February Reports 2007
 

28/02/07

All Ireland Club championship s/final replay Dr. Crokes 2-09 Moorefield 0-08. This game had everything, all the sporting clichés would fail to describe it adequately. First and foremost  it was a victory for “Pride”, “Passion”, “Commitment”. Pride in the club jersey, passionate in the approach adopted, and committed to the task in hand to secure victory and reach the Holy Grail of club football i.e. to play in an All Ireland Club final in Croke Park on St. Patrick’s Day. To this magnificent group of players you are a credit to your club and your families. On behalf of the executive, management, club members, and the large band of traveling and extremely vocal supporters we salute you. In the opening quarter scores were at a premium and Moorefield were in the ascendancy leading 0-03 to 0-02 when in the 17th minute David Moloney found the net following a tremendous pass from “Gooch”, almost immediately Kieran O’Leary who was also involved in the goal movement put us 3points ahead 1-03 to 0-03. for the reminder of the half Moorefield dominated the scoring stakes kicking 3 unanswered points. On the stroke of half time David Moloney deftly struck a 45 between the posts to leave us leading by the bare minimum at the break. On the resumption both defenses were on top until Colm Cooper broke the dead lock in the 11th minute with a pointed free. Moorefield with 2points had equalized by the 15th minute 1-05 to 0-08 but this was to the end of their scoring as we began to get a vice like grip on the game and began to go forward in waves, 3 quick points from Moloney, O’Leary, and a tremendous long range effort from Ambrose  O’Donovan gave us a cushion until Eoin Brosnan charged through the Moorefield defense after good initial work by Cooper & O’Donovan and in trademark fashion blasted the ball to the net which put the issue beyond doubt. Kieran O’Leary brought scoring proceedings to a close with another fine effort in the 29th minute. Overall a tremendous team performance. Team: Kieran Cremin, Keith McMahon, Michael Moloney, Luke Quinn, Batt Moriarty, Brian McMahon, Shane Doolan, Ambrose O’Donovan(0-01), Eoin Brosnan (1-0) Brian Looney, Eanna Kavanagh, James Fleming©, Colm Cooper(0-3), David Moloney (1-02), Kieran O’Leary (0-03). Subs: Vince Cooper, Andrew Kenneally, James Cahillane, Kieran Brosnan.  

Supporters: we would like to thank the large number of supporters who traveled to Nenagh and all bedecked in the Crokes colors’, we would also like to acknowledge the tremendous support we received from members of other clubs. It is appreciated. Any supporters seeking merchandise please contact Deborah Ann 0863958536.

Travel Arrangements: there will be a special train on St. Patrick’s Day, at the time of writing the full details have not been finalized. As soon as all arrangements have been completed details will be posted on the website www.drcrokes.com. Notices will also be posted in Dr. Crokes hostelries. 

AIB community challenge: we would like to thank the commercial premises, schools and other outlets who entered into the spirit of the event by decorating premises. We would like especially to say a special thank you to the teachers in the schools who participated, your effort is magnificent and deeply appreciated. We encourage more businesses to decorate their premises for the forthcoming final and enter the spirit of the community challenge.

Lotto: the jackpot of €7,200 in the Lotto draw on Sun. Feb. 25th was not won. Numbers drawn were 6,7,13,18. there were 7 match 3 numbers, Cristiano Ronaldo c/o Lyno, Bridie O`Shea 18 Marian Tce., Paddy O’Donovan Countess Road, Brendan Sweeney Glenbeigh, John O`Shea 2 Bridgefield, Tom Fleming c/o Lyno, Sheila Galvin Ardriville Scartaglin, each receiving €75. Jackpot next week €7,500. There was no winner of the Lotto draw for a Jackpot of €6,900 held on Mon. Feb. 18th. Numbers drawn were 9,11,15,16. 12 persons matched 3 numbers each receiving €45.

Membership is now due and payable to Registrar, Players €40, Adult €20,Family €30, U18 €10.

Development: work commenced last week on the construction of the stand. Credit is due to all concerned on a job well done which will further enhance our facilities and make it more comfortable for our supporters and visitors alike.

Golf Society; the first outing of 2007 sponsored by Speak Easy takes place this Sat. March 3rd. @ O`Mahony`s Point tee times 9.30am to 12noon.

Best wishes to Sheila O`Shea Lr. Sunny Hill for a speedy recovery.

