July Reports 2007
 

25/07/07

Minors: Last week was a busy one for our minor team with two important fixtures. Q/final of the Co. championship and East Kerry League Final. Missing the injured trio of Jamie Doolan, Philip O’Connor, and Buddy O’Leary these fixtures were always going to be a tough task but the lads rose to the occasions. On Tues. July 17th County Championship 1/4 Final Dr. Crokes 2-10  Shannon Rangers 0-9.Playing into a strong wind we got off to a flying start, scoring four unanswered points - three from Daithi Casey and one from Johnny Buckley.  Shannon Rangers got more and more into the game and were level after twenty minutes.

We were unfortunate not to goal after twenty-three minutes, when after a wonderful move, Rory Mangan shot narrowly wide.  We were in arrears at half time by seven points to four. 

In the second half, the boys stepped up a couple of gears and we were level after seven minutes, with a great goal by Shane O' Neill.  With the backs now on top in every department and Johnny Buckley and Daithi Casey dominant in mid-field, there was really only going to be one result.  Our second goal came mid-way through the second half, when Donal Cronin followed a long ball out of defense and punched it into the net.

A tremendous result from a very dedicated bunch. 

Team; David Neeson. P.J. Lawlor, Jonathan Clarke, Fionn Fitzgerald, Timmy Dudley, John Bartlett, Chris Egan 0-1, Johnny Buckley 0-1 (Capt.), Daithi Casey 0-4, Donal Cronin 1-0, Eoin Clifton, Niall O' Connell, Shane O' Neill 1-2, Rory Mangan, T.J. Cronin, Mike McMahon 0-2,  Subs: Keith O' Leary, Kieran Ward, Pat Fuller, Stephen Brosnan, Mark O' Donoghue.

Sat. July 21st. East Kerry Minor League Final. Dr. Crokes 2-11 Rathmore 1-11. this was a game where fortunes fluctuated to and fro. Dr. Crokes started brightly and early points from Rory Mangan and Johnny Buckley settled matters down to give us an early lead. 3 further points from the boot of Daithi Casey gave us the advantage and we led 5points to 3 after 22 mins. Rathmore stormed into the game at this stage and scored an unanswered 1-05 before the break to lead 1-08 to 0-05. On the resumption we stormed into the game and Casey narrowed the gap with a pointed free in the first minute, Michael McMahon finished a well worked move to the net in the 3rd minute and in the 4th minute Daithi Casey sent a thunderbolt to the net from the 20metre line to put us back in the lead. Our defense with Clarke, Fitzgerald, and Dudley getting on top became tighter and held there opponents scoreless for 20mins. Johnny Buckley and Daithi Casey now having total dominance in the middle it ensured that a plentiful supply of ball went into the forwards and further points from Mangan(2), McMahon, Shane O’Neill and Niall O’Connell left us leading 2—11 to 1-09 with 4 mins. remaining. In typical Rathmore fashion they never threw in the towel and narrowed the gap in the final minutes with 2 points. This was another good performance.

Coiste Na Og: U14 Dr. Crokes 4-05 Legion 1-07. Our opponents got off to a flyer and were two points ahead in as many minutes, a Will Horan goal in the 5th minute after good approach work by Anthony Cronin and Derek Maye. Immediately Maye finished to net to give us the lead 2-00 to 0-02. Some sterling defending deprived our opponents of a major and we went further ahead with a Bryan O`Shea point, Maye followed with a second goal, 2 quick points from our opponents narrowed the gap to six after 20 mins. another O`Shea minor after good defensive work kept us in the ascendancy and with the first half coming to a conclusion Michael Quirke finished to net when the ball broke kindly following a O`Shea free to leave us leading at the break 4-03 to 0-06. scores were at a premium in the second half and a string of fine saves by goalkeeper Ryan Patten kept our opponents at bay and we ran out comfortable winners.

Lotto: there was no winner of the Lotto jackpot of €3,900 on Sun. July 22nd.  Nos. drawn were 1,16,17,20. 5 players matched 3 numbers. Michelle O`Sullivan 19 Woodlawn Road, Thelma Cronin Coolcorcoran, Dan Kavanagh Muckross Road, Ml. O’Callaghan 33 Scrahan Court, John Scannell c/o P. Kenneally. Each receives €100. Jack[pot next Sunday €4,200.

