Amber Galwey reports on the big Under 21 clash
DR Crokes, perhaps surprisingly, lost out to divisional side St Kierans in round one of the Kerry County Under 21 Football Championship, on a scoreline of 2-11 to 2-6, in an entertaining encounter played in Knocknagoshel on Wednesday night.
The hosts got off to a strong start with Patrick O’Keeffe notching the first score of the match after just 10 seconds and, in the early stages, St Kierans looked lively with Adam Barry and Timmy Finnegan also finding the target, giving the home side an early advantage.
Images: John Reidy
St Kieran’s form then dipped slightly and some poor defence saw Dr Crokes sneak a goal in the fifth minute, with Chris Doncel applying the finishing touch. This was followed two minutes later by another Doncel goal which put the Killarney side well in control of the game.
St Kierans were driven, however, and some good passing moves resulted in points from a bang-in-form Thomas Hickey and Gearóid McCarthy which closed the gap between the sides.
St Kieran’s Shane O’Connor levelled matters with a very well-taken goal in the 25th minute but Daniel Healy answered with a point putting his side ahead at the break. The half time score was Dr Crokes 2-4, St Kieran’s 1-6.
St Kierans dominated the second half, with Dr Crokes only scoring two points in this period. Thomas Hickey was impressive throughout for the home side, despite being double teamed.
Kieran’s Vinnie Horan found the back of Crokes’ net to push the home side ahead early in the second half after some good work by man-of-the-match contender Thomas Hickey.
Chris Doncel was very impressive for Crokes, finishing with 2-2. His teammate Tony Brassil also made an impact, as he threatened to find the net in the dying minutes but his good effort was saved by Kieran’s keeper Conor Kiely.
Good defence from the home side throughout the second half kept Crokes at bay and the divisional side looked very impressive for their first outing.
They played very much as a team unit with every player making a contribution to the victory and, if their form continues, they could be serious contenders for this year’s championship. It finished St Kierans 2-11, Dr Crokes 2-6.
Scorers for St Kierans: Shane O’Connor 1-1, Vinnie Horan 1-0, Thomas Hickey 0-3, Adam Barry 0-2, Patrick O’Keeffe 0-1, Timmy Finnegan 0-1, Michael Walsh 0-1.
Scorers for Dr Crokes: Chris Doncel 2-2, Tony Brassil 0-2, Brian O’Shea 0-1, Daniel Healy 0-1.
