November Reports 2006
 

29/11/06

Munster Club Championship: Dr. Crokes 2-10 Nemo Rangers 0-10. Sunday last was reminiscent of those halcyon days of the early nineties when we made a welcome return after a 14 year absence to this prestigious competition. An away fixture at this level is always going to be tough but a trip to Cork to face the competition specialists Nemo who have a unenviable record at this level was always going to be a hard ask, but a well motivated and highly focused Dr. Crokes outfit were well capable of the challenge and became the first Kerry club to defeat their opponents in this competition. This was a magnificent team effort by Crokes who were all heroes on the day but none more so than magnificent midfielder Eoin Brosnan who dominated all through covering acres of ground and ensued a plentiful supply for the forwards.

Nemo started the livelier and led 3pts. to 1pt. after 5 minutes with points from A. Morgan, Sean O’Brien, and James Masters(f). Kieran Brosnan had Dr. Crokes opening score with a punched point following good work by Andrew Kenneally. Both sides missed reasonable chances from placed balls and in the 10th minute Colm Cooper narrowed the gap to the minimum with a pointed free, and almost immediately wing back Batty Moriarty on the overlap brought parity to the proceedings with a excellent left footed equalizer.

Dr. Crokes were now beginning to assert themselves in all areas but James Masters edged Nemo in front with an excellent point from close to the sideline in the 16th minute, this proved to be their final score of the half as Dr. Crokes took control and pressed home the advantage with 5 unanswered points. After Colm Cooper had equalized for the second time with a 30yd free  Kieran Brosnan put them in the lead in the 18th minute with a long range effort. Kieran O’Leary was now getting the better of his marker and contributed two excellent efforts from long range and another by Cooper following a long delivery by Brosnan which led Crokes leading by double scores at the break 0-08 to 0-04.

On the resumption Brosnan stretched the lead in the first minute with a point, Paul Kerrigan narrowed the gap in the third but then came the defining moment in the 7th minute when a long delivery from Fleming was flicked on by Kenneally to Cooper who expertly tucked it to the net, 5 minutes later Gooch turned provider when taking a quick free after being fouled Brian Looney finished to the net to leave Dr. Crokes leading 2-09 to 0-06. While Nemo tried hard in the final quarter and were rewarded by points by Masters and Kerrigan there was no way through the tight marking Croke defense and they ran out comfortable winners to book their pace in the Munster Club Final.

The Dr. Crokes defense as a unit were magnificent snuffing out the Nemo threat, Brosnan lorded it at midfield ably assisted by Ambrose O’Donovan, while in attack Captain James Fleming had a vice like grip on the breaking ball, Kenneally while not on the scoring sheet worked tirelessly, Looney, O’Leary and the superb Cooper had the beating of their opponents.

 Scorers: C. Cooper 1-4 (0-3 frees); B. Looney 1-0; K. Brosnan, K. O'Leary 0-2 each; B. Moriarty, E. Brosnan 0-1 each.Team:: K. Cremin; K., McMahon, L. Quinn, M. Moloney; B. Moriarty, B. McMahon, E. Kavanagh; A. O'Donovan, E. Brosnan; B. Looney, K. Brosnan, A. Kenneally; C. Cooper. J. Fleming, K. O'Leary.
Subs: J. Cahillane for B. McMahon; V. Cooper for Looney; S. Doolan for Moriarty.
We would like to thank the large following who made the journey and the tremendous vocal support they gave, the lads are much appreciative of your efforts.
Coiste na Og: Our U12`s and U14`s played a number of challenge games against Nemo before Sundays game and came away victorious. These young guys really enjoyed the outing and brought tremendous color to the Senior game. A special thank you to all the Juvenile mentors who made this possible and to Nemo who facilitated us in every way.   

O’Donoghue Cup: Sun. Dec. 3rd Fitzgerald Stadium v Gneevegulia.

Munster Club Final: Sun. Dec. 10th v Aherlow (Tipperary)/Nire (Waterford) at a venue to be arranged.

