U21FC joy for Crokes and Brigid’s

Kilmacud Crokes concluded their season in style when their under-21 footballers outclassed St Vincent’s, 3-10 to 1-5, in Sunday’s Dublin U21FC ‘A’ final at Alfie Byrne Road.

Shane Cunningham helped himself to two goals but the real inspiration came from their watertight defence where team captain, Ross McGowan, led by example.

Not alone did the former Dublin minor footballer perform his primary defensive duties but he was the attacking foundation for many of their most incisive moves.

McGowan’s first half goal helped his side to a 1-7 to 0-3 interval advantage with Dara Mullin and Callum Pearson prominent in attack.

Three minutes into the second half Cunningham grabbed the first of this goal to push his side 11 points clear.

Vincent’s did battle back with a Loran Galvin goal but their comeback was shortlived when Cunningham goaled in the 43^rd minute following a brilliant McGowan run through the heart of the Vins defence.

In Saturday evening’s Dublin U21FC ‘B’ decider St Brigid’s held off a battling Castleknock to prevail, 1-10 to 2-5, at Russell Park.

James O’Reilly and Donal TImoney were the late heroes for the home team as their accuracy steered their side to victory.

Brigid’s recovered from a slow start to lead 0-6 to 0-2 at half-time following points from Liam Campbell, Mal Tighe and Mark Donnelly heading towards the break.

Two minutes into the second half O’Reilly raised a green flag for Brigid’s to strengthen their advantage.

But with Ben Galvin to the fore and a Colin Lynch goal Castleknock were back in contention with the sides level with 20 minutes remaining.

In a nail-bitting finale, however, it was Brigid’s who got the crucial scores through O’Reilly (free) and Timoney to secure victory.