loss will be recorded in the ledger but this was, to use the cliche, a moral victory and a dramatic, gutsy and flairful performance by our team.

 

Crokes scores:- M. Cahill 1- 4, O. O' Farrell 2-0, C. O' Shea 1-0,
M.Lyndsey, 1-0 D. O' Farrell 0-2, D. Sultan 0-1.

Matt Cahill
Bealtaine 2013

U16 Division 1

Saturday 18th May Venue Silverpark  Report by Enda Kelly

Kilmacud Crokes 6 - 17 St. Annes 0 - 2

Crokes played their last match before the Championship Final last Saturday against a St. Annes team that had acquitted themselves very well in their first season in Division 1 of the League thus far. They were, however, without their talismanic midfielder due to other commitments and needed a good start if they were to put it up to a Kilmacud Crokes team at the top of its form. They didn't get that start while Crokes started at a rate of knots and, after a wasteful first few minutes in front of goal, the scores started to come and come for the Kilmacud lads. Crokes scored an incredible 5 -7 in the first half and the unfortunate Annes boys couldn't cope.

In the second half, things just went from bad to worse for the Tallaght team although they managed to get 2 points on the scoreboard. Their frustration boiled over and as the referee applied the laws to the letter. Crokes scored just 1 goal in the second period but also nabbed 10 points to leave the final score as shown.

Again there were good displays all over the field from the Crokes lads. Oisin made one great save when called upon and was coolness personified in everything else he did. Stevie continues to display radar-like anticipation in all he does and Eoin bossed the key battleground at the edge of the square and beyond. Stephen and Lorcan shared the shift in the other corner and there isn't much to choose between both players. The half back line of Fergal, Sam and Harry were their usual competent selves in relation to their basic duties of defending and showed loads of football when opportunities to attack presented themselves. Again the Crokes midfield of Ben and Conor excelled showing their football skills and athleticism in equal measure.

For a forward line to score 6 - 17 in one match is a complement to it's attacking prowess. Crokes had 9 scorers in total with Nathan contributing a goal from the bench and all six forwards and the 2 midfielders contributing. Under 15 goalkeeper Niall Murray made an untroubled debut in place of Oisin for the last few minutes. So another successful outing for Crokes U16 footballers - but there are more difficult challenges ahead.

Kilmacud Crokes Team: Oisin Doherty, Stevie O'Dwyer, Eoin Sheehy, Lorcan Cunningham, Fergal Whitley, Sam Daly, Harry Kelly,  Conor Kelly, Ben Shovlin, Michael Frawley, Tom Fox, Dan O'Brien, Callum Pearson, Joe Doyle, Andrew Fox, Stephen McEntee, Stiofan O'Cassaide, Nathan Nolan, Brian Carr, Niall Murray.  

U16 Division 1

Tuesday 14th May 2013  Venue Silverpark  Report by Enda Kelly

Kilmacud Crokes 5 - 7 Na Fianna 0 - 8

This match was played on a dry Tuesday evening in Silverpark and was the first time these old rivals had met in 2013. Crokes had the first two scores on the board from Michael and Callum before Na Fianna got their first from a pointed free in the ninth minute. However Crokes were the stronger team throughout the half with everyone playing at the top of their game and scored 3 goals in a purple patch from the 21st to the 29th minute effectively making the prospects of a Na Fianna comeback in the second half a remote one. The flying Joe Doyle got two of the three goals in his best game since his return to the team with the first one going to the irrepressible Callum.

However, Na Fianna were not to lie down and started the second half with a renewed determination. Another goal from Callum following a great team movement along the length of the pitch and a point from Michael just two minutes later put a halt to their march. They did score 4 points in succession from frees thereafter but couldn't get the goals that might have allowed them to mount a serious challenge. Crokes defence was strong throughout and Oisin didn't have a really difficult save to make. Crokes dominated at midfield through Ben and Conor and the game petered out after Callum's second goal in the 13th minute.

Kilmacud Crokes Team
Oisin Doherty, Stevie O'Dwyer, Eoin Sheehy, Lorcan Cunningham, Fergal Whitley, Sam Daly, Harry Kelly,  Conor Kelly, Ben Shovlin, Michael Frawley, Tom Fox, Dan O'Brien, Callum Pearson, Joe Doyle, Andrew Fox, Stephen McEntee, Stiofan O'Cassaide, Michael Reidy, John Maher, Nathan Nolan, Brian Carr. 

U13 Football Division 4

Tuesday 14th May 2013   Venue Deerpark        Report by Eamonn O'Flynn

Kilmacud Crokes B 11-8 Naomh Barrog A 4-9

On a sunny Tuesday evening in Deerpark the U13 B footballers recorded a great win over Naomh Barrog. The Visitors came out of the blocks very quickly and the Kilmacud boys struggled to contain them in the 1st 15 minutes where the visitors scored 3-2. Our boys scored 2 goals from Niall and Brian on the break during the same period.

During the second period in the 1st half the boys started to get on top in midfield and our marking greatly improved which restricted their opportunities. We scored 2-4 in that period with two goals from Eoin Vs 1-1 from the visitors. Half time 4-4 to 3-4.

