Minor Football

County Final Crokes 1-11 Kerins O'Rahillys 0-7 22/5/04

A twenty year gap was bridged when we were victorious in Austin Stack Park. A fantastic team display was witnessed. Captain Luke Quinn was superb as was Jamie Wren and John Payne. A great victory and the future looks bright. Team- James Hurley, B Lyne, Luke Quinn, J Payne, Jamie Wren, P Sheahan, S Doolan, Mike Moloney, J O'Sullivan,  P Buckley, A Kennelly (0-1), Brian Looney, K O'Leary (1-3), Podge O'Donoghue(0-1), M O'Grady (0-6) subs Tommy Ryan & John Curtain

Read The Kingdom report

 

2003

East Kerry Minor Final - 16/09/2003

Dr. Crokes: 3-11 Gneeveguilla: 1-13

Dr. Crokes bridged a ten year gap when they won the 2003 East KerryMinor championship by defeating Gneeveguilla in an absorbing final at sun-drenched Fitzgerald Stadium last Tuesday evening. Both teams should be commended for producing excellent passages of quality football in a very exciting game that remained in the balance until the final whistle. Crokes dominated the early exchanges and they got the perfect start with an Early goal from man of the match Andrew Kennelly who scored an impressive 2-04 on the night. Kieran O Leary & Johnny O Sullivan provided the ammunition For the inspirational Kennelly who worked tirelessly throughout. Prompted by Mike Grady's clinical free-taking, Crokes established a first half stranglehold and this was reflected on the scoreboard when Pa Moloney goaled just before half time to give Crokes a commanding 2-09 to 0-05 half-time lead. Gneeveguilla resumed with all guns blazing in the second half and scored 1-01 within 2 minutes to reduce the deficit to 6 points. In fact they dominated the next 20 minutes and slowly chipped away at Crokes lead with some excellent outfield shooting. With 5 minutes remaining Crokes were still leading by 2-10 to 1-11 and the game hung in the balance but the timely introduction of  Darren Coffey and Padraig O Donoghue galvanised the Crokes, with the latter setting up Andrew Kennelly for the match winning goal 3 minutes from time. Florence McCarthy & Jamie Wren were consistent throughout, centre back & captain Kieran Cahillane led by example, Paudie Sheehan was once again a collosus at full-back while young James Hurley played exceptionally well in goals. It was an outstanding performance from this excellently prepared Crokes team trained by former Crokes stalwart John Galvin and the joyous scenes after the final whistle were testament to the hard work done over the long season.

Team & Scorers

James Hurley, Blane Lyons, Paudie Sheehan, John Payne, Donal Sheehan, Kieran Cahillane, Jamie Wren, Florence McCarthy 0-1, Luke Quinn , Kieran O'Leary 0-1 , Andrew Kennelly 2-04, Johnny Sullivan 0-1, Pat Buckley, Pa Moloney 1-0, Mike Grady 0-5 (5 frees)

Subs: Mike Moloney for John Payne, Darren Coffey for Mike Moloney (inj),

Padraig Donoghue for Pat Buckley, Billy O Leary, William Tarrant, Liam

Shanahan, Tom Ryan,

 

 

09/09/2003

Dr. Crokes: 0-12 Spa: 0-08

Dr. Crokes advanced to the East Kerry minor final by defeating Spa in a
highly entertaining & closely fought semi-final at Fitzgerald Stadium last
Tuesday evening. Spa started brightly with good inter-linking forward play
and quickly raced into a 04 - 01 lead after 10 minutes. Crokes were clearly
struggling at this point but courtesy of a tightening defense and Mike
Grady's impeccable shooting & free-taking.  Crokes recovered their composure
to reverse the deficit and lead 0-08 to 0-05 at half-time. Crokes continued
to pressurize Spa on the resumption, but were repeatedly repelled by a
gallant Spa defense which fought like tigers right to the end. Indeed there
was only a kick of a ball between the teams throughout the second half
where scores were at a premium. Spa searched in vain for an equalising goal
but the Crokes defense stood firm and ran out deserving winners on the
night. Best for Crokes were captain Kieran Cahillane, Paudie Sheehan and
the ever improving John Payne. Andrew Kennelly excelled at No11, while
Kieran O Leary & Mike Grady were constant thorns for the Spa defense.