Lotto: There was no winner of the Jackpot of €3,300 on Sun. Nov. 26th. Numbers drawn were 7,10,16,17. there were 6 matched 3 numbers each receiving €85. S. McCarthy c/o P.O., Chandra Bacalso 16 Castle Falls, Pat Dennehy Nountane Killorglin, Jimmy Falvey Curragh Aghadoe, Helen Sugrue 22 Elm court Ballydribeen, Keith Malee c/o Squires. Next weeks Jackpot €3,600.

Golf Society: The Christmas Hamper outing sponsored by Tatler Jack was played at Dooks on Sat. last. Recently retired publican Tom Lyne showed that his spare time has been put to good use by all the sharpening of his game with a magnificent score of 41pts. 1st, Tom Lyne(17) 41 pts. 2nd, Peter Fleming (9) 40 pts, 3rd, Joey Sheehan(7) 36pts, 4th, Fergal Keogh (14) 36pts, 5th, Brian Clarke(7) 36pts, 6th, Denis Coffey (6) 35pts, Cat. 1 1st, Johnny Byrnes (6) 35pts, 2nd, Pat O’Connor (8) 34 pts, 3rd, Liam Hartnett (5) 33pts, Cat. 2 1st, Sean Brosnan (13) 35pts, 2nd, Ger O`Shea(16) 35pts, 3rd, Vince Casey (15) 35pts, Cat. 3 Mossie Foley (19) 34pts, Der Brosnan (19) 33pts, 3rd, Christy Sheehan (18) 30pts, Next outing Scramble St. Stephens Day Ross Golf Club 9.00a.m.

Christmas Table Quiz: The annual Quiz will take place in Tatler Jack on Mon. Dec. 3rd. @ 9.00p.m. Tables €30.

 

22/11/06

Senior Co. League: Dr. Crokes 3-07 Milltown/Castlemaine 1-10. we got back to a winning formula in this final game of the co. league on Sun last with a win over Milltown/Castlemaine. This was a game with a number of permutations regarding qualification for the league final and despite us being victorious other result did not benefit us.

It was a game played in absolutely atrocious conditions, it is a credit to players on both sides who served good fare despite the gale force winds and  continuous driving rain. Playing with the aid of the elements in the opening half we took control at an early stage and goals by Eoin Brosnan(2) and Colm Cooper(1)  gave us control and we had built up a nine point lead until our opponents breached our defense on the stroke of half time with a goal from D. Twiss to leave the score  at the short whistle 3-04 to 1-04. A feature of the opening half was the performance of the Milltown keeper who pulled off 3 point blank saves. With no let up in the conditions in the second half we continued to forge ahead and led 3-07 to 1-06 entering the final few minutes it is to our opponents credit that they never gave up and kicked four unanswered points.

East Kerry Minor Championship S./final: Dr. Crokes 0-09 Spa 0-10. We relinquished the minor title to hugely motivated and far hungrier Spa side. Played in Direen on Sat. last. Spa were first out of the traps and  playing a direct brand of football our opponents were first to the ball in virtually all areas of the pitch in the opening period and never gave our lads any time to settle and led at the break 0-05 to 0-02. in the third quarter things began to deteriorate and we fell further behind 0-10 to 0-05 entering the final ten minutes and looking to have no answer to our opponents dominance but it is to the credit to the lads they somehow began a fight back and had brought the deficit to a bare minimum entering injury time when a long range free from Johnny Buckley was deflected over the bar by Ruairi Mangan only to be controversially disallowed by a posse of umpires. We wish a speedy recovery to John Bartlett who received a nasty mouth injury during the game which will require surgery.

n.b. it is high time the power that be i.e. East Kerry Board get their act together for championship games outside of Senior and appoint competent and a full team of match officials. The day is over when a referee arrives for a championship fixture without neutral umpires & linesman. It is now high time that the board grasped the nettle and get their house in order because all genuine sportspeople are interested in fair play for young fellows no matter who is victorious.