The second half was excellent from the home team with tight marking and teamwork from the full back line up to the full forward line. The boys scored 7-4 to 1-5 in the 2nd half with goals from Eoin (2), Tim (2), Liam and Tiarnan. Everyone played their part in a true team performance. Well done. 

U15A League Division 1:

">Tuesday 7th May 2013     Venue St. Anne's Park     Reporter Joe O'Brien

Kilmacud Crokes 5-19 Naomh Barróg 3-06

Click on the image for more photos

It seems unjust that a teams own guile and ability should act as a banana skin and contribute to their undoing, but when ten points separated Crokes and Barrog after only eleven minutes of play it seemed like Crokes biggest challenge would be to remain focused on the job with so much of the game still ahead of them.
An explosion of early points splattered the scoreboard from so many directions that it was a task to keep accurate count or to name the scorers.The dynamic Hayes galloped like Gallileo all over the defence and pointed with impunity from varying angles.He wasn't the sole source of Barrog's torment,as earlyscores were also credited to the busy Ryan Donnelly,and Adam Kelly and the stylish Brian Carr chipped in with attempts of their own.
Barrog attacks in the first half were like the white tailed eagles of County Kerry,they were harmless enough,and there were only three of them!Eleven minutes stole past on the clock before they registered their first score,and the umpire had to be woken up to raise his flag in acknowledgement.Crokes defence,though seldom troubled,was always super organised with Mikey,Eoghan,David Dagg and Paul Leonard dominating in the air and on the ground.A brief inspection of this tidy defence would show that they don't merely have positions,they have territories where trespassers are swiftly dispersed.
On 22 minutes Matt Barry joined the fray and waves of attacks continued until the interval when the exhausted scoreboard left no doubt regarding the superior outfit. 3-12 to 0-4 were the details.
The second half saw a resumption in proceedings as Barry eliminated any hope of their recovery when he rifled home from close range to record a fourth goal.
Numerous attacks continued, Michael Roche got busy finding varying angles of passing , Carsey, Donnelly and Hayes all continued their impressive displays.
On 35 minutes Jim Gibbons announced his arrival with the most assured fielding to quash Barrogs front men. One minute later a laser accurate pass from Cian Ryan found Donnelly who cheekily popped it over from a close but narrow angle. Similar passing excellence from Sean Conroy positioned Barry to rattle the net again on 38 minutes. In midfield meanwhile, Nolan and O'Brien maintained control and distributed impressively. In the closing stages, it might be said that Crokes eased off a little, and Barrog netted twice in quick succcession but this late flurry was never nearly enough to alter matters. In boxing terms, it should have been stopped in the first round. When the final whistle came the score-keeper replaced the batteries in his calculator and confirmed that the score was 5-19 to 3-06  

Dublin Féile Kilmacud Crokes C  

Match reports and Photos Click here

 

U16A Championship Semi-Final

U16 v St Brigids C'Ship May 4th 2013 U16 v St. Brigids (2) Click on the above images for more photos submitted by Michael Reidy

Saturday 4th May 2013 Venue Silverpark        Reporter Enda Kelly

Kilmacud Crokes 1-8 v St Brigids 0-6

Great Day out in Silverpark

Crokes under 16 footballers won this championship semi-final by 5 points last Saturday on a beautiful afternoon before a very decent crowd in Silverpark. It was a difficult game to predict for a few reasons with the teams never having met previously in either league or cup.
Brigids used a number of players from their 2012 All Ireland Feile winning team as well as the best of their regular U16s and this contributed to the uncertainty around the outcome. They had beaten the highly regarded Na Fianna on their way to the semi also. From a Crokes perspective, the concentration pre-match was on our own performance, not the opposition's and the feeling was that if that could be 'got-right' then everything else would look after itself.
Crokes started with the slope and the breeze in their favour but it was Brigids that scored first in the 7th minute. However, it was to be their only score of the half. Crokes pressed relentlessly and Brigids were forced to foul the flying Kilmacud forwards whose movement was exceptional particularly in the full forward line where Tom and Callum worked together very well. Michael Frawley was exceptional in his freetaking throughout and scored four in the first half and another in the second. In addition the rampaging half-back Fergal clipped over a beauty to leave the half time score at 5 to 1 in favour of Crokes.
The start of the second half was to be the critical part of the game. A good start for Brigids and everything was up for grabs again. As things transpired, it was Crokes that got the first score of the second period. Another end to end move resulted in Joe being fouled in the square with a penalty awarded to the home team. It was clinically despatched by Callum. The gap was now 7 and Brigids never got closer than 4 thereafter. They had their purple period with 3 points between the 21st and 27th minute but Tom had pointed in the 9 minute also and a great point by the galloping midfielder Conor, who came to life in the second half after a quite opening period, kept a critical distance between the teams.
This was a superb display by the boys from Crokes. The best a management group can get to hope from a team is that they perform on the day and do themselves justice. To a man this Crokes team excelled. From the cool and ever-reliable Oisin in goals to Andy in the full forward line everyone played at the top of their game. The full back line of Lorcan, Eoin and Stevie were absolutely solid throughout and didn't even concede one goal scoring chance to the opposition. Sam, the captain at centre back, was his usual bundle of energy in the pivotal centre half back role and Harry had his best game of the championship to date. Special mention should be made of the outstanding Ben Shovlin in midfield. Last but not least Dan, like Conor, had a quiet first half but burst into life at the start of the second and was hugely influential thereafter.
Brigids were competitive throughout and even though Crokes were on top they could never relax and didn't ever get out of sight. Crokes are in the final now and playing possibly the most outstanding underage team of the last few years in Dublin, Ballymun Kickhams. However this is an improving Crokes team who ran the Mun to 5 points in last year's under 15 championship. The final is a huge challenge for the Kilmacud boys who so far have not been found wanting.