Congratulations: to Aidan O`Shea and his wife Catherine on the birth of a daughter. Birthday wishes to Deborah Ann O`Shea who celebrated last week

 

21/02/07

All Ireland S/final: Dr. Crokes 1-09 Moorefield 0-12. well, the media pundits and the bookies got this one wrong, management and players certainly did not underestimate this Moorefield side and they are a good team. This was an enthralling game of football played at lightning pace over the sixty minutes. Our opponents started the livelier and had 0-02 to 0-00 lead after six minutes but enter the Gooch when put in possession behind the cover by Ambrose O’Donovan he coolly found the net with a sublime finish threaded through the eye of a needle. Colm added two points to give us a 3 point lead after 13 minutes, Kieran O’Leary with a wonderful score and Moorefield’s P. Murray  exchanged points, Brian McMahon with a tremendous long range effort restored a 3point advantage in the 26th minute further points by Murray & Phillips in the 27th & 29th cut the advantage to the minimum, James Fleming with a free on the stroke of half time gave us a 2point lead at the break 1-05 to 0-06. on the resumption two further frees by Gooch in the 3rd. and 4th minute stretched our lead to 4points, Murray narrowed the gap for Moorefield but captain Fleming extend the lead to 4 in the 10th minute with a fine effort. The defining moment of the game came in the 13th minute when after a quick free from Colm found Brian Looney unmarked but unfortunately he hit the side netting. This seemed to spur Moorefield who found reserves of strength and thundered into the game with two unanswered points. Brian Looney with a point in the 25th minute restored the advantage 1-09 to 0-09 but this proved to be our final score. Our opponents began to dominate the final minutes and points in the 27th, 29th, 30th minute brought parity. Dr. Crokes supporters hearts where racing deep in injury time until Eoin Brosnan fielded in the square and cleared to safety. When the referee brought proceedings to an end relief was etched on the faces of the large crowd of supporters. Team: Kieran Cremin, Keith McMahon , Luke Quinn, Shane Doolan, Batt Moriarty, Michael Moloney, Eanna Kavanagh, Brian McMahon(0-01) Ambrose O’Donovan, Brian Looney (0-01), Andrew Kenneally, James Fleming ©(0-02), Kieran O’Leary (0-01), Eoin Brosnan, Colm Cooper (1-04). Subs: David Moloney, Vince Cooper, James Cahillane. Congratulations to Brian McMahon who was named TG4 Man of the Match.

Coiste na Og: Have you recently arrived in Killarney? Would you like to be part of a progressive club dedicated to youth and adult activities. If so, then Dr. Crokes G.A.A. is the place for you. You may contact us @ crokesclubhous@eircom.net . all juvenile activities will resume shortly. Our juvenile mentors for the coming season are U11 Seamie O’Doherty, Sean Clarke, Aidan Kiely, James Lyne. U12`s James Lyne, Tommy Brosnan, Seamie O’Doherty, Michael J. Burns, James Fleming, Martin Byrnes, Aidan Kiely. U13`s Tommy Brosnan, Joe Maye, James Lyne, Martin Byrnes, Michael J. Burns. U14`s Joe Maye, Micheal Fitzgerald, John Egan, Seanie O`Shea, Paudie Murphy. U15`s Denis Coleman, Micheal Fitzgerald, Joe Maye, John Egan. U16`s Denis Coleman, Gary Barry, Enda Ward, Jimmy Coppinger, Micheal Fitzgerald.

Scor Sinsear: congratulations to Matt O’Neill on an excellent performance in the recitation and our question time team of Jackie Looney, Tom Hussey, and Paddy O’Donovan.

Best wishes; to former Treasurer Deirdre Cremin who is presently recuperating from hand surgery.

Birthday greeting to Vice President Nellie Kavanagh and former vice chairman Matthew Courtney who celebrated last week.

Sympathy: To Maureen Cooper on the death of her brother Henry.

Welcome home ; to Finian Moran & James Jones who have returned from an extended break in Australia.