Golf Society: the deferred outing from June sponsored by Niall Brosnan will be played this Friday July 27th in Beaufort G.C. tee times 3pm-5pm. Members please note that the Presidents (Jackie Looney) Prize will now revert back to its original date of August 11th due to re-scheduling of the All Ireland Q/Final. Tee times 9.30am-11.30am. Time sheet will be on display this weekend.

Sympathy: to the Counihan Family on the death of Club Vice President Thade.

18/07/07

Senior Co. Championship: Dr. Crokes 1-10 South Kerry 1-16. In Killorglin on Sat. last our dream of winning the 2007 championship ended when we were well beaten by a dominant South Kerry side. It was a disappointing performance by the lads and there is no doubt that the long winter campaign has taken its toll. All supporters while disappointed with the result will appreciate the effort made by all concerned, will remember the enjoyment provided over a number of long campaigns and will be happy in the knowledge they will bounce back and again be a force in the not too distant future.

Lotto: the Jackpot of €3,600 on Sun. July 15th was not won, numbers drawn were 1,3,15,19. 6 persons matched 3 numbers Ml. O’Leary c/o Speakeasy, Eilish O`Sullivan 160 Pinewood, P. Walsh 32249, John Brosnan Oakview Port Road, Triona Neilan St. Margaret’s Road, Paddy O`Shea c/o Siobhan Courtney. Each receives €85. Jackpot on Sun. next €3,900.

Fixtures: East Kerry Minor final Dr. Crokes v Rathmore in Glenflesk on Sat. 21st. July 8pm.

Golf Society: Karl McMahon scooped the loot in Captain (Sean Brosnan) prize played at Lackabane on Sat. last. In what was a very demanding course on the day expertly set up by Mike Healy whom we would like to say a sincere thank you. Karl’s score of 38points posted early in the morning withstood all comers.1. Karl McMahon (15) 38 points 2nd. Brian Clarke (7) 37 points 3rd Denis Coleman (6) 35 points  4th Shane Horgan (2) 34 points (21 back 9) 5th  Pat O’Connor (8) 34 points            (19 back 9) James Arthurs  (6) 34 points(19 back 9) Guest 1st. Sean C. Brosnan(13) 38 points 2nd Tom Prendergast (6) 36 points Dermot Foley 33 points Category 1 Joey Sheehan (7)34 points 2nd. Tomás Kelliher (7) 33 points Category 2  1st. Mike Cooper(14) 30 points 2nd John O’Leary (16) 30 points Category 3 1st. Mossie Foley(19) 33 points 2nd. Der Brosnan(19) 32 points 1st 9 Tom Looney 19 points 2nd Des Hayes 18 points. Next outing Friday July 27th Beaufort Golf Club,  tee time 3pm-5pm.get your name on the timesheet.

Sympathy: to the family of the late Andy O’Keeffe. Limerick native Andy took a very active part in the Dr. Crokes club when he came to reside in Killarney. At various times he served as a club officer, juvenile mentor, and hurling selector. He carried out his duties with dignity and a sense of fairness. To his mother, brother and sisters and extended family we offer our sincere sympathy.          

 11/07/07

O`Donoghue Cup: Dr. Crokes 5-11 Spa 2-06. Lining out without Brian McMahon, Luke Quinn and Michael Moloney, holders Dr Crokes booked their place in the quarter finals of The Aquila Club East Kerry championship -O’Donoghue Cup - with a rather facile victory over Spa in this first round tie at Lewis Road on Thursday evening last. The writing was on the wall for the challengers when they retired five points adrift at the break having had the aid of the strong wind in the first half and Dr. Crokes wasted little time on the resumption wrapping up the game.

Michael O’Donoghue gave Spa the start they needed with two early points and after Brian Looney and James Fleming replied quickly for the home side, O’Donoghue hit a thirty metre free all the way to the Crokes net. Again the champions replied swiftly with a goal from Eoin Brosnan after good work by Colm Cooper and Kieran O’Leary to leave the sides tied, 1-2 each after nine minutes of play. Two further points from O’Donoghue restored Spa’s lead however it was again short lived as Kieran O’Leary finished to the net after Johnny Buckley’s shot was smothered by James Devane in the Spa goal and Dr Crokes finished the half with three unanswered points to lead by 2-6 to 1-4 at the interval.

