June Reports 2009

 

24/06/09

CO. CHAMPIONSHIP Dr. Crokes 1-11 West Kerry 0-13. we overcame the first hurdle in 2009 Co. championship by the minimum margin against a gallant West Kerry side.

In a game where many of our players did not perform to their full potential it took a Colm Cooper goal from the penalty spot after influential substitute Daithi Casey was upended to haul us back into contention when all seemed lost. The final 5 minutes of injury time was nerve wrecking but fair play to the lads they stuck to the task.

COISTE NA OG Long day's journey into night - indeed it was last Saturday.  Crokes underage players certainly had a busy day.  It all began with hurling. Over 50 young hurlers at under 10 and under 8 were out at 9.45am to put in a hard morning's training in beautiful early morning sunshine.  This group are increasing in numbers every week and skill levels are greatly improving.  News broke during the week that Dr. Crokes under 12 hurlers are the only Club in South Kerry to be selected to play on the hallowed turf of Croke Park in July.  This will be an experience of a lifetime and is being looked forward to with great anticipation by players and mentors alike.
Following the hurling our under 6 and under 8 footballers - boys and girls - took to the field.  Again we had huge numbers turning up for their weekly training session.  All coaches are very pleased with the progress of this group.
Immediately after this session Dr Crokes hosted an under 10 blitz.  Ten teams were in action from 12.30 until 3.o' clock.  Mallow, Austin Stacks, Castleisland Desmonds and neighbours Spa brought two teams each and there were some hum-dinger games on show.  Our lads showed that they were able for any challenge put in front of them.  Coaches took great heart from the display of skills shown by their young charges.  A tired bunch of lads left the field after playing four games each.  Thanks to the minor and under 16 players who did a great job referring all the games.
The under 10's were just finished when the under 16s took over.  Another blitz organised by Dr Crokes.  Four teams participated in this blitz and again our lads were to the fore.  Games rolled on into the late afternoon sunshine and Seanie Shea and his team of mentors were well pleased with their day's work.  Their charges will derive great benefit from these games.
There was just enough time to get home, showered off and fed before it was time to watch the seniors in action against West Kerry. Some of our enthusiastic young players diverted to the outside pitch for more football.  A number of our lads were seen negotiating a last five minutes play with parents as the crowd were on their way home from the game inside.  Maybe June 20th was the longest day of the year!

Best of luck to Jessica Edwards and Katie Cronin who are part of the Kerry Under 14 team that are playing Mayo next Sunday in the All-Ireland  Under14 shield final in Limerick.
There is training every Wed night for Under 16, 18 and senior girls at 7.30
pm. The under 16s games will be staring the 7th of July. New members welcome.
The Under 12 girls are also training every Tues evening 5.30pm to 7pm
Well done to Sorcha Hickey, Maggie Horan and Kayleigh Cronin who recently took part in a fun blitz with the Kerry Under 13 team against Cork.
We would like to wish a speedy recovery to Annie Potts .

LOTTO there was no winner of the Jackpot of €4,500 on Sunday June 21 numbers drawn were 2,12,16,19. Nine patrons matched three numbers each receiving €60. Jackpot on Sunday June 28 will be €4,800.

US OPEN SWEEPSTAKE we had another wonderful entry to our novel fund raiser on the US Open. Due to numerous playing delays final results are not to hand at the time of writing. Full results are available on www.drcrokes.com  look out for a further challenge on the British Open in July.

GOLF SOCIETY Der Brosnan Captains Prize will be held on the Killeen course on Friday July 3 timesheet is now open. Please enter early.

SYMPATHY to the Lyne family on the death of Michael.   

 

17/06/09

CO. JUNIOR LEAGUE  After 4 rounds of the county league we have 6 points in the table., and in a comfortable position with one home match to Milltown –Castlemaine and two away to Listowel and Dingle.

After that remarkable win away to Rathmore in the opening round, we came a cropper late in the  second game at home to A. Stacks. This was  a case of 2 points lost. It was nip and tuck for the first half, but we asserted superiority in the second half and were well on course for a victory. However, Stacks came with a late goal and point. We did manage a point, but could not get the equaliser.