Kilmacud Crokes - Oisin Doherty, Stevie O'Dwyer, Eoin Sheehy, Lorcan Cunningham, Fergal Whitley, Sam Daly, Harry Kelly Conor Kelly, Ben Shovlin, Michael Frawley, Tom Fox, Dan O'Brien, , Callum Pearson, Joe Doyle, Andrew Fox, Stephen McEntee, Stiofan O'Cassaide, Michael Reidy, John Maher, Nathan Nolan, Brian Carr
 

U15A League Division 1:

Sunday 28th April 2013           Venue Silverpark 

Kilmacud Crokes  0-13 v Clontarf 2-7

Click on the photo for more pictures from the game

U15A V Clontarf 28th April

 

U16A Championship Quarter Final

Saturday 27th April 2013      Venue Silverpark         Reporter Enda Kelly

Kilmacud Crokes 3 10 Castleknock 2 4

The U16 Championship Quarter Final in Silverpark last Saturday between Crokes and Castleknock again showed the potential of the current crop of players from Kilmacud. Crokes were up against the best team from Division 2 of the League, a team undefeated in league football this season, and a team eager to continue their progress in an upward direction.

Crokes dominated possession at the start of the game although their first 4 attempts on goal yielded just one point with 3 wides ensuing also. Nevertheless, the Crokes tactic of driving the ball quickly into a 2 man full forward line was working well. The opposition were never given an opportunity to settle into the game and, once the Crokes team found their range, scores started to mount up. Some of these scores were of top quality and after the opening period Crokes had just one more wide in the half and another 1 -8 on the scoreboard. Castleknock began to come into the game as the half progressed but they had left themselves an uphill task. The score at half time was Kilmacud Crokes 1 - 9, Castleknock 0 - 4.

The Kilmacud focus waned somewhat in the second half. The early ball tactic was largely abandoned and the ball seemed to take longer and longer to get to the danger area. Castleknock, to their credit, never gave up and began to force the issue somewhat. However, the base that Crokes had built in the first half stood to them and Castleknock didn't get closer than 5 points at any stage. They scored two goals but Crokes replied with one of their own immediately afterwards on each occasion.

There were 7 scorers in all on the Crokes team with all 6 forwards contributing. This is always a good sign. Callum again top-scored. In the defence the full-back line was superb, particularly in the first half, with Stevie O'Dwyer absolutely outstanding. Eoin was a pillar of strength at full-back also. The halfback line was solid throughout with Harry Kelly showing a clean pair of heels to the opposition on more than one occasion. Midfield worked very hard for the hour with both Ben and Conor dominating their immediate opponents.

Crokes are due to play the semi-final, next Saturday at 3.30 in Silver Park, against St. Brigids - to be confirmed. All support is very welcome.

Kilmacud Crokes - Oisin Doherty, Stevie O'Dwyer, Eoin Sheehy, Lorcan Cunningham, Fergal Whitley, Sam Daly, Harry Kelly Conor Kelly, Ben Shovlin, Michael Frawley, Tom Fox, Dan O'Brien, , Callum Pearson, Joe Doyle, Andrew Fox, Stephen McEntee, Stiofan O'Cassaide, Michael Reidy, John Maher, Nathan Nolan, Brian Carr
 

U13B FL DIVISION 4

Saturday 27th April 2013 Venue Glenaulin Park  Reporter Eamonn O'Flynn

Kilmacud Crokes B 2-02   St. Patrick's (P) 8-05 

Saturday saw us in Glenaulin Park to take on St. Patricks.
That was one very large pitch - Tommy said he was exhausted just looking at it!
We had a solid start, and Jack - still a relative newcomer to GAA was playing a blinder in mid-field.
We slipped behind by a few scores when Conor opened our account with a great free kick following a fine move by Owen Shearer.
We came under a lot of pressure from Pats again before half time, and they hit the woodwork twice in 2 minutes.
Crokes came out fighting after half-time, competing for everything and dominating the early minutes with a great goal from play.
Pats came back to score two goals, but we fought back with a fine shot from Cian that was saved on the line, and a long-range point from Ciarán.
A highlight was Owen burying a late goal in the top of the net after a fine first save by the St. Pats keeper.
A tough day at Pats, but some good moments to take away, and build on for the next game.