O’Donoghue opened the scoring again in the second half with a point for Spa but in the thirty fourth minute Colm Cooper finished to the net after Eoin Brosnan’s shot came back off the cross bar. Sub, Brian Russell pulled a point back for a beleaguered Spa side, but Kieran O’Leary was soon in for his second goal and three further points were followed by their fifth goal when David Moloney started and finished a typical Crokes passing move. To their credit, Spa battled on and were rewarded when Pa Murphy burst his way through for a goal with ten minutes remaining, however it was too little too late as Dr Crokes had well and truly booked their quarter final place at home to Firies by then.

Teams and Scorers: Dr Crokes; Kieran Cremin, Keith McMahon, James Cahallane, John Payne, Batt Moriarty, Shane Doolan (0-1), Jamie Wrenn, Ambrose O’Donovan, Eoin Brosnan (1-0), Johnny Buckley (0-2), James Fleming (0-1), Brian Looney (0-3), Colm Cooper (1-4), David Moloney (1-0), Kieran O’Leary (2-0). Subs: Nicholas Murphy, Gavin Tucker and Ian Howard

Co. Championship/f. Sat. next July 14th we travel to Killorglin to meet the Co. Champions for the last three years South Kerry in this years competition. We are well aware of the enormous task facing us as both teams have contested the last two co. finals with our opponents been successful on each occasion. We have prepared well and hopefully we can get the right result. Throw in is at 7.30p.m. and we urge a large number of supporters to travel (go early) despite the clash with the concert in Fitzgerald Stadium. The fixtures committee of Kerry CLG did not show much foresight in having such a clash and making it awkward for supporters to attend due to work commitments and travel restrictions. Teams from other towns seem to have exemptions when major festivities occur but on this occasion it was overlooked for some reason or other. No doubt before they year is out we will hear the usual moan from Co. officials that revenue from the co. championship gate receipts is down. Maybe with a little forward planning it could be avoided.  

Coiste na Og:.U12. The U 12 team 2 finished off on a high note on Friday night beating Ardfert with again a very strong performance. This team were only beaten once out of 5 games during their county league programme which was a fantastic achievement for this young team, most of whom were U 10, so the future looks bright.
Thanks from Sean Clarke, Noel White and Ger O` Shea, to all the players  for taking part and hopefully enjoying the experience and also to all the supporting parents who traveled all over Kerry.
The U 8 and U 10 teams traveled to Desmonds on Saturday. We had over 60
players to finish off our games programme for now. All teams accounted well for themselves and enjoyed the day, especially the refreshments provided by Desmonds. Saturday mornings are continuing for the present at 10.45 - 12 .

U.11 again this year we entered two teams in this competition as it allowed us to use all of the 40 strong pool of players. Team (1) did not qualify out of there group but they have gained invaluable experience and all of this panel have all got games and will be underage again next season.

Team(2) East Kerry U 11 Dr. Crokes 1-09 Spa 1-06. the final of this competition was played in Kilcummin on Wed. July 4th. on a blustery evening on a rain soaked pitch and short a number of regulars we started brightly kicking two early points. Spa struck back and playing with the wind they led at the break by 4 points. On the resumption we came out with all guns blazing and almost immediately cut the deficit when Shane Lyne found the net with a “Gooch” type finish. We continued to up our performance in the second half and finished up deserving winners. All members of the panel got plenty of game time during the qualifying rounds and the competitive experience will undoubtedly stand to them in the future. Panel: D. Healy, C. Mangan, J. O’Leary, C. McSharry, M. O`Shea, D. O`Sullivan, S. Lyne (1-00), M. Burns (Capt.), K. Regan, D. Sherrin, J. O`Sullivan (0-02), J. Kiely (0-01) P. Clarke, D. O’Doherty (0-06), J. Farrell, E. Walshe, K. Courtney, S. Bartlett, M/ Dara Willis,

Visit: This Wednesday July 10th we host an evening of camaraderie with some 30 visiting children from Chernobyl. These kids have been in town for the last number of weeks and it gives them the chance to integrate and play some hurling and football with Dr. Crokes members. Parents if you have any suitable gear that your child is not wearing it would be appreciated if you would donate.