In the  third game, our squad bounced back, buoyed no doubt by winning the final of the EKL in  that midweek.. We were always in control of this game in the vital second half, especially when the incisive Denis Galvin scored the 41st minute goal, after a good build-up from our half-back time.

Kilcummin started the brighter and led 4 points to 2, after 11 minutes. Crokes forwards responded well to be 6 points to 4 clear at the interval.

They piled on the pressure in that second half to win comfortably 1-13 to 0-8.

In match 4 they had  a convincing  away win V Strand Road on Friday last. This was a game that could have caused a few problems, but the players have shown a mature determination to overcome most obstacles so far this year.

 Starting without a number of regulars we took a while to settle into this game. While defending well, our forward movement and team play was interrupted with stray passes and poor handling. Our normal high standard was not visible and we struggled to score chances we created. While having a major share of possession Strand Road still held sway around the middle of the field. The switch of David Moloney to lar na pairce changed that, and from there to the end of the half we dominated with some very good scores from Shane Myers, Shane O' Neill and Denis Galvin. Half Time 10pts to 5 in our favour.

 We were slow to get started in the 2nd half and this gave our opponents more belief in their play, but we again defended stoutly and prevented many chances being created. As the half wore on we began to use the open spaces of Strand Road to more affect and kept our score tally moving on a regular basis. While a few goal chances came our way, some good defending and goal-keeping prevented us from raising a green flag. Final Score 18pts to 8.

The defence was very solid throughout and both mid-fielders showed their senior qualities. Shane Myers and David Moloney were the pick of the forwards

Team; David Neeson, Keith McMahon, Finan Moran, John Bartlett, Fionn Fitzgerald, James Cahalane, Kevin Smith, Andrew Kennelly, David O' Leary, Shane Myers, Ruairi Mangan, Conor O' Neill, Denis Galvin, David Moloney, Shane O' NeillSubs used; Darren Coffey for K. McMahon, Jonathan Clarke for R. Mangan, Brian O' Donoghue for David O' Leary

COISTE NA OG Played in Ballyheigue on a breezy evening this game pitted Dr Crokes  against Ardfert/St Brendans.  This started very evenly and  Crokes could have drawn first blood on a few of their early attacks, however the Ardfert defence was tight and their keeper was having a blinder. This did not deter our lads and they fought bravely. At the other end our young keeper was not being outdone and Michael Lenihan kept our chances alive with a string a fine saves.

The pressure on our defence soon showed and by half time we were trailing by three goals. In the second half we fought hard and got a few nice points from Mark O'Shea and Billy Courtney.

These scores steadied things and Daniel O'Brien, Jack Lenihan, Gavin White  and Jason Brosnan winning more  possession the last quarter was close  but the first half goal concessions had done the damage.

In the end we lost but the second half performance restored some pride. Overall it has been a good league for our lads and the experience will stand to us in the championship later in the year.

Team :- Michael Lenihan, Anthony Murphy, Michael O'Buckley, St John Kelleher, Mark O'Shea, Gavin White, Adrian Murphy, Jack Lenihan, Daniel O'Brien, Ciaran Kennedy, Billy Courtney,Stephen Doherty, Oscar O'Connor, Paul Clarke,J ack Murphy, Aodhan De Brun, Dean Farrell, Jason Brosnan, Shane O'Connor, Cian Heffernan, John Hannigan, Conor Murphy, Conor Quirke, Cian O'Hare Doherty, Dara O'Hare Doherty, James Flavin.

CO. CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday next Stadium 8pm v West Kerry.

LOTTO there was no winner of the jackpot of €4,200 on Sunday June 14 numbers drawn were 5,11,14,15. Fourteen patrons matched three numbers each receiving €40. Jackpot next week €4,500.

CONGRATULATIONS  to Junior player David Looney & Ciara O`Connor who tied the knot last week.