U13 League Division 1

Saturday 13th April 2013     Venue Nutgrove     Reporter : Donal Smith

Kilmacud Crokes 3-10 Ballinteer St Johns 0-08

Kilmacud Crokes Under 13A Footballers got off to a flying start in their opening Division 1 clash against a talented and physically strong Ballinteer St Johns side on a wet and windy day at Nutgrove.

Despite playing with wind advantage in the first half the Kilmacud boys had to endure sustained pressure from Ballinteer for the first ten minutes of this game. Thanks to a combative and dogged Crokes defence Ballinteer couldn't make their early possession count. The full back line of Cormac Keys, Tom Fagan and James Kos were repeatedly tested and stood firm. Our stand in goalkeeper Tom Stakelum was alert and dealt with all challenges with the calm assurance we have come to expect of him. They were given great cover in front by a determined and tenacious half back line of Rory Smith, Colin Veale and Eddie Gibbons with our midfielders and half forwards also coming back to help out. Notably corner back Cormac Keys bravely flung himself to block a goalbound shot close in and hard working half back Rory Smith covered back to clear off the Crokes goaline preventing a near certain goal.

At last Kilmacud broke free down the field and a nice passing movement put Anthony Quinn in on goal. He cooly drilled a powerful shot to the net. This was a goal of quality against the run of play.

Ballinteer responded with a point but surprisingly this turned out to be their only score of the first half. The Kilmacud boys began to take control of proceedings and put some slick passing moves together. Our midfielders Sean Kinsella and Niall Comerford began to come into their own and were aided admirably by centre forward Fionn O Ceallaigh who played a roaming role which helped steady the ship .

The strong Crokes defence was also evident in the work rate of our forwards with a special mention going to Dermot Jordan who broke up numerous Ballinteer attacks at source.

The Kilmacud boys got into the groove and started to pick off their scores with five well taken points from Peter Norlin , Fionn O Ceallaigh ( 0-3 ) and Daniel Kelly. The halftime score of Kilmacud 1:5 ballinteer 0:1 was well deserved and the margin could have been even wider.

However the second half was to be played by Crokes uphill and against the wind . There was a live concern that this potent Ballinteer side, who had been unbeaten in their Division 1 Qualifier group, would launch a fightback with the wind at their back. Team Mentors Barry Kelly and Fergal Keys didn't want any negative thoughts polluting their young charges minds and invited some parents (including this reporter) to hold their discussions elsewhere.

The Crokes boys started well with a quick pointed free from Daniel Kelly but were then pinned back and had to endure a Ballinteer onslaught. But once again the Crokes backs held their lines . James Kos Tom Fagan and Cormac Keys guarded the Crokes goal jealously and our half backs maintained relentless pressure on the forwards denying them time and space with some notable fielding from Colin Veale .

Ballinteer notched up four consecutive points without reply during this period but then Kilmacud broke up field working the ball cleverly into the irrepressible Padraig Purcell who calmly fired in a second goal for Crokes. This score was a mental hammerblow for Ballinteer and a decisive moment in the game.

The Ballinteer attack tired visibly from their commendable efforts and space began to open up on the wings for Kilmacud to exploit with well worked points from Fionn O'Ceallaigh , Conor Kane and Peter Norlin. Crokes finished in style when Conor Kane played in a lovely pass to set up Peter Norlin for the third Crokes goal.

Fittingly the rain and wind had stopped and the sun came out as the referee called time on a truly entertaining game. Well done to the Crokes boys and their mentors on a great team performance.

Great credit must go to the Ballinteer players who played in a very sporting manner with great spirit, skill and commitment and never let their heads drop at any point. They are very talented players and a credit to their club. Particular mention must be made of the Ballinteer fielding of the ball which was particularly impressive. They will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with in this league and there is certainly is a long way to go.

U14A League Division 1

Saturday 13th April 2013  Venue Glenalbyn Report submitted by Eamon Keating

Kilmacud Crokes 6-10  Sylvesters 4-11

Crokes got Their U14 league title aspirations back on track in Glenalbyn on Saturday afternoon. This was a very difficult encounter as in Sylvesters we had opponents of the highest quality. The game opened with Sylvesters making all the running and putting our defence under a lot of pressure. It was inevitable that the score board would reflect this dominance and the lads walked off at half time 6 points down after playing with the breeze.

However this bunch of lads are nothing if not resilient and set about their task in determined fashion and after 10 minutes of the second half we had the gap down to a couple of points. A couple of chances went astray and our opponents went down and got a goal of the highest quality to stretch their lead back to 5 points. For the next 10 minutes we swapped scores with the opposition until Crokes took the game by the scruff of the neck and completely dominated the final 10 minutes and ended up running out 5 point winners.

This was a 20 person performance and every one of the subs made a major contribution. In fact our subs contributed 4-02 of our total score which was remarkable.

The 2 points ensures we now lead Div 1 and we look forward to our next game versus Ballyboden at home on April 27th.

