Crokes crowned minor ‘A’ hurling champions (2020)

Kilmacud Crokes were crowned Dublin minor hurling 'A' champions (2020) when they defeated St Oliver Plunkett's/Eoghan Ruadh 4-19 to 1-15 in Wednesday night's entertaining final at Parnell Park.

It was a night of double celebration for the southside club as they also secured the 'C' honours when overcoming Castleknock 4-14 to 0-11 while in the 'B' decider Ballinteer St John's got the better of St Brigid's (1-14 to 0-10).

An excellent display from Seán Purcell in the 'A' final was central to Crokes top-flight victory as he amassed 2-4, all from play, as well as dovetailing well with his older brother Dara at times as they looked for ways to unlock the Plunkett's defence.

Two goals in the opening quarter gave Crokes the platform for victory with Brian Hayes firing to the net in the seventh minute following good work by Luke Ward.

Just before the first water break Seán Purcell hit the first of his two goals as his side moved 2-5 to 0-3 ahead, Gerard Ryan doing well on frees for Plunkett's.

However, Plunkett's showed great battling spirit on the restart with Neil Clerkin hitting their first score from play in the 18th minute.

The Navan Road side enjoyed a period of sustained pressure but Gerard Ryan had a goal opportunity but it was well saved by Crokes 'keeper Fionn Boyd.

In the 24th minute Plunkett's were awarded a penalty but Ben McSweeney's effort hit an upright as Crokes escaped.

Plunkett's had reduced the gap to four points, 2-5 to 0-7, following a Dennis McSweeney score but in first-half injury-time Crokes struck for their third goal when Seán Purcell had his goal attempt saved by 'keeper Conor Hanley but Conor Hughes was on hand to scramble the sliotar over the line.

The Stillorgan side enjoyed a 3-6 to 0-7 interval advantage but again Plunkett's refused to buckle and Gerard Ryan converted two early frees at the start of the second half.

They also created a number of goal-scoring situations but failed to raise a green flag as Crokes defence, where Darragh Geraghty impressed, stood strong.

Crokes took advantage with Seán Purcell hitting three points from play in quick succession and Brendan Scanlon added two more for their side to move 12 points ahead, 3-12 to 0-9.

But the game was far from decided as a Ben McSweeney goal and points from Neil Clerkin, Gerard Ryan and Dennis McSweeney reduced the deficit to six points, 3-14 to 1-14, with six minutes remaining.

Crokes, though, showed their class with points from Luke O'Loughlin, Dara Purcell and Brian Hayes.

In added time Seán Purcell added his second goal as Crokes triumphed once again.

Scorers – Kilmacud Crokes: S Purcell 2-4, B Scanlon 0-6 (0-3f), B Hayes 1-2, D Purcell 0-4 (0-2f), C Hughes 1-0, L O’Loughlin 0-2, D Crowe 0-1. St Oliver Plunkett’s/ER: G Ryan 0-9 (0-9f), N Clerkin 0-4, B McSweeney 1-0, D McSweeney 0-2.