 10/06/09

E.K.J.L. DR. CROKES 0-12  CURROW 0-09 We collected our first Adult trophy of the year as a result of our three point win over Currow in a very exciting, clean game, played in Kilcummin. Great credit is due to the host club for having their field in such impeccable condition. Even though the first half contained a lot of good football, both sides could only manage three points. This was because of poor shooting and good defending by both teams. There were fifteen scores recorded in the second half, our nine points outscoring Currow by three points.

 Our opponents opened the scoring, with a point in the 4th minute. It took us until the thirteenth minute to equalise. Both sides scored two points each in the second quarter, leaving the scores level at the interval at three points apiece.

Even though the standard was above the ordinary in the first half, it improved even more in the second half and many of the scores recorded were as good or better than you would see in many a Senior final. The teams exchanged points on two occasions in the first seven minutes of the second thirty minutes,  The game was more or less won and lost in the following five minutes, during which period we scored three unanswered points, our margin of victory at the end. Currow fought back straight away and with two unanswered points reduced the deficit to the minimum. The teams exchanged points on two occasions in the next ten minutes,  We finished the stronger however,  adding on two points for a three point win.

 Our team captain Finian Moran did not forget the untimely death of Jimmy Falvey in his acceptance speech. Jimmy, he said, would be sadly missed by all the Gaels of the County. He was a great Fossa man but much loved by Dr Crokes players, many of whom had played with him in St Brendans and in Kerry Minor and Under 21 teams.

 David Neeson was very sound in goal. Best in defence were Finian Moran, David O'Leary and Brian O'Donoghue. Andrew Kenneally and Ian Howard were on top at midfield even though Currow did win a fair amount of possession in the sector. Best in attack were Ruairi Mangan, Denis Galvin and Edmund O'Sullivan.

  Dr Crokes Best Player'  Andrew Kenneally.

  Team and Scorers;  David Neeson; Conor O'Neill, Finian Moran(capt), John Bartlett; David O'Leary, Brian O'Donoghue, Kevin Smith; Ian Howard, Andrew Kenneally; David Looney 0-1, Barra O'Connell 0-2, Shane O'Neill; Denis Galvin 0-3(0-2frees), Ruairi Mangan 0-2, Edmund O'Sullivan 0-3(0-2frees).  Subs;  Chris Egan 0-1, Tommy Regan.

GOLF CLASSIC GOLF CLASSIC sponsored by O’Donoghue/Ring Hotels held on Thursday June 5th was an overwhelming success with a wonderful entry of teams in these difficult times. This was one of a number of fund raising ventures to help reduce the debt on the development. We are indebted to Killarney Golf Club, Maurice O’Meara and his staff David McIndoe and his course staff, John & Freda and the catering staff for their cooperation and our own Golf Society whose enormous input was invaluable in making the day. The successful team on the day represented McSweeneys Arms Kevin O`Callaghan, Mick Moran, Ger Lenihan and Ambrose O`Donovan.

Results of outing to Ceann Sibeal Sat 6th June Sponsored by Scotts Hotel

1. Brendan Keogh 38pts 2. James Arthurs 33pts 3. Greg O Donoghue 32pts

4. James Jones 30pts 5. Fergal Keogh 30pts 6.Tadhg O Connor 29pts Cat 1       Denis Coleman 28pts Cat 2 Harry O Neill 28pts Cat 3 Malachy Walsh 24pts

US OPEN GOLF CHALLENGE following the successful venture on the masters we are running another on the US Open. Cards are now available from member of the Golf Society.

SYMPATHY to the O`Connell family on the death of Tony. Tony played with us up to minor grade and was a very accomplished footballer. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis

 

 

 

 

03/06/09

CO. LEAGUE DIV. 1. Dr. Crokes 2-13   Listowel Emmets 1-08, Dr. Crokes remained top of the Div. 1 co. League table with a comprehensive win over Listowel Emmets.  Emmets were first out of the blocks and led 0-2 to 0-00 after four minutes Crokes who were slow to settle had their first score after 7 mins from David Moloney, Jack Buckley stretched Emmets lead with a further point after nine which would prove to be their last score of the half.

Crokes added five points Eoin Brosnan (2) Daithi Casey (2) and D. Moloney to leave the half time score 0-06 to 0-03.