Panel: Adam McGovern, Eamon Keating, Scott Penney, Mark McClatchie, Tom Kehoe, Niall Brady, Darragh Thompson, Callum Byrne, Alan Lundon, Stephen Horgan, Paul Buckley, Hugh Kenny, Sean Gillen, Daragh Jones, Eoin Barr, Andrew Duncan, Harry Byrne, Eoin Buggy, Hugh Murray, Niall O Leary

Click on the above photo for more pictures from the game

 

U15A League Division 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday 14th April 2013  Venue:Ballyboden St Enda's. Report by Joe O'Brien

Ballyboden St Enda A 2-6  Kilmacud Crokes A 1-12

Long before any player rose on Sunday morning,the weather gods had decided that it was going to be a day for mischief.The subject for such mischief would be aspiring G.A.A. players and their quest for excellence and development of their craft.When the ref threw in the ball at 11.30 the waiting midfielders were immediately tricked as they tried to read it's flight and the ball descended a full ten metres from the centre mark.Asudden wild gust rose and swept Donal Gallagher off his feet and away from his umpiring duties.The game was delayed as a rescue team recovered him from a garden in neighboring Terenure.The game resumed.

The first score was recorded on two minutes,when Dan O'Brien posted a free from 30 metres and pointed again a minute later from play from a similar distance.Wind assisted,the Crokes front men enjoyed much of the possession allowing excellent scores from a busy Donnelly who finished expertly from his left side.On sixteen minutes Elliot converted the sweetest of scores from a 45,but the score of the half came on 24 minutes when Gallagher found himself penned in wide on the right.A swift turn onto his right allowed him to launch high towards the posts,his accuracy confirmed with the rising of the umpire's hand.
Traffic however,was not all one way as the well organised 'Boden showed that they too had clear designs on victory.Across the back,Mullin as ever marshalled any advances on his side.Just as busy were the cool-headed Ryan and Dagg and their contrbution ably assisted by timely interceptions from Jim Gibbons and the irrepessable Brian Carr.On fourteen minutes a slick Boden advance was snuffed out by Jack Keating with a timely tackle and the the most courageous of blocks.Bodens industrious surges almost paid heavy rewards when Crokes were harshly penalised yielding a penalty twenty minutes in. Confidence in Murray was justifiably high between the sticks but his genius was not called upon as the Boden forward scuffed his effort low to Murray's right. On 29 minutes having taken up numerous clever positions, Sean Conroy saw his whistling snapshot graze the outside of the upright.

A most work-man like display saw Crokes greet the half time whistle with a three point lead having admirably harnessed the wildest of elements.
The second half proved to be a different story in terms of both possession and territory.The well organised Boden mercilessly pounded our defence who found themselves under almost constant assault. Stern resistance was offered in the shape of Mullen, Dagg, Ryan and Gibbons,whose busy shift forced Boden to hurry themselves into no less than sixteen wides in the second half alone. The competent Murray in goal grew weary of the extraordinary tally of kick outs that were heaped upon him. For his part he turned in a superbly assured performance and was woefully unlucky in the 48th minute when a ball he had comfortably measured was swept from his grasp by a cruel gust and nestled in the back of his net.
On 51 minutes,Hayes, with a blinding run on the left flank closed in on goal and his superbly struck effort was denied only by the highest class of goalkeeping.The battle was at it's hottest now with Crokes reduced to sporadic counter attacks,two of which were led by mazy runs from the ultra skillful Adam Kelly.Through the middle,Boden dared to breach the resilient Nolan,whose tackle count was rising by the second.In the middle Leonard and O'Reilly started to find possession from somewhere and relieve thepressure on the now tiring defence.Second half scores were proving scarce.Two of them came from O'Brien and O'Reilly,but the move of the match brings us back to the 37th minute when Dan and Nathan linked up cleverly to release the pacey Matt Barry in an advanced position.Barry unselfishly fed Donnelly who pierced the last line of defence to crash the ball low to the 'keepers right and bulge the net.
Forty two minutes saw the introduction of Andrew Kilgallen,who twice took vital possession to press home Crokes superiority over a gallant but now tiring Boden team.Soon after the impressive Dunbar joined the fray to close out the match with Crokes on the better end of the scoreline by three points as the clock moved to injury time.When the final whistle blew,a collective sigh of relief came from the Crokes supporters who saw their side win brilliantly having been pushed every inch of the way by an excellent Ballyboden outfit.Promising times for this classy group.
 

U16 A Championship

Saturday 13th April 2013 Report by Enda Kelly 

Kilmacud Crokes 6 9 Naoimh Fionnbara 0 4

Latecomers to this match missed what were probably the defining moments of the game with Crokes leading by 2 1 to nil after the opening minutes of this U16 A Championship game. Crokes, in the top half of Division 1 of the league were facing Division 3 opposition and would have been expected to win the match by most commentators but Championship is Championship, as they say, and, if Finbarrs had made the start Crokes did, who knows how events would have unfolded. As it was the game followed anticipated lines but the Crokes youngsters must be applauded for this disciplined, energetic show, displaying all the skills of the game over 60 minutes.

