Dr Crokes 0-14 --- Gneeveguilla 0-9

(Played in Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday 20th December 2009)

We won our 25th O Donoghue Cup on Sunday last, beating Gneeveguilla in the final, 0-14 to 0-9. We would have to be proud of our twenty five wins in the 56 years of the Competition.

Our opponents are not an easy team to beat in a final and they made us fight hard for our four in a row. Our greater experience was a contributory factor to our victory as we never panicked when Gneeveguilla threatened in the last quarter to bring down our seven point lead.

We got off to a good start with two points in the first three minutes. By the eight minute we were in the lead by four points to one. Our opponents had three points to our one in the next seven minutes. This left us 0-5 to 0-4 ahead at the end of the first quarter. The defining period of the game was the last ten minutes of the first half. We had four points without reply to go in at the interval five points in front.

The teams exchanged points on two occasions in the first ten minutes of the second half. Before the end of the third quarter we had two unanswered points for an 0-13 to 0-6 lead. Our opponents came very much into the game at this juncture and three unanswered points reduced the deficit to just four points. Our backs defended stoutly in the last five minutes and Kieran O'Leary closed out the game for us with a point in the 59th minute.

Our defenders had to work harder than in any other game in the Competition and were not found wanting. Midfield has served us very well all year but were not able to exert the dominance of previous games. Our forwards all played well, individually and as a unit. One would have to mention however, Brian Looney's man of the match performance, Colm Cooper's contribution of six points and Jamie Doolan's great showing for and winning of possession.

Dr Crokes Best Player; Brian Looney, followed closely by Fionn Fitzgerald.

Team and Scorers; Kieran Cremin; John Payne, James Cahillane, Mike Moloney; Fionn Fitzgerald 0-1, Eoin Brosnan, Gavin Tucker; Ambrose O'Donovan, Johnny Buckley; Kieran O'Leary 0-1, Shane Doolan, Brian Looney 0-2; Colm Cooper 0-6(0-3frees), Daithi Casey 0-2(frees), Jamie Doolan 0-2. Subs; Andrew Kenneally, Luke Quinn.

Semi-Final

Dr Crokes 4-16 Cordal 1-5

(Played in Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday 13th Dec).

We got off to a good start, scoring four unanswered points in the first eight minutes. Cordal replied with a point in the tenth minute. We took over completely in the next eighteen minutes and scored 4-5 without reply. The teams exchanged points in the last two minutes, leaving us 4-10 to 0-2 ahead at the interval and in an unassailable lead.

Cordal to their credit did not throw in the towel on the resumption. They matched us score for score in the second half but were never likely to make much inroads into our half time lead of twenty points.

Dr Crokes Best Player; Colm Cooper.

Team and Scorers; Kieran Cremin; Fionn Fitzgerald, James Cahillane, Luke Quinn; Mike Moloney, Eoin Brosnan, Gavin Tucker; Johnny Buckley 0-1, Ambrose O'Donovan; Kieran O'Leary 1-1, Shane Doolan, Brian Looney 1-1; Colm Cooper 1-6(0-2frees), Daithi Casey 0-3(frees), Jamie Doolan 1-2. Subs; Shane Myers 0-1, James Jones 0-1, Shane O'Neill, Alan Kelly, David Neeson.

Quarter Final

Dr Crokes 3-14 Spa 0-04

(played in Spa on Sat Dec 5th @ 2.00pm)

We qualified for the East Kerry semi final with a good win over Spa. The fact that Spa were short a few influential players made our task easier but nevertheless we turned in a good display and ran out easy winners in the end.

We got off to the best possible start, going 1-4 to nil in front by the 6th minute. Our opponents had their best spell in the game in the next six minutes, scoring three points without reply. We were well on top for nearly all of the rest of the first half. We scored seven unanswered points and then both sides exchanged points. This left us 2-11 to 0-4 ahead at the interval.

The second half was played out with little intensity. During this period, Spa had some near misses but failed to add to their tally. We added 1-3 to our first half score to run out winners, 3-14 to 0-4.

