Crokes prove extra special in U21HC 'A' decider

Crokes prove extra special in U21HC ‘A’ decider

Sat, 26th March 2016

Kilmacud Crokes claimed a football and hurling double after they defeated Na Fianna by 1-17 to 1-13 after extra-time in their Dublin U21HC ‘A’ Final (2015) at O'Toole Park on Friday afternoon.

Na Fianna controlled large parts of the first-half with Seán Murphy's goal in the ninth minute handing them the initiative while Aaron Jesson clipped three points to maintain their momentum.

Crokes stayed in touch through three Oisín O'Rorke points and an Alex Considine goal in the 28th minute reduced their arrears to six points (1-11 to 1-5) by the break.

Caolan Conway's 36th minute dismissal looked to have stalled Kilmacud ambitions but two points by the excellent Fergal Whitely ensured a 1-11 apiece deadlock at full-time.

Crokes looked the stronger outfit from that point as Lorcan McMullen tagged on three late points to ensure a thrilling win for Donal McGovern's outfit.

SCORERS– Kilmacud Crokes: O O’Rorke 0-5 (0-1f), F Whitely, L McMullen 0-4 each, A Pilkington 1-1, S O’Dwyer 0-2, S Keating 0-1 (0-1f). Na Fianna: S Murphy 1-2, M Oliver (0-2f, 0-1 ‘65’), AJ Murphy (0-2f), A Jesson 0-3 each, G King, E McHugh 0-1 each.

KILMACUD CROKES: T Murphy; J Murphy, C Mac Gabhann, M McCallion; D Ó Murchú, R Murphy, E Allen; F Whitely, L McMullen; B Horan, O O’Rorke, E Sheedy; A Pilkington, C Conway, R Hayes. Subs: S O’Dwyer for Sheedy (36), S Keating for Pilkington (59), C McIntyre for O’Rorke (63).

NA FIANNA: J Treacy; K McDonnell, S Barrett, L Carey; P Buggy, P O’Dea, R Fenlon; C Doran, M Oliver; A Jesson, E McHugh, P Feeney; AJ Murphy, S Murphy, G King. Subs: C Heeney for Carey (27), E Heeney for Barrett (37), C Currie for E Heeney (46), C Kelly for AJ Murphy (74).

REF: P Smyth (O’Toole’s).