Callum and Andy got the two early goals for Crokes with the top-scoring Tom Fox getting another 1 - 2 before half-time. This was countered by just 4 points from Finbarrs, all from placed balls. So at half- time, Crokes were comfortably ahead although they had to play up the hill in the second half. At the short whistle the scores were Crokes 3 - 2, Naoimh Finbarra 0 - 4.

If the Crokes full-back line was good in the first half and they were, they closed up shop completely in the second half. Oisin, in goals, was solid and assured for the entire afternoon albeit called into action less and less as the match progressed. Much of the success of the defence could be put down to the tight-marking half-back line and energetic midfield pairing of Ben and Sam. It wasn't a day for high fielding skills but there is much more than that to the position in the modern game.

When the forward line clicked, their movement and passing was mesmerising at times and clearly showed the hard work that has been put into the team since the beginning of the year. All skilled in the basics of the game, two more goals from Callum and one from the quicksilver Joe were the highlights but, better still, was the fact that the team's scores were shared by six players in all with midfielder and captain Sam chipping in with a fine effort.

All five substitutes got a run and acquitted themselves well, those picked to start cannot afford to rest on their laurels. There is very good competition for places on this team.

It wasn't by any means a perfect display - there is much to be worked on. Crokes opponents in the next round will be Castleknock who lead Division 2 of the league having won all their matches to this point. They will undoubtedly be a more severe test of Crokes under 16s than Saturday's opponents.

Kilmacud Crokes - Oisin Doherty, Stevie O'Dwyer, Eoin Sheehy, Stephen McEntee, Fergal Whitley, Harry Kelly, Lorcan Cunningham, Sam Daly, Ben Shovlin, Andrew Fox, Conor Kelly, Dan O'Brien, Michael Reidy, Callum Pearson, Tom Fox, Joe Doyle, Stiofan O'Cassaide, John Maher, Nathan Nolan, Brian Carr

Fermoy U15A Football Tournament

Saturday 30th march 2013  Reports by Joe O'Brien

Early starts were the order of the day over the Easter weekend as our under 15s took to the pitch in Parc Mac Gearailt to compete in the Pa O'Brien memorial tournament.

Our first match threw in at 10.30 and our opponents were Gaultier.Despite netting in the first minute a few wides in succession suggested that our work would be cut out prising a result from a stubborn and tenacious Gaultier outfit.

However our superiority eventually became apparent as the first half progressed.Scores from among others,Paddy Flaherty,Dan O'Brien,Ryan Donnelly,and the tireless Jack Keating saw us take the half time break with a comfortable 3-3 to no score lead.

If the first half prompted us to think we'd have it all our own way,we were soon to realise that Gaultier had other ideas.They netted early in the second period, and from that put in a spirited display before Crokes began to re emerge as the controlling force.

Right through the team,competence,technical ability and focus began to shine through.More and more frequently Flaherty began to rise and collect in the middle.Mullin, Leonard and Gibbons exhibited the sharpest of responses around any loose ball while Cian Ryan and Nathan linked up well turning possession into incisive attack.

Between Ryan Donnelly's sweeping runs accross the front line and Keating's breath-taking work rate and ball carrying, Gaultier were at a loss to know what to do or who to mark.All over the park excellent contributions from Jim Gibbons,Eoin Bleakley,and Michael Roche along with Niall's calm style of goalkeeping and clever distribution,ensured there was no mistake at the final whistle as Crokes emerged convincingly on a scoreline of 6-6 to 1-0.

In the second group match against Bóthar Buí­,Crokes moved from strength to strength.Jack Gallagher and Brian Carr started to move through the gears,dominating in possession and mopping up loose ball hungrily.All around the pitch assured   performances flowed.David Dagg and Stephen Horgan eased their way into proceedings and the management  were left in no doubt as to the strength in depth that this squad enjoys.

Among the scorers in this game were Flaherty,Keating,David Dagg and Adam kelly.This time the final scoreboard reflected a little more comfort not to mention total supremacy  on the part of the impressive Crokes.

For the third match Crokes were afforded no rest period as the busy timetable required an immediate turnaround.Here our opponents were a stubborn Glanmire team and our slight leg-weariness was reflected in the time it took us to break the deadlock. The full of eight minutes had elapsed before scores from the rangy Matt Barry pulled us into an uneasy lead.Jack Keating added another point,well deserved for his insatiable work rate and desire for possession and to put the contest beyond question Leonard latched onto an excellent offload from Eoin Bleakely to set the net dancing  and dislodge a few icicles from the  crossbar.(Did I mention that it was BALTIC?!!!)

Assured displays in every position cemented our berth in the semi final,and if a weakness exists among this squad of twenty it wasn't apparent on these showings.