Super Draw: The inaugural draw was held in the Clubhouse on Wed. Nov.15th. Chairman Patrick O`Sullivan welcomed the large crowd present and thanked everyone who contributed. He acknowledged the commitment of the finance committee, team leaders, & sellers on making the venture  such a wonderful success. He praised the efforts of the Draw Joint Chairman Niall Brosnan & Mike Buckley for their enthusiasm & drive during the previous six months. He had a special word of praise for the administrators Liam Hartnett & John Lenihan for all their endeavors in having all the administrative work constantly updated. He stated that with such a successful venture being an overwhelming success the club can press ahead with the ongoing development to enhance our facilities for the betterment of future generations.

Results: €2,000 for fully paid up members, Liam O’Brien Rookery Road, 1st. Ford Focus Car: Liam McGuire New St., 2nd. 4 nights Luxury 5 star Break to Rome; Matthew Courtney St. Brendan’s Tce., 3rd. €1,000 James Fleming Lewis Road, 4th. €500 Michael O`Halloran Aghadoe, 5th. Weekend Break to Liverpool Tom Doherty Lissivegeen. The next draw will take place in the clubhouse on Thurs. Nov. 30th @ 9p.m.

Lotto: There was no winner of the Jackpot of €3,000 in the Lotto draw held on Sun. Nov. 19th. Numbers drawn were 5,13,14,17. there were 4 match 3 winners each receiving £125. Tony Cahill Kilcummin, Danielle O’Leary Kilcummin, Denis O`Sullivan Dublin 15, Donie O’Donoghue c/o Lyno.Next weeks Jackpot €3,300.

The numbers drawn in the lotto draw held on Tues. Nov. 14th were 1,8,10,15,for a Jackpot €9,000 there was one winner Kevin O’Donoghue c/o Kaynes. 14 people matched 3 numbers each receiving €40.

Munster Club Championship: On Sun. next we travel to Pairc Ui Chaoimh to play Nemo Rangers in the s/final of the Munster Club. This is a hard ask, but I have no doubt players and management will lift themselves for the task in hand. Calling all supporters to travel in large numbers and support your club. The  game is scheduled for a 2.45p.m. start.

Annual Mass for deceased members will take place in the clubhouse on Wed. November 29th @ 7.30p.m.

Christmas Table Quiz: the annual quiz will take place on Mon. Dec. 4th in Tatler Jack @ 9.p.m. Tables €30.

 

15/11/06

Co.Final: Sun. last we suffered yet another agonizing defeat  to  South Kerry when we lost out by the narrowest of margins on a score line of 0-12 to 1-08. While this was a game we could have and many would say should have won it was not to be. The stop start nature of the game was always going to make it a dour affair where winning and holding possession was a premium. The overall physical superiority of our opponents was a major advantage against our very young team and any ball that was spilled in the tackle was punished severely. After playing with a strong wind in the opening period we trailed by the minimum at the break 0-06 to 0-05 our score coming from Captain James Fleming(0-02), Colm Cooper, Kieran O’Leary, & Brian Looney. We started the second half in a strong fashion and a point from James Fleming in the second minute restored parity then came the unfortunate injury to Maurice Fitzgerald which necessitated a long delay while he was been treated on the pitch did not help either team. When Kieran O’Leary scored the only goal of the game following a great movement mid way through the second period that gave us a two point cushion we were unable to seize the initiative and carry the fight to our opponents, it is to their credit that composed themselves and kicked over some tremendous points a few which may be of the outrageous variety but these are the scores that win championship matches. The game ebbed and flowed to the final whistle but try as we did we were unable on the day to get the equalizer. Our best performers on the day were Keith McMahon, Mike Moloney, substitutes Eanna Kavanagh & Batty Moriarty in defense, Eoin Brosnan worked like a trojan covering acres of ground while in the forwards James Fleming, Brian Looney & Kieran O’Leary all had their moments.

While it is extremely disappointing to lose another Co. final there is still a lot of football to played before the end of the season in both O’Donoghue Cup & Munster Club. We play Cork Champions Nemo Rangers on Nov. 26th at a venue and time to be arranged.

Fixtures: East Kerry Minor Championship S/ final Spa v Dr. Crokes Sat. Nov. 18th @ 1p.m. in Spa. Div. 1 Co. league Dr. Crokes v Milltown/Castlemaine 19th Nov. 2p.m.