It's hard to believe that Crokes haven't won an East Kerry minor title
since 1993. If Crokes wish to end this drought then they will have to be at
their very best if they wish to overcome a strongly fancied Gneeveguilla
side in the final. This is scheduled for 6.00pm, next Tuesday, 16th
September @ Fitzgerald stadium.

Team & Scorers

James Hurley, Blane Lyons, Paudie Sheehan, John Payne, Donal Sheehan,
Kieran Cahillane, Jamie Wren, Florence McCarthy, Luke Quinn 0-1, Kieran O
Leary 0-1 (1 free), Andrew Kennelly, Johnny Sullivan, Pat Buckley 0-1, Pa
Moloney 0-1, Mike Grady 0-8 (5 frees)

Subs: Padraig Donoghue, Billy O Leary, William Harmon, Darren Coffey, Liam
Shanahan, Tom O Leary, Mike Moloney (injured)
 

5/5/03

Dr. Crokes: 1.09 Austin Stacks: 0.13 played 2/5/03
 
Dr. Crokes were cruelly denied victory by a late Stacks rally in a highly entertaining Div1 league encounter at Connolly Park, Tralee. Crokes led by 1-06 to 0-06 at half-time but a contentious disallowed goal, scored by Brian Looney proved to be a major turning point in the game. Despite this
setback, Crokes continued to dominate on the resumption, but could only register a meagre 3 points in the entire 2nd half.  The Tralee side took full advantage and won the match with two late injury-time points. It was a game Crokes should have won, but their wastefulness in front of the posts, once again denied them victory.

Man of the match Paudie Sheehan excelled at centre-back, while Pa Moloney was the best midfielder on view. Kieran O Leary was easily our best forward, notching an impressive 1-2 from play while Andrew Kennelly worked tirelessly throughout.

Team & Scorers

James Hurley, Blane Lyons, James O Regan, Donal Sheehan, Darren Coffey, Paudie Sheehan, Kieran Cahillane, Luke Quinn 0-1, Pa Moloney 0-2, Kieran O Leary 1-2,  Andrew Kennelly 0-1, Jason Arthurs, Mike Grady 0-2 (1free), Johnny Sullivan, Brian Looney 0-1 Subs:  Padraig Donoghue, Florence McCarthy, Billy O Leary, Anthony Carroll
 

Division 1 table

Played

Points

Kerins O’Rahillys

4

8

Austin Stacks

6

7

Beaufort

4

6

Dingle

4

4

Dr. Crokes

4

2

Laune Rangers

4

1

Ballyduff

2

0


Forthcoming Fixtures:
Dr. Crokes v Kerins O Rahilly's - Friday 9th May 2003
Dr. Crokes v Ballyduff  - TBA

27/4/2003

Dr. Crokes: 1 - 8:  Dingle: 2 - 11  

 
Dingle deservedly won this closely fought Div1 league encounter, thanks
mainly to their slicker moving forward line. With the aid of a very strong
wind, Dingle led 0-07 to 0-03 at half-time which presented Crokes with a
realistic chance of success in the second half. However, the Crokes
forward-line laboured throughout the second period, with only midfielder Pa
Moloney, easily Crokes best player over the hour, and Brian Looney carrying
any semblance of a scoring threat. Croke's great battling sprirt ensured
that only a goal separated the sides with 2mins remaining, but a fine save
from the Dingle goalie resulted in the ball travelling back up the pitch
where it finally nestled in the back of the Crokes net and effectively
ended the game as a contest.

In summary, our inability to turn good possession into scores was
ultimately the difference between both sides.

Team & Scorers

James Hurley, Blane Lyons, James O Regan, Kieran Cahillane, Darren Coffey,
Luke Quinn, Paudie Sheehan, Pa Moloney 0-5 (2frees), Johnny Sullivan, Brian
Looney, Jason Arthurs 0-1,  Florence McCarthy, Mike Grady 1-2 (2frees),
Andrew Kennelly, Billy O Leary
Subs:  Padraig Donoghue for B. O Leary, Pat Buckley for F. McCarthy, Donal
Sheehan, Barry Grady,

Forthcoming Fixtures:
Austin Stacks v Dr. Crokes - Friday 2nd May 2003
Dr. Crokes v Ballyduff  - Wednesday 7th May 2003
Dr. Crokes v Kerins O Rahilly's - Friday 9th May 2003
 