On the resumption Casey added two further points in the 1st and 3rd  to stretch the lead Moloney added another in the 4th  and two Brian Looney minors sandwiched with a Buckley point for Listowel, Moloney added another and Eoin Brosnan had a wonderful goal in the 15th minute to stretch the lead 1-12 to 0-04.

Listowel started a fight back and a goal from Padraigh Buckley in the 18th gave them a life line further points from Sheehy (2) Galvin and Maguire narrowed the gap but a goal in the 29th minute from Daithi Casey brought proceedings to a close.

JUNIOR CO. LEAGUE  The junior team got their county league campaign off to a remarkable start recently, when they defeated Rathmore away,2-5 to 0-8. Deprived of the services of several players, they buckled down to produce a gutsy match winning display.

Conditions were extremely difficult, as a gale force wind blew directly in to the dressing room end. David Moloney, team captain for the county league, elected to play with the elements, and they needed every help that came their way. The crucial break came in the 11th minute when John O Shea somehow managed to stop a rasping shot bound for the net. His return to the number one jersey kept Crokes in front. Father Time didn’t bother him as he defied the laws of nature and of gravity. In the 24th minute Tommy Regan goaled for a half-time lead 1-4 to 0-3.

The second half display by Dr Crokes was a joy to behold. No place for half-hearted efforts, as all players had to become both defenders and attackers. Team captain, David Moloney was inspirational, as Crokes facing in to the teeth of a gale. The rising tide raises all boats and that was certainly the case in Rathmore. Crokes defended in mass and were disciplined enough not to concede frees. A 53rd minute goal by the impressive Conor O Neill lifted the second half siege to forge an unlikely 2-5 to 0-8 win.

Co. Hurling league Crokes played 2 games this week, a back match against Kenmare on Mon 26th May and then on Wed 28th  away to Ballyheigue

Dr Crokes 1-13 Kenmare   0 -13 The major plus from this game was that Crokes won without playing very well. It was the scoring prowess of Patrick Landers who notched 4 pts in the first half that kept Crokes  in touch at half time on the score-line of 0-7 to 0-8. Darren O Dea, Mike O Keeffe and Sean Burchill added the others.

The same players added pts at the start of the second half and Sean Burchill with 2 frees saw it tit for tat in the second half but Crokes could not get their noses in front even though they were enjoying a greater share of possession. Eventually they made the break through when substitute Johnny Dunphy found space behind the Kenmare defence and he made no mistake with a blistering shot to the roof of the net. The same player added a quick point and Crokes held on to win by 3 points on a scoreline of 1-13 to 0-13.

Ballyheigue 3-7 Dr. Crokes 2-12 The hurlers continued their recent good run of form to win in Ballyheigue in windy conditions on Wednesday last. There were two changes from the win over Kenmare with Seanie Morris and Brendan O Donovan returning to the team after injury.Crokes started the livelier of the teams and went 3 points ahead early on through points from Seanie Burchill and Diarmuid Lane. However Ballyheigue recovered to level the game after Keith Curtin was forced to retire injured and it took a superb goal from Patrick Landers to regain the lead for Crokes. Our opponents goaled just before half time to leave it level at the break. Crokes were quick out of the blocks in the second half and another goal from Patrick Landers added to by points by Seanie Burchill(who scored 0-8 in total), Seanie Morris and Darren O' Day ensured we had our fifth win on the trot in this competition. The backs were again superb as a unit and Brendan O Donovan, Tom Murphy and Barry O' Grady were particularly impressive. Brian D'Arcy continued his fine form in midfield while in the forward line Seanie Morris, Sean Burchill, Patrick Landers and Darren O Dea did well. Special mention to Johnny Dunphy who made the 3 hour journey from Youghal.

Crokes have their final league this Wed night 3rd June at home to Kilmoyley and need to win to secure an automatic place in the Div 2 final. Kilmoyley will be the strongest opposition they will have met so far so Crokes need to up the tempo.