Special thank you to our Scor Office Geraldine Lyne along with Breda Cronin & Martina O`Riordan for all their work with the Scorn a Og participants in the last few weeks.

Happy Birthday; belated greetings to Anne Bartlett who celebrated last week.

 

08/11/06

Co. Final: All roads lead to Fitzgerald Stadium on Sun. next for the Senior Co. Final in a renewal of last years clash against South Kerry. Each and everyone of the squad has prepared diligently and along with the management are eagerly looking forward to the challenge. On behalf of Officers, members and supporters we wish the lads every success and hope that they are victorious  Please wear your colors, to facilitate people wishing to purchase merchandise Deborah Ann will be in the Clubhouse on Thurs. evening, Fri. evening, & Sat. morning.

East Kerry Minor Championship: we put the disappointment of losing the Co. championship final behind us with a workmanlike performance against Gneevegulia in the q/final of the East Kerry Minor Championship. This game was over as a contest at the half way stage when we led by 10points 2-08 to 0-04. Goals by Donal Cronin & Ruairi Mangan sealed this victory in the opening period. Our domination of the game was provided by our half back line of Jonathan Clarke, David O’Leary, & Barra O’Connell along with centre field pairing of Johnny Buckley & Ian Howard who provided the forwards with an abundance of possession over the course of the hour and despite an over elaboration at times they were able to kick points with consummate ease. Gneevegulia to their credit never gave up and had their periods in the second half when narrowing the gap with two goals but in the end we ran out comfortable winners 2-17 to 2-07. Team; Alan Kelly, Michael Mac Mahon, Michael Moloney, John Bartlett, Jonathan Clarke, David O’Leary, Barra O’Connell, Johnny Buckley, Ian Howard, Gavin Tucker, Daithi Casey, Niall O’Connell, Donal Cronin, Ruairi Mangan Jamie Doolan.

Coiste na Og: UNDERAGE HURLING:  For the past month Dr Crokes Under 11, 13 and 15s have been playing hurling in Tralee Institute under floodlights and on Astroturf.  This unique experience has been enjoyed by everyone who has participated.  With our own floodlit pitch now in operation, our young hurlers are looking forward to an early start to next year’s campaign. Games in Tralee up to now have been for seeding purposes and last week the finals were played.  The Crokes team were seeded in Division 1 with Duagh, and Kenmare A. 

The lads took some time to settle into the first game and let in two early goals that had them on the back foot against Duagh.  However, they got to grips with the game and proved the stronger team in the latter half.  The game was eventually lost 2 goals for Crokes and 3 for Duagh. 

Kenmare were up next and were fancied to take the honours.  But the Crokes boys were stung by the earlier loss and took hold of the game from the start.  They dominated affairs throughout and played some excellent hurling.  The result this time was in our favour with a score line of 5 goals to 2.

The overall result hinged on the last game between Duagh and Kenmare.  The Crokes boys could only look on.  The Kenmare team put in a better performance in their second game and ran out winners by 4 goals to 2.  A game won by each team gave them all the same points.  But Crokes’ better score difference gave them the overall victory.

Next Friday it is the turn of the under 13 and two under 11 teams.  Confidence is high for these teams as results to date have been very positive.  The bus leaves Crokes clubhouse at 5.45 pm sharp.

Last Saturday Ballincollig brought their under 10 team to Killarney to play both hurling and football.  This is the first visit from this Club to Dr. Crokes.  The hurling game was a very close fought battle with plenty of skills on display.  However, a physically stronger Ballincaollig team took victory by the smallest of margins.  The footballers had better luck and evened the score with a well deserved victory.  Plans were made for a rematch at the Cork venue for early next year.

SuperDraw: “Final Call” Wed. next November 15th @ 9p.m. is the date of our first draw. It will take place in the Clubhouse. We are making a special plea to any of our members, supporters, GAA enthusiasts  who may have overlooked to join please do so. All those who have visited our grounds in the recent few weeks are generous in their praise of the continuing development which we have embarked upon.