3.15 saw the ref toss in the ball to start our semi final against Sam Maguires.Early forays into our goal mouth saw Murray called into action more than once as this Maguires team sought to ruffle the feathers of this calm Crokes outfit.Mullin again lead by example with stout and selfless effort.Much the same offering from Leonard,Gibbons and Ryan as a trio excellently feeding Dagg,Stephen Horgan and Jack Gallagher,who in turn wasted very little in assissting scores from Donnelly,Keating,Matt Barry and indeed David Dagg himself.Around the pitch,other notable contributions came from Sean Conroy,Dan O'Brien,Flaherty,Kelly,Nolan and Jack Gallagher.Half time arrived showing Crokes with a lead of 1-5 to 0-2.The second half saw much huffing and puffing from a spirited Sam Maguires,but the assured calm of Sean Dunbar now firing on all cylinders in defence along with Murray and Mullin saw Crokes breast the tape comfortably on a 2-9 to 0-3 scoreline.

Only 30 minutes rest and Crokes were back on in search of a glorious victory.The early pattern of the game very much favored the able Kerins O Rahilly's team.In the opening half they enjoyed the lion's share of possession which saw our defence put in a mammoth shift with very little of the ball.They pointed after four minutes and again soon after from a free to go to the interval 0-2 to no score in the lead.That said,Crokes played into a considerable breeze and still held them to two scores,one from a free.The second period didn't start  well for Crokes when only three minutes in the ref spotted an infringement in our goalmouth and flapped like an albatross to signify a penalty.Breaths were held as their impressive no. 14 stepped up.He struck cleanly low to Murrays left but Murray with cobra-like reflexes lowered himself rapidly to smother the attempt.Again soon after Murray was called on to block with his legs an attempt that would surely have wrapped things up in their favour.Our mid field sprung to life with Flaherty and Dagg beginning to find the forwards ,O Brien fed wide to Barry who found Kelly to record our first score with seven minutes left.More than once crokes looked to Nathan Nolan's steel resolve to snuff out any danger.Two minutes left,and Ryan Donnellyand Matt Barry  post sublime scores to give us a one point lead with a minute to go.Tension reigned as the ball loosened in mid field.Flaherty pounced and fed Dan. O' Brien with laser precision dropped the ball into Barry wide on the right.From his angle the posts could have seemed no more than millimetres apart.John West wouldn't have squeezed a sardine in there.Barry had no such difficulty with a size five as he sent it soaring towards the grey skies.The ball dropped,the white flag rose,so did the arms of the Crokes supporters,and Pa O'Brien came up the M8 to Stillorgan.  

  

ANOIS TEACHT AN EARRAIGH, BEIDH AN LÍ DUL CHUN SHINEADH

OUR INTREPID UNDER 15B FOOTBALLERS SET SAIL

Spring is here; the hibernation is over. The daffodils have bloomed and the days are longer - let the games begin....! Our under 15 B footballers have had an excellent start to their campaign with two solid team performances. In the season-opener, a loss to a strong St Brigids team on an unusual scoreline of 7-1 to 1-3 masked the fact that this was a very competitive fixture. A week later our scoring potential was unleashed in a 9-7 to 4-7 defeat of a lively Liffey Gaels.

GOAL GLUT DOWN BY THE LIFFEY

Sunday 17th February 2013   Venue Liffey Park  Report by Matt Cahill

Kilmacud 9 -7 to Liffey Gaels 4 -7

If scores were scarce the week previously, the opposite was the case here as our sharpshooters notched a very handsome tally. A bit like Manchester United at present we leaked a fair few scores as well. It made for an entertaining game and goals were the order of the day. There was some outstanding individual displays and team work of high calibre. The overture was bright and breezy against a stiff enough wind. Mid-fielder Sean Curley slotted over a point to start the ball rolling for us. Some good moves broke down usually due to a delayed pass but eventually right half-forward Michael Roche forced home the first of his two goals. Alex Kinihan surged powerfully from midfield to score a brace of goals. Corner-forward David O'Farrell showed well
for the ball and linked the moves intelligently. We were on song.

However Liffey Gaels playing with plenty of heart gradually made inroads in spite of the sterling efforts of our strong half-backline of Jack Byrne, Cian Moriarty and Tom Cordial. Jack always willing to carry the ball to the opposition. One catch of Cian's stood out. Our full back line was also impressive, Calum Raffterty, Conal Keane and
Michael O' Connor - Conal's outstanding block underlining his fierce commitment to the cause. It was real "end-to-end" stuff. Scores were swapped time and again. Liffey Gaels edged ahead but busy full forward Jack Keating scored a rebound to leave us ahead 4-2 to 3-4 at the break.

With the wind in our sails we set about our task with great gusto. Our scoring rate quickly reached a crescendo. Centre-forward Matthew Cahill fired a quick two goals and a point augmented by two excellent points from Michael Roche. Some fine football yielded a host of scores even if occasionally we over-ran the ball when a pass to a
player in a better position would have paid dividends. Kieran Horan scored a cool point and then flicked on intelligently to launch another promising move. The flick was worth the admission money alone! Further goals from Alex Kinihan, Michael Roche and Jack Keating completed the goalfest.