 

COISTE NA OG  U14 East Kerry our 1st game in east kerry lge was a home tie on a perfect evening for a game, Spa were our opponents on the night. We started a bit sluggish and missed some good chances, we soon found our rhythm and kicked some fine scores at half time we led 2-8v0-4. We were guilty of a poor start to the 2nd half but recovered well to run out worthy winners on the night on a score-line of 3-12 - 1-08.

U12 hurling Dr. Crokes 3-08 Ardfert 3-02 In the final game before the semi finals of the U12 county league, we hosted a good and very competitive Ardfert team. Crokes started comfortably and a few early points from Billy Courtneyand Jack Lenihan settled the team.

The hurling was quick and tough   and  Ardfert responded with two points.

The Crokes pressure paid off and Paul Clarke and Jack Lenihan both got goals to leave the half time 2-04 to 0-02.

Our defence was sound and Gavin White was in brillant form with good help from Mark O'Shea, Anthony Murphy and Adrian Murphy. In the second half Ardfert really played well and their pressure resulted in two goals . With ten minutes to play there was not too much between the sides but a second Paul Clarke goal and a further points from Jack Lenihan and Billy Courtney eased Crokes past the winning post on the score of 3-08 to 3-02.

We will now await the semi final draw to see who our opponents will be in next Friday's game.

U14 Co. hurling final Played in hot conditions and into a strong wind in the first half, Dingle made good use of the elements and settled into a routine. They scored  four points without reply and our defence was under siege. We did have a few attacks  but they did not bear any scores.

After a few positional switches we settled to the task in hand  and should have got a few points before half - time. However they did not come and at the break we were down by seven points  after being under severe pressure in defence.

In the second half we used the wind toour advantage and the scores started to come. A  point by Laurence Byrnes was followed by a Gavin White pointto leave just five points in it.  A  penalty awarded to us was superbly turned over the bar  and Jack Lenihan added another point. There was now just three points in it and it was tough going. Dingle  stood firm and added two further points.

In a dramatic last five minutes John Ivory blasted a good shot just wide  and finally Kevin O'Sullivan found the Dingle net.

Final score  Dingle 0-09...Dr Crokes 1-04

This was a gallant effort by our lads but  they ran out of time. They can be proud of their run in this league and of the fact that they have set a high standard for the future.

E.K. U11 Dr Crokes 29pts--- Rathmore 14pts. Crokes opened their defence of the East Kerry U11 title with a very good but hard fought victory over a game Rathmore team on Thursday night in Rathmore. In this league a goal has a value of just 1 point and a point has a value of 2 points. With this system our team showed a great ability to score points and that was the big difference between the teams on the night.

We started brightly with our midfield getting on top, Billy Courtney and Conor Harrington really drove into the game. They supplied great ball into the full forward line that after a few early misses found their scoring boots and began to build up a good score. We saw some great scoring from Mark O’Shea, Mark Hartnett, Brendan Coppinger, Dion Marcus, Kieran Fitzpatrick and David Rea.  We had a breeze at our back in the first half and at half time the score stood at Dr Crokes 14 pts, Rathmore 8 pts.

It was important that we get some early scores in the 2nd half and to their credit the boys delivered, scoring some great points against the breeze. At this stage Rathmore were getting into the game and only some great defending from David Shaw, David Naughton and Shane O’Connor kept the Rathmore forwards in check. This allowed us to build up a good lead and although Rathmore kept fighting we were never in danger. Mike Potts, Donie O’Sullivan and Murt O’Shea were also proving their worth and fighting spirit. We were able to use all the panel and Patrick Wrenn, Jack O’Connor, James McAuliffe, John Beecher, Jack Griffin and James O’Sullivan all played an important part in our victory.

The work effort put in by all the panel was fantastic on the night and the lads showed that they are prepared to put in the work that is necessary to go with the skill they obviously have.

Congratulations to Rathmore on the fantastic facilities they are developing.

Our next match is against Glenflesk on Wednesday June 3rd in Lewis Road.

US OPEN GOLF CHALLENGE following the successful venture on the masters we are running another on the US Open. Cards are now available from member of the Golf Society.

SYMPATHY to the Falvey and O`Connor families on their recent bereavements.