Current Div 1 Table: played:  points
Kerins O'Rahillys         4           8
Austin Stacks              5           5
Beaufort                      3            4  
Dingle                         4            4
Dr. Crokes                   3            2
Laune Rangers           3            1
Ballyduff                     2             0
 

Dr. Crokes V. Laune Rangers 21/4/03

 
Dr. Crokes: 1 - 08:  Laune Rangers: 0 - 08
 
An early goal from Florence McCarthy set the foundations for this Div1 league victory @ sun-drenched Killorglin on Easter Monday. Crokes led 1-05 to 0-04 at half-time which didn't reflect our 1st half superiority. Despite the assistance of a strong 2nd half wind, we failed to capitalise on our 1st half performance and the Rangers, galvanised by some excellent free-taking, pegged us back to a solitary point with 10mins remaining. With
the game hanging in the balance, the tide swung in our favour with outstanding performances from man of the match Paudie Sheehan who was a colossus in defence, ably assisted by our tenacious corner-backs, captain Kieran Cahillane, & Blane Lyons. Pa Moloney had a great last 10mins with Kieran O Leary once again catching the eye in the forwards.

It was an important victory for Dr Crokes, and our defence was once again terrific throughout. More worryingly perhaps is our forwards inability to re-produce their first half performances. Overall it was a good victory despite a below par performance.

Team & Scorers

James Hurley, Blane Lyons, James O Regan, Kieran Cahillane, Darren Coffey,
Luke Quinn, Paudie Sheehan, Pa Moloney 0-5 (3frees), Johnny Sullivan 0-1,
Kieran Leary 0-1, Andrew Kennelly, Florence McCarthy 1-0, Anthony Carroll,
Jason Arthurs 0-1, Padraig O'Donoghue
Subs: Brian Looney for A. Carroll, James Wren for P. O Leary, Donal Sheehan
for L. Quinn (inj) , Barry Grady, Pat Buckley, S Curtane, Billy O'Leary,
Mike Grady

Current Div1 Table: Played:   Pts
Kerins O'Rahillys            4              8
Austin Stacks                  4              5
Beaufort                          3              4
Dr. Crokes                      2              2
Laune Rangers                 3              1
Dingle                              2              0
Ballyduff                          2              0

Top4 qualify for Div1 League Semi's

Forthcoming Fixtures:
Dingle v Dr. Crokes - Venue: Dingle, 3.00pm - Sunday 27th April 2003
Austin Stacks v Dr. Crokes - Friday 2nd May 2003
Dr. Crokes v Ballyduff  - Wednesday 7th May 2003
Dr. Crokes v Kerins O Rahilly's - Friday 9th May 2003

 
 

Dr Crokes 2 - 07  Beaufort  1 - 13

 
In our opening home game of the Minor Div1 Co. League, on Friday April 12, 2003 we lost to a strongly fancied Beaufort outfit by 2-07 to 1-13.

An excellent first half performance saw Crokes lead 1-06 to 0-04 at half-time but we would rue many missed chances in a 1st half dominated by Crokes.  With the aid of a strengthening 2nd half breeze, Beaufort slowly chipped away at our lead and eventually won by a goal. The contribution of our two U17 Aussie-rule internationals Luke Quinn and Johnny Sullivan was immense in addition to our U16 starlet Kieran O'Leary who finished the game with 2-2. Overall it was a battling & committed performance from a well-prepared Crokes minor team, against a team tipped by many for championship honours. If Crokes can re-produce this type of tigerish performance, then qualification for league semi-final, is well within their remit.

Team & Scorers

James Brosnan,Donal Sheehan, Kieran O Regan, Kieran Cahillane, Darren Coffey, Luke Quinn, Paudie Sheehan, Pa Moloney (0-2),Johnny Sullivan, Kieran Leary (2-2), Andrew Kennelly, Jason Arthurs, Mike Grady (0-2frees), Florence McCarthy, Billy Buckley (0-1)  Subs: Padraig O Leary, Richie Brien, Barry Grady, Jer Buckley, Anthony Carroll

PS: Good luck to Luke & Johnny in their forthcoming Aussie rules
international matches.