 

14/02/07

East Kerry Minor League; Dr. Crokes 2-08 Spa 1-07. In a keenly contested game on Sun. last played in heavy underfoot conditions we just got the better of our opponents. The turning point in this game came six minutes from the end when Daithi Casey slalomed through the Spa defense for a tremendous goal. It was a workmanlike enough performance considering it was the first game of the season but much improvement is required. Great to see Philip O’Connor making a return after a long layoff due to injury. Best for Dr. Crokes were Jonathan Clarke, Donal Cronin, Daithi  Casey. Team: David Neeson,  Chris Egan,  Jonathan Clarke, Timothy Dudley, Donal Cronin, Michael McMahon, Fionn Fitzgerald Johnny Buckley (0-02), John Bartlett (0-01), T.J.Cronin (0-01), Daithi Casey(1-00), Niall O’Connell, Pat Fuller, Ruairi Mangan (1-00), Jamie Doolan (0-04). Subs; Shane O’Neill, Philip O’Connor.

Congratulations to Kerry Manager Pat O`Shea on getting off the mark in his Senior Inter County managerial career with a victory over Cork, also to Amanda Brosnan & Cassandra Buckley who were on the Kerry Ladies team that defeated Waterford.

Lotto: the jackpot of €6,600 in the Lotto Draw held on Sun. Feb. 11th was not won. Numbers drawn were 1,2, 17, 24. there were 6 match 3 winners each receiving €85. Dan O`Dwyer c/o Kly. P.O. Karen Murphy c/o Kaynes, Louise Sexton 75 New Street, Alan Lyne Muckross, D.J.O`Leary 9 Scrahan, Majella O`Lionaird . Jackpot next week Mon. Feb. 19th €6,900.

All Ireland S/Final: all roads lead to the Gaelic Grounds Limerick on Sun. next Feb. 18th for the much awaited clash with the Leinster Champions Moorefield (Kildare). Preparations have gone exceptionally well and the lads are well aware of the task in hand. We are asking all supporters to travel, wear your colors, and cheer on the team. Throw in is at 2.15pm.

Juvenile Bus for U`12`s & U14`s to Limerick will depart from the clubhouse on Sun. @ 10a.m. returning immediately after the game.

AIB community challenge: we would like to thank the commercial premises, schools and other outlets who entered into the spirit of the event by decorating premises. At the time of writing one of the most decorative is the Holy Cross National School, I’ve no doubt that the others will be equally attractive by the end of this week. Congratulations to all concerned.

Training; Junior squad & U21 squad training Wed. 7pm.

Events Committee: at an impromptu gathering in the clubhouse last week the events committee presented Chairman Patrick O`Sullivan with a specially decorated cake on the occasion of his 40th birthday. A surprised and embarrassed Patrick for once was tongue-tied. Those present entered the spirit of the occasion with a raucous rendering of his a “Jolly Good Fellow”. Patrick was further surprised and rendered speechless when his sister Noreen jetted in from New York a couple of days later to join in the celebrations.

Congratulations: to John C O`Shea who represented the club on the Sports Bag 2FM AIB Club Championship sports challenge Quiz on Sun. last and qualified for the next round.

Golf Society: the 2007 season is nearly upon us, our first outing under President Jackie Looney & Captain Sean Brosnan is scheduled for March 3rd at O`Mahony`s Point. Timesheet will be on display this weekend.

Birthday wishes to Aileen Hurley daughter of Sean & Theresa who recently celebrated her 16th birthday.

Croke Park: in the week when Croke Park was opened for other sports it is worth remembering the input and influence Dr. Croke people had in the original purchase of the Jones Road grounds. Jerh.(Small Jer) O’Leary was one of the negotiating team on behalf of the GAA. When an impasse occurred in the deal making and substantial sum of money at the time between the vendor and the purchaser it was Small Jer who uttered the immortal phrase “split the difference”. It was the foresight and vision of the men of this era that has brought the GAA to owning one of the finest stadiums worldwide.

 