Hurling Blitz: Last week's hurling blitz was the first opportunity that many of our under 8 hurlers had to to play competitive hurling and they accounted for themselves very well.  Many of our young hurlers only took up the game earlier this year and some have just started in last few weeks.  So it was a baptism of fire in our first game against Ballincollig, who proved too strong.  Our lads and lassies proved no pushovers though with Captain Michael Lenihan, Christine Cooper and Michael O'Shea playing some great hurling.
Our second game was against Kenmare.  This was a much closer encounter. Crokes took the lead with a superb goal by Siobhán Burns.  Patrick Cremin and Seán O'Neill also played some stylish hurling.  The Crokes team maintained their lead for most of the game and late in the game Kenmare scored two quick goals to grab the lead.  However, our performance had improved greatly from the first game.
Our final game was against a very strong Newtownshandrum team.  But the Crokes team rose to the occasion and kept their best hurling for this encounter.  While the Newtown team came with more experience than our team, the Crokes boys and girls never gave up and fought hard, taking some skillful scores.  Fionn Doherty, James McAuliffe and Lorcan O'Hare were in top form for this game.  However, Newtown ran out winners in the end.
The two Cork teams met in the Final and after an exciting game Newtown ran out victors.  This is to become an annual event and all teams will travel to Newtown next.  The Crokes teams are already looking forward to this trip and with another year's experience under their belt will be hoping for victory.

In the U 10 hurling section of this blitz there were four evenly matched teams participating. Newtownshandrum, Ballincollig, Kenmare and Dr Crokes.
In our opening game, Dr Crokes  beat Ballincollig after an intense struggle
thanks to goals by Tony Brosnan, Mark O'Shea and Jason Brosnan.  This game
set the tone of fast and skillful  hurling for the afternoon. The game between
Newtownshandrum and Kenmare saw victory going to the Cork lads. In the second game  we were pitted against Newtown and our lads showed great heart and a good deal of skill  to be well in the game at half - time.
John L Ivory in goals and some good defending by Gavin White, Michael Owen
Buckley and Conor McSharry insured that Newtown had to work hard for their
scores. Daniel O'Brien was  in excellent form in the half back line and scored a
long -range goal. In midfield Miceal Burns and Jack Lenihan lead by example with some great skills and good striking and the forwards made good use of the
possession. Some good scores by Fergal O'Donoghue , Billy Courtney and
Caolan O'Donoghue kept this game in the melting pot  right up to the end . However in the final few minutes Newtown  got  the vital scores and kept their unbeaten record intact.
In our final game against Kenmare, it was touch and go for a long period
before Jack Lenihan and Miceal Burns gained a midfield advantage which
resulted in  Alan O'Doherty, Chris Doncel & John A Harrington  getting vital scores to reward the outfield efforts .Newtownshandrum beat Ballincollig in their final game and remained unbeaten.
The  U 10 final  was a repeat of the Newtownshandrum V Crokes game  from
earlier in the afternoon and despite  the heavy rain both teams served up some great hurling. In the end Newtownshandrum remained unbeaten and our gallant team finished as runners-up.
All in all, this was a very worthwhile blitz and it shows the improvements
made by the Crokes players in recent months.
Finishing runners-up in this  kind of hurling company  is not bad and gives
everyone encouragement for the future. A word of thanks to the Events Committee for their catering on the day . Well done.
Panel :-  G White, C McSharry, M O Buckley, D O'Brien, M Burns, J L
Ivory, M  O'Shea, J Lenihan, B Courtney, C Doncel, T Brosnan, M O'Shea, J. Brosnan, C O'Donoghue, F. O'Donoghue, J A Harrington, A O'Doherty.

Lotto: the Jackpot of €3,300 in the Lotto draw on Sun. July 8th was not won. Numbers drawn were 8,9,19,24. 6 persons matched 3 numbers. Maureen McSharry 4 Elm Grove, Jamsie O’Donoghue c/o Lyno, Donie O’Meara c/o Mella, Greta Healy c/o Quills, James O’Neill c/o Lyno, Eileen Spillane c/o O’Callaghan’s, Dan Doona Coolgrean Park, Gearoid Sugrue 26 Bridgefield. Each receives €65. Jackpot Sun. next. €3,600.