In a very good team display, we were best served by John Payne, James Cahillane and Mike Moloney in defence. Johnny Buckley and Ambrose O'Donovan gave us a good pull at midfield. In attack, Colm Cooper, Kieran O'Leary, Daithi Casey and Jamie Doolan were best.

Dr Crokes Best Player; Johnny Buckley.

Team and Scorers; Kieran Cremin; John Payne, James Cahillane, Luke Quinn; Eoin Brosnan, Mike Moloney, Fionn Fitzgerald; Johnny Buckley 0-1, Ambrose O'Donovan; Kieran O'Leary 0-3, Shane Doolan, Brian Looney 0-1; Colm Cooper 0-2(0-1free), Daithi Casey 2-5( 0-3frees), Jamie Doolan 1-0. Subs; James Jones, Gavin Tucker 0-2, Shane O'Neill, Shane Myers and David Neeson.

1st Round

Dr Crokes 2-15 ----- --Legion 1-3

(played in Lewis Road on Sat 21st Nov 2009)

Everybody in the East Kerry Area , including our own supporters, anticipated a very close game against our neighbours. This however did not materialise. We came quickly out of the blocks and built up a twelve point lead by the interval. The fact that we had played against the strong breeze in the first thirty minutes made this an almost unassailable lead. We were fifteen points ahead at the three quarter stage and could afford the luxury of using our bench in the last fifteen minutes. This was probably our best display of the season and on the day would probably have beaten any opposition.

We were in complete control in the first half, combining well and taking nearly all our chances. The Legion forwards in fairness to them were denied possession but on a few occasions should have registered scores when in good positions. We led at the interval 1-9 to nil.

The teams exchanged points at the start of the second half and then a point by us was followed by a Legion goal which reduced the deficit to ten points. Any hopes of a fight back by our opponents were dashed in the next few minutes when we added on 1-2, the goal, a vintage Colm Cooper one, after a good combined movement. That left us fifteen points in front, with the last quarter being played out without urgency on either side. Both teams contributed two points in this period leaving us winners by 2-15 to 1-3.

On a day in which we had stars all over the field one would have to mention, Fionn Fitzgerald, James Cahillane and John Payne in defence, both of our midfielders and Colm Cooper, Kieran O'Leary and Jamie Doolan in attack.

Dr Crokes Best Player; Colm Cooper.

Team and Scorers; Kieran Cremin; John Payne, James Cahillane, Luke Quinn 0-1, Mike Moloney, Eoin Brosnan (capt), Fionn Fitzgerald 0-1; Ambrose O'Donovan, Johnny Buckley 0-2; Kieran O'Leary 0-1, Andrew Kenneally, Brian Looney; Colm Cooper 1-6, Daithi Casey 1-1(0-1free), Jamie Doolan 0-3. Subs; Shane Doolan, James Jones, Shane Myers.

Dr Crokes 0-7  Kilcummin 0-5

(Played in Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday 23rd November 2008)

In a very low scoring game we emerged victorious over Kilcummin by two points. While our opponents could bemoan a missed penalty, or rather a saved spot kick by our goalie Alan Kelly as a major cause of their defeat, I think that our better use of the wind was a big factor in the game resulting in our favour. We scored four points from play when aided by the elements whereas our opponents only managed one point from play in the second half when the wind was at their back. It was however a very even game and we were glad to hear the full time whistle.

Kilcummin despite playing against the breeze had the first scores of the game, two points from frees. We gained equality by the tenth minute. The teams exchanged points in the next five minutes but we had three unanswered points before half time to go in 0-6 to 0-3 in front. Before our last point came Alan Kelly's save from a penalty.

The second half yielded just three scores, two points for our opponents and one point for us. This is not to say that this thirty minutes was unexciting. Both back lines performed heroics and both goalkeepers brought off point blank saves. We had a lot of play in this half but our opponents staunch defending made it very difficult for us to break through. We had to defend stoutly, in the last five minutes especially to keep out the goal that would have changed the result of the game.

Alan Kelly was outstanding in goal. Best in a very tight defence were John Payne, Fionn Fitzgerald and Shane Doolan. Eoin Brosnan and Ambrose O'Donovan gave us superiority at midfield. In attack we were best served by Colm Cooper, James Fleming and Kieran O'Leary.