07/02/07

AGM. In a wide ranging address to the 120th AGM  held on Wed. Jan.31st. Chairman Patrick O`Sullivan stated the highlights of the year was the winning of the Munster Club Championship and O’Donoghue Cup, he said it was a tribute to the resilience and mental strength of both management and players to bounce back from the agonizing defeat in the Co. final and wished every success in the quest for All Ireland Club glory. He congratulated county players Colm Cooper, Eoin Brosnan, Kieran Cremin, and Kieran O’Leary on winning National League and All Ireland medals and commiserated with minors Michael Moloney, Johnny Buckley, Jamie Doolan, Alan Kelly along with selector Vince Cooper on their narrow defeat. He wished Pat O`Shea every success in his new role as Kerry manager.  He praised the efforts of all team managers, selectors, various committees and his fellow officers and urged everyone to continue their tremendous work. He spoke of the tremendous ongoing development work and stated it was his fervent wish that it would be completely finished in a short space of time. He made special mention of the overwhelming success of the Super Draw organized by the finance committee under the Joint Chairmanship of Niall Brosnan/Mike Buckley. He sympathized with the families of those who suffered bereavements especially the families of former club stalwarts Patron Jack O’Keeffe, Con Clifford, Billy Duggan, Mike Cooper. He thanked the retiring officers Tracey O`Shea & Deirdre Cremin for their tremendous commitment during their tenure of office. Officers elected Patron Murt O`Shea,  President John Moynihan, Vice Presidents Paddy O`Shea, Dan Kavanagh, Tim Counihan, Patsy Courtney, Patrick O`Sullivan, Bridie O`Shea, Nelly Kavanagh, Donie Sheehan, Niall Keogh, Eddie O`Sullivan, Liam Murphy, Fr. Paddy O’Donoghue, Paddy O`Shea, Jackie Looney, Dan Kelleher. Chairman Patrick O`Sullivan, V. Chairman to be filled, Hon. Secretary  Ms. Breda Cronin, Ast. Secretary Joe Maye, Joint Treasurers Moss Harmon & John Lenihan, PRO John Keogh, Development Officer Der Brosnan. Scor Officer Geraldine Lyne,  Co. Board Delegates Tim O`Sullivan, John Keogh, East Kerry Board Delegates Tim O`Sullivan, Donie O’Leary. All above will serve on the Executive along with a representative from Events Committee, Hurling Section, and Ladies Football. Senior Manager John Galvin along with selectors Mark Cooper & Colm O`Shea, Trainer Denis Corridan. Junior Manager James Cronin, U21 Managers John Galvin/James Cronin. Minor Managers Mike Buckley/Vince Casey.

AIB All Ireland Club s/final Dr. Crokes v Moorefield Kildare fixed for Sun. Feb. 18th @ Gaelic Grounds Limerick. Throw in 2.30pm. we urge a large contingent of supporters to travel and cheer on the lads.

Wear your colors, we are calling on all members & supporters to wear your colors on s/final. day. We encourage business people who have Dr. Crokes connections to decorate their premises with flags buntings etc. Deborah Ann O`Shea & Noreen Cooper will be in attendance in the clubhouse on Tues.& Thurs. evenings to facilitate purchasers. A wide selection of gear is available.

East Kerry U21 : we had a very easy victory over a young and under strength Cordal side in the first round of championship. Played in Cordal on Sat. last we were in control from the beginning in all areas and amassed a large score. Good to see the return of Andrew Kenneally to competitive action following his recent injury. Team: Alan Kelly, Barra O’Connell, Michael Moloney, Tommy Ryan, Gavin Tucker, Shane Doolan, Ian Howard, Luke Quinn  Johnny O`Sullivan, Johnny Buckley, Andrew Kenneally, Brian Looney, Michael O`Grady, Kieran O’Leary, Jamie Doolan, Subs; Jamie Wren, Denis Galvin, Ruairi Mangan, James Hurley, John Bartlett.

Lotto : the draw on Feb. 4th for a Jackpot of €6,300 was not won, numbers drawn were 1,4,6,20. there were 8 match 3 numbers each receiving €65. Karen Cooper Ardshanavooly, Shona Daly Tiernaboul, Seamus O’Connor c/o J.C,`s Brigitte O`Shea c/o J.C.`s, Michelle O`Sullivan 19 Woodlawn, Norma Costello 207 Ballyspillane, Greta Healy c/o Quills. Jackpot on Sun. next €6,600

the lotto draw on Tues. Jan. 30th was not won, numbers drawn were 11,18,23,24. there were 4 match 3 numbers Paddie O’Donovan c/o B. Keogh, Carmel Nash Tralee Road, Orla Williams Friary Downs, D.J.O`Leary 9 Scrahan, each received €125.

Flag Day & church gate collection will take place this weekend. We urge all members to give a helping hand.

Congratulations to former player Colm Fuller who was recently selected on the London GAA All Stars side,

Birthday greetings to our Chairman Patrick O`Sullivan who reached a certain milestone with a large “0” this week. Also to Gavin Tucker & Jamie Doolan who celebrated their respective birthdays last weekend.

Membership is now due and payable to Registrar, Players €40, Adult €20,Family €30, U18 €10.