Jack's presence around the middle of the park in the second half proved important. Sean Curley again sortied forward from midfield to land a point . Our final score showed how simple a game gaelic football can be. The hard-working Rory Fitzpatrick hit a long diagonal pass early into Matthew Cahill's path whose quick transfer found Sean O' Sullivan unmarked. Sean nonchalantly tapped over for his point. Cuilí­n deas!

Smiles all round. A lot to enthuse about here. The improvement in individual skills and team work is great to see.The players and team are works in progress. It all happens diaidh i ndiaidh. Comhghairdeas gach éinne!

In the Liffey Gaels clubhouse, the regular Sunday morning Irish classes were in full swing. As I entered I was greeted "trí­ gaeilge" which was surprising and refreshing. With commitment to the language like that it will always prosper. A plaque on the wall bore the poignant legend " i ndí­l chuimhne Eilí­s Ní­ Fhionnagain a chailleadh sa tsunami..." She was a "Múinteoir Gaelach" at Liffey Gaels between 1999 and 2001 who tragically lost her life in the tsumami in Thailand. One of the teachers looked out the window as the teams readied themselves for the throw in. "Tá an t-earrach ann anois, the young lads are out  playing again, it is great to see" he said. It is indeed.

In the meantime we have had two more games where the team has performed very well. Although losing to St Patrick's on another quirky scoreline of 5-1 to 1-9 some fine football was played. It is difficult to take losing when you score four more times than the opposition but these things things happen. The most important thing is that the
effort and performance were present and correct irrespective of the result. In the most recent game a courageous "backs-to-the-wall" performance away to Westmanstown Gaels was reward with a two point victory. Fortune favoured a really brave performance from our lads on this occasion. Bhí­ siad go léir thar barr.

Over all a good start to the campaign. Tús maith, leath na h-oibre!.

Older members will remember the poem from their schooldays

le Antaine Ó Raifteirí­ 1784-1835

"Anois teacht an Earraigh
beidh an lá dúl chun shí­neadh,
Is tar eis na féil Brí­de
ardóigh mé mo sheol.
Go Coillte Mach rachad
ní­ stopfaidh me choí­che
Go seasfaidh mé sí­os
i lár Chondae Mhaigh Eo."

I gClár Chlainne Mhuiris
A bheas mé an chéad oí­che,
Is I mballa taobh thí­os de
A thosós mé ag ól
Go Coillte Mách rachad
Go ndéanfad cuairt mhí­osa ann
I bhfogas dhá mhí­le
Do Bhéal an átha Mhóir.

Fágaim le huacht é
go n-éirí­onn mo chroí­-se
Mar a éirí­onn an ghaoth
nó mar a scaipeann an ceo
Nuair a smaoiní­m ar Cheara
nó ar Ghaileang taobh thí­os de
Ar Sceathach an Mhí­le
nó ar phlánaí­ Mhaigh Eo.

Cill Aodáin an baile
a bhfásann gach ní­ ann,
Tá sméara is subh craobh ann
is meas de gach sórt,
Is dá mbéinnse i mo sheasamh
i gceartlár mo dhaoine
D'imeodh an aois dí­om
is bheinn arí­s óg.

Bí­onn cruithneacht is coirce,
fás eorna is lí­n ann,
Seagal i gcraobh ann,
arán plúir agus feoil,
Lucht déanta poití­n
gan licence á dhí­ol ann,
Móruaisle na tí­re ann
ag imirt is ag ól.

Tá cur agus treabhadh
is leasú gan aoileach
Is iomaí­ sin ní­ ann
nár labhair me go fóill,
áitheanna is muilte
ag obair gan scí­th ann,
Deamhan caint ar phingin cí­osa
ná dada dá shórt

Sunday 10th February 2013   Venue Russell Park Report by Matt Cahill

St Brigids 7-1 to Kilmacud 1 -3

We were not helped in the second half by the God of weather unleashing his worst at us. Wind and biting cold rain in our faces made our task difficult. It took a while but Brigids ran in a few flattering goals. But there was no surrender here. Players tried to the end. Wholehearted defenders Jack Byrne and Conal Keane competed for every ball. Mid-fielder Daithi Sultan worked diligently especially when the tempest blew at it's fiercest. Brother Barney would have been impressed. Corner forward Kieran Horan linked the moves cleverly - one instinctive flick in particular wrongfooted the Brigids defence. Sometimes you dont need more than one touch to make a difference. In
an excellent counter-attack Rory Fitzpatrick rattled the crossbar as our attacks continued without any luck. Leaving the scoreboard out of it, there were a lot of positives to be taken from this outing. Everyone got a decent run which is the main thing. There was plenty of bravery on view and the potential was there for all to see.

An interesting feature of the fine set up at Russell Park is the handball alleys and there practising was Eoin Kennedy an All-Ireland winner many times. Of course Kilmacud Crokes have had their own handball players namely Kilkenny man Eugene Downey a world champion in the early nineties. ( Eugene also was a star footballer) His brother John is also an ace handballer and current Crokes member. DJ Carey and Peter Canavan among many others recommend this ancient game for its benefits for fitness and reactions transferable to other sports. It is also great fun to play as many do life-long.