Dr Crokes Best Player; John Payne.

Team and Scorers; Alan Kelly; John Payne, Luke Quinn, Fionn Fitzgerald; Batt Moriarty, Mike Moloney, Shane Doolan 0-1; Eoin Brosnan, Ambrose O'Donovan; Johnny Buckley, Kieran O'Leary 0-1, Brian Looney 0-1; James Fleming, Colm Cooper 0-3(0-2frees), Jamie Doolan 0-1free. Subs; Daithi Casey.

Congratulations to our Manager, John Galvin and his selectors Colm O'Shea and Mark Cooper and all the backroom staff on winning their two in a row O'Donoghue Cups.

Dr Crokes 1-12 Scartaglin 0-08

(Sun Nov 16th)Played in Kilcummin.(Semi-Final)

For the second year in a row we got a very tough game from Scartaglin in the O'Donoghue Cup semi-final. We attacked from the start and had two points on the board in the first five minutes. Our opponents had their first score, a point in the tenth minute to narrow the gap to a point. Ten minutes followed , without a score for either side. We were the more guilty party during this period, with a number of wides. A goal by Colm Cooper in the 21st minute put us four points ahead but the next five minutes was a productive period for Scartaglen as they scored three unanswered points to leave just the minimum between the sides. Fionn Fitzgerald closed the scoring with a point just before half time to give us an interval lead of 1-3 to 0-4.

Our opponents started the second half the better with two points in the first five minutes to level the game. We got well on top thereafter. We had seven points without reply in the next twenty minutes, to go into a 1-10 to 0-6 lead. Scart did have a good chance during this period for a goal but their effort was brilliantly saved by Alan Kelly. The teams exchanged points on two occasions in the last five minutes, leaving us winners on a scoreline of 1-12 to 0-8.

Dr Crokes Best Player; Colm Cooper.

Team and Scorers; Alan Kelly; John Payne, Luke Quinn, Barra O'Connell; Batt Moriarty, Mike Moloney, Shane Doolan; Ambrose O'Donovan 0-1, Eoin Brosnan; Johnny Buckley, Colm Cooper 1-2, Brian Looney 0-2; Fionn Fitzgerald 0-1, Kieran O'Leary 0-2, Jamie Doolan 0-4(0-2frees). Subs; Brian McMahon, James Fleming, Daithi Casey.

Dr Crokes 3-13 Fossa 0-02

(Sat Oct25th) Played in Fossa.

At half time in this game one would not have predicted such an easy win for us. At the end of this thirty minutes we just led 1-2 to no score. We were lucky to be ahead by five points at the interval as Fossa squandered a number of scoring chances. If they had taken them they could have been very close to us on the scoreboard.

Whatever dressing down (excuse the pun) our players got in the changing room they put in a very good second half, scoring 2-11 to our opponents 0-2 to gain a comprehensive win. Fossa started the better in the third quarter and had two points without reply. Thereafter we were very much in control, mainly through outstanding midfield displays by man of the match Eoin Brosnan and Johnny Buckley. Scores came quick and fast and the game was over by the threequarter stage. Fossa to their credit never gave up and on another day they would have added considerably to their tally of two points. We have now qualified for a semi final meeting with Scartaglen on November 16th in Kilcummin.

Dr Crokes Best Player; Eoin Brosnan.

Team and Scorers; Kieran Cremin; John Payne, Luke Quinn, Eanna Kavanagh; Batt Moriarty 0-1, Barra O'Connell, Shane Doolan; Eoin Brosnan 1-1, Johnny Buckley 1-1; Fionn Fitzgerald 0-1, Kieran O'Leary 0-2, Brian Looney; Gavin Tucker 0-2, Colm Cooper(capt) 0-2, Jamie Doolan 1-1.Subs; Alan Kelly, James Jones 0-2, James Fleming.

Dr Crokes 2-18 G/Guilla 1-20 AET

(Sat Oct11th)in Gneeveguilla.