Lotto: The Jackpot of €8,700 on Sun. Nov. 5th was not won, numbers drawn were 14,18.20.23, there were 7 match three numbers each receiving €75. Gene Doherty, Dawn & Nicole 49 Flesk Grove, Tim O`Sullivan 160 Pinewood, con Carroll Kilbrean, M. Spillane 31008, Mike Broderick Listry, Connie Guerin Gortroe Fossa. Jackpot on Tues. next Nov. 12th €9,000.                                

there was no winner of the Jackpot drawn on Mon. October 29th numbers drawn were 3,12,15,17. There were 10 match 3 each receiving €50 Paul Quirke Ballybane Firies, Michael Fitzgerald c/o Chris, Dan Kelleher Muckross, Maria Moloney 31879, Noel Foley 132 Ballyspillane, Pat Buckley  Rookery Road, Darren O`Mahony Woodlawn road, Mary Coffey c/o continental, Noreen O’Connor c/o Eddie, Jason O’Donoghue c/o Lyno.

Sympathy: to Juvenile Hurling mentor John Ivory on the recent death of his father Larry. 

01/11/06

Minor Co. final: Dr. Crokes 1-09 Kerins O`Rahilly`s 1-12, we lost our second minor final in a row to a much stronger O`Rahilly`s side on Bank Holiday Monday at Austin Stack Park. We were always chasing the game and it is a credit to this young side nine of the starting 15 are eligible for next years competition that they never gave up and carried the fight to the opposition right to the bitter end. From previous battles between the sides we were under no illusions of the enormity of the task facing us and giving away height and weight advantage all over the pitch it was always going to be factor in the heavy underfoot conditions. Against a fresh wind in the opening period we trailed at the break by four points 0-07 to 0-03, thanks mainly to some outstanding points from their senior duo Tommy Walsh & David Moran this game turned in a two minute spell at the opening of the second half when after some good approach work a shot from Gavin Tucker went agonizingly wide with the goalkeeper well beaten, on the kick out O`Rahilly`s thundered up the field and found the net. Many teams would have thrown in the towel at this stage but these young guys are made of sterner stuff and the made it very uncomfortable for O`Rahillys in the final quarter but unfortunately they came up a little short on the day.  Our best performers on the day were Fionn Fitzgerald, David O’Leary, and Jonathan Clarke in defense, Ian Howard tried hard at midfield while in the forwards Daithi Casey & T.J.Cronin kept battling to the final whistle. Great credit is due to Manager John Galvin, and his selectors Billy Hennigan, James Cahillane, Denis Corridan, and Jim Connelly for the development of this group of players . Team Alan Kelly, Fionn Fitzgerald, Michael Moloney©, John Bartlett, Jonathan Clarke, David O’Leary, Barra O’Connell, Johnny Buckley, Ian Howard, Daithi Casey, Gavin Tucker, T. J.Cronin, Denis Galvin, Jamie Doolan, Ruairi Mangan. Subs: Shane O’Neill, Diarmuid O’Donovan.

Development: The lights have been switched on and are a state of the art, we invite all club members to come and view any night that there is training, or alternatively go to www.drcrokes.com to view an image. All this tremendous work that has taken place in the recent past is part of an overall plan to enhance our facilities and bring them to another level. This can not be undertaken without the necessary finance and this is why we encourage all members and supporters to support the Super Draw. Calling all sellers to make a final effort in the coming weeks. The facilities we are developing will be a legacy to future generations.

The first draw will take place in the Clubhouse on Wed. November 15th @ 9.p.m.

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

Halloween Party: We had a large crowd of kids at the clubhouse on Sun. last for our Annual Halloween Party the 150 kids present really enjoyed themselves, and Senior Manager Pat O`Shea proved to be a tremendous D.J.

Club Ties: a club tie has been designed and ordered and a limited number will be available for sale next week. Contact Deborah Ann.

Best Wishes: to all the kids who will be participation in Scorn na Og in the coming weeks.  Scor Officer Geraldine Lyne and her committee have worked tremendously hard over the last few weeks in preparing these kids and the club is deeply indebted to them.

Congratulations to Senior panelists Michael O’Donoghue who recently graduated as an Engineer.