Golf Society: Captain (Sean Brosnan) prize will be played on Lackabane this Sat. July 14th. Tee times 9.50a.m to 12.50p.m. wishing all “piker, hackers, and scrubbers” an enjoyable day and night. The time sheet for the re-scheduled outing to Beaufort now penciled in for July 27th will be open this weekend. There is also a change a date for the President(Jackie Looney) prize. It will now be played on August 18th @ Kenmare tee time 1.00pm. to 3.00pm. the original date clashed with the All Ireland Q/Final.

Best Wishes: Good to see Eddie (Tatler) O`Sullivan complete with a new set of “ball bearings”. on the go again following recent surgery, also to Minor players Jamie Doolan and David (Buddy) O`Leary who both have hand injuries.

 

04/07/07

East Kerry Junior Final: Dr. Crokes 1-10 Kilcummin 1-08. played at Fossa on Tue. evening we had a narrow victory over Kilcummin. Some astute switches by management paved the way for victory in this entertaining encounter.

Our opponents started brightly and were leading 4points to 1 after the first quarter. The introduction of Ian Howard at midfield and the moving of Ruairi Mangan to midfield gave our side a better balance and we narrowed the gap at the break to two points 6 to 4. On the resumption we took control and points from Howard and O`Grady  leveled the score. Kilcummin went ahead with a converted penalty but instantly Brian Clarke dished off to  O`Grady in space and he found the net from close range. Both sides swapped points in  tit for tat exchanges but with time running out Mangan and Denis Galvin got the necessary scores to ensure victory. Andrew O’Connell was always sure in goal Mike Cooper, John Payne and Kevin Landers were the best of the defenders, Ian Howard when introduced at midfield  along with Nicholas Murphy won some vital possession while in the forwards Philip O’Connor, Ruairi Mangan, Brian Clarke, Denis Galvin, and Mike O`Grady always posed a threat. Team & Scorers: Andrew O’Connell, Kevin Landers, Mike Cooper, Colm Griffin, John Payne, James Jones, Kevin Smyth, Ruairi Mangan (0-02) Nicholas Murphy, Philip O’Connor, David Looney(Capt.) Michael O’Donoghue (0-01) Michael O`Grady (1-04), Brian Clarke Denis Galvin (0-02), Subs; Alan Brady, Ian Howard (0-01) Jamie Wren, Gavin Tucker.

Junior Co. League : both sides met again in this competition on Fri. last again we were victorious by the narrowest of margins 1-11 to 2-07.

Coiste na Og: The U 12 team 2 went to play Austin Stacks on Monday night and came away with a great win, but more importantly the  manner in which they grafted out this win was most admiral in what was tough conditions with rain and a heavy sod. We went in ahead at half -time with a 4 point lead with great scores from John Kerrisk 0-1, and 1-1 from Michael Casey and David Sheerin 0-1.The second half we went 7 points up with super scores coming from Adam O Shea 1-2,Dylan O Sullivan 0-1,John Kerrisk 0-1,Killian Fleming 0-1,Michael Casey 0-1.

In fairness Stacks came back at us with 2 quick goals but our lads battled hard in the last ten minutes to win by 2 points. Well done on what was one of the best performances of the year. Team : Paul Clarke, Creagh Courtney, Caman Mangan, Mark O Shea, Cian Griffin, Jack Lenihan, Gavin White, Jason O Sullivan, Dylan O Sullivan, Michael Casey, Chris Doncel, David Sheerin, Adam O Shea, John Kerrisk,  Killian Fleming, Jason Farrell.

Lotto: The Jackpot of €3,000 on Mon. July 2nd was not won, numbers drawn were 4,8,10,12. there were 16 match 3 numbers each receiving €35. Jackpot on Sun. next  €3,300.

Munster Final: Congratulations to Pat O`Shea, Colm Cooper, Eoin Brosnan, Kieran Cremin, and Kieran O’Leary and the Kerry Seniors on their victory over Cork. Commiserations to the Minors.

O’Donoghue Cup: Thurs. July 5th v Spa.

Co. ChampionshipQ/F. Dr. Crokes v South Kerry Sat. July 14th venue Killorglin.

Golf Society: timesheet now open for Captain (Sean Brosnan) prize on Sat. July 14th @ Lackabane. Tee- time 10.30a.m – 1.00pm.

Sympathy: to Joan Foley on the death of her brother.