In one of the best games in many years in this competition(a game befitting a final) we overcame Gneeveguilla by the minimum margin in extra time. Our opponents opened the scoring with a point in the second minute but we were in front a minute later, a sublime goal by Colm Cooper. A point by our opponents followed by four unanswered points by the black and amber, followed by a goal by our hosts, left us 1-4 to 1-2 ahead at the end of the first quarter. The second fifteen minutes saw neither side getting the upper hand and adding four points each to their total. This gave us an interval lead of 1-8 to 1-6.

Gneeveguilla got on top in the first ten minutes of the second half. They scored four points to our one, to lead by a point after 50 minutes. We were in the ascendancy in the next ten minutes and had three points without reply, to lead by two points with ten minutes to go. Gneeveguilla levelled the scoring with two points as we reached the hour mark. When Colm Cooper put us a point in front in injury time it looked as if victory was ours. However a minute later Danny O'Sullivan equalised from a long range free to put the game into extra time.

Kieran O'Leary , who had been quiet in normal time ( he hadn't played a game in months) shone in extra time and was responsible for putting us four points in front at the end of the first ten minute period. The hosts had two points in the first five minutes of the second period. The teams then exchanged points and even though Gneeveguilla had a point in the 80th minute we hung on in injury time for victory by a point.

A feature of the game were the scoring exploits of Colm Cooper and Danny O'Sullivan, who scored 1-9 each for their sides.

Dr Crokes Best Player; Colm Cooper.

Team and Scorers; Kieran Cremin; John Payne, Mike Moloney, Eanna Kavanagh; Barra O'Connell, Luke Quinn, Gavin Tucker 0-1; Johnny Buckley 0-1, Brian McMahon; Shane Doolan, James Fleming 0-1, Brian Looney 0-1; Kieran O'Leary 1-2, Colm Cooper 1-9( 0-4frees), Jamie Doolan 0-2(0-1free). Subs; Ambrose O'Donovan 0-1, Fionn Fitzgerald, Daithi Casey, James Jones.

Dr Crokes 2-13 Rathmore 0-5.

(Played in Fitzgerald Stadium on Saturday 24th Nov)

We won our 23rd East Kerry Championship by defeating Rathmore 2-13 to 0-5. This was the 54th year of the competition and our 5th win of the decade is just one short of our record haul of six in the sixties with two years left to equal or break that record.

Even though we won in the end by fourteen points we didn't have it all our own way in the first half as our opponents had plenty of play but squandered four or five easy enough chances, especially from frees.A goal after five minutes in the second half made Rathmore's task of winning almost impossible even though they had the advantage of the stiff breeze. Our opponents tried right to the end but we were always on the day able to increase our tally on the scoreboard ,culminating with a great Eoin Brosnan goal four minutes from time.

James Fleming opened the scoring for us after two minutes but Rathmore equalised seven minutes later. This was however their only score of the half. In the last twenty of this thirty minutes we scored six points. It was not as if our opponents failed to launch attacks during this period but rather that they were guilty of missing some very kickable frees.We went in at the break 0-7 to 0-1 in front, a lead that was not insur mountable considering that they would have the advantage of the strong breeze in the second half.

Rathmore had the first score after the break, a point within thirty seconds.; this looked the forerunner to a revival by them. They were however rocked back on their heels in the 35th minute when the influential Colm Cooper passed to Brian Looney who transferred to Jamie Doolan who left a few defenders in his wake and finished clinically for a great goal. The teams exchanged points in the next few minutes but two points by us without reply left us 1-10 to 0-3 in front with thirteen minutes to go.Our opponents reduced the deficit with a point but we quickly added on two points. With four minutes to go Eoin Brosnan, who firstly with Johnny Buckley and later with Ambrose O'Donovan gave us superiority at midfield raced through for a great goal. Rathmore had a point before the end, leaving us winners by 2-13 to 0-5.

Team and Scorers; Kieran Cremin; Keith McMahon, Luke Quinn, John Payne; Mike Moloney, Brian McMahon, Gavin Tucker 0-1; Eoin Brosnan(capt) 1-0, Johnny Buckley 0-2; Brian Looney, Colm Cooper 0-6(0-4frees) Shane Doolan 0-1; Kieran O'Leary, James Fleming 0-2(0-1free), Jamie Doolan 1-0. Subs; Ambrose O'Donovan 0-1, Ian Howard, Edmund O'Sullivan, James Jones.

O'Donoghue Cup S/Final

Dr Crokes 2-12 Scartaglin 1-09

(Played in Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday 4th Nov)

What would probably have been the greatest upset in the 54 years staging of the O/Donoghue Cup was a distinct possibility at half time in the semi final of the competition against Scartaglin. Our opponents were six points in front at this stage, having played the far better football and unlucky not to be further ahead (our goalie Andrew O'Connell saved us on a few occasions).We did improve in the second half and scored 2-8 to Scarts 0-2 but it was only in the last five minutes that we clinched victory by six points.

The teams exchanged points on three occasions in the first twenty minutes even though we played second fiddle to our opponents.The next five minutes was dominated by Scartaglen who sent over four unanswered points.We had a point in the 26th minute but a goal from the penalty spot by the losers on the stroke of half time gave them a six point lead, 1-7 to 0-4 at the interval.

The introduction of Jamie Doolan at half time gave us greater options in attack.He showed well for the ball, took on the opposition and carved out openings.We were well on top in the third quarter and scored 1-3 without reply to gain equality.Scart however were far from finished and went a point in front in the 50th minute.We hit back with three pointed frees from Colm Cooper. one a super effort from the sideline.Our opponents got our lead down to the minimum a minute later and both sides had chances in the next few minutes without registering a score. Our experience told in the last five minutes and we added on 1-2, the goal coming from the boot of Colm Cooper who finished with a total of 1-7.

We were best served in defence by goalkeeper Andrew O'Connell, Gavin Tucker and Mike Moloney. Eoin Brosnan had a very good second half at midfield. In attack Colm Cooper, Shane Doolan and Jamie Doolan were best.Johnny Buckley made a good contibution also both in attack and midfield.

Dr Crokes Best Player; Colm Cooper.

Team and Scorers; Andrew O'Connell; John Payne, Luke Quinn, Mike Moloney; Batt Moriarty, Brian McMahon, Gavin Tucker; Eoin Brosnan, Ambrose O'Donovan; Brian Looney, Colm Cooper 1-7(0-4frees), Shane Doolan 0-2; Kieran O'Leary 1-0, James Fleming, Johnny Buckley 0-1. Subs; Jamie Doolan 0-2(0-1free), Keith McMahon.

O'Donoghue Cup Q/F

Dr Crokes 5-11 Spa 2-6

(Played in Lewis Road on Thursday 5th July.

We qualified for the Quarter Final of the competition by beating Spa 5-11 to 2-6. Spa are unlucky to have met us both last year and this at a time of the year when we are at our very best. The visitors had the advantage of the hurricane wind in the first half and when they trailed at half time by five points their task in the second half was one of mammoth proportions. They did give their all in this second half but were chasing the game once our lads scored their third goal in the thirty fourth minute.

Spa had the first two points of the game but we quickly equalised. The teams then exchanged goals to leave them level 1-2 each after nine minutes. Spa had two points without reply to lead at the end of the first quarter but the rest of the half belonged to us as we outscored the opposition 1-4 to nil to go in at half time 2-6 to 1-4 in front.

Spa now had a mountain to climb as they faced the strong wind. They did score the first point of the second half but their inability to keep out the goals(three more in this half) kept them out of contention.They did try hard to the end and were rewarded with a goal in the fiftieth minute.This was too little too late leaving us victors at the end 5-11 to 2-6.

Dr Crokes Best Player; Colm Cooper.

Team and Scorers; Kieran Cremin; Keith McMahon, James Cahillane, John Payne; Batt Moriarty, Shane Doolan 0-1, Jamie Wrenn; Eoin Brosnan 1-0, Ambrose O'Donovan; Johnny Bucklay 0-2, James Fleming 0-1, Brian Looney 0-3(0-1-45); Kieran O'Leary 2-0, David Moloney 1-0, Colm Cooper 1-4(0-1free). Subs; Nicholas Murphy, Gavin Tucker and Ian Howard.