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Minors brave effort unrewarded in Championship Final

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we-went-that-close-to-tying-it-up-with-the-last-play-of-the-game
MFC A Kilmacud Crokes 0-10 St Sylvesters 0-08 We finished looking for the goal to tie but punched over for a point as the ref blew full time. We never gave up but, in truth, we were very late shaking off the nerves and playing with the power that might bring the coveted title. Crokes were quick out of the blocks and, but for some excellent defense they might have been out of sight rather than two apiece after the first quarter.
It was almost the perfect comeback but time ran out. When we did cut loose we fizzed and played some fine football. The great effort and determination that went into this campaign meant that the loss was keenly felt. The journey is the reward and the journey goes on with the future of the club safe in the hands of these great players. It was a proud day for the club - Brendan Bannigan

 

I commented after the semi a few weeks ago that Crokes had a great fullback line and they again neutralized our strong full forward line of Collie Byrne, Dave Sexton and Mark Hazely who each contributed good points in the first half but we were on a tight ration. At the other end Conor Ryan, Conor Quinn and Eoin Hammill were pretty much as effective, holding Crokes to a few points and frees of an abundance of good ball. I think we were down five to two at the break but having been favoured with the cold wind.

Of course we came out with more purpose after the break, Dave Sexton and Dylan hit points but Crokes responded with one on the break. Scooby took over in the middle, Oisin O'Toole imposed himself on the right wing, Conor Mullarkey raided down the left, O'Flynn up the middle, Conor Ryan moved forward, Alan Kavanagh to the middle,  Pierce Gibney came in for Cian Scully (who had been doing very well holding one of Crokes county aces), in a tactical change to get more pace up front. Darragh Walsh came in for Collie Byrne, Jack moved to the square as we hit them with everything, Eoin O'Byrne pointed a 45 but Dubs star Dave Cambell hit us on the break with a huge point for Crokes (I think he hit it all the way to Malahide). 

We finished with a 45 dropped into the square and the fisted effort just scraping the top side of the bar as the ref blew for full time. I wasn't sure had we had goaled, had a fight broken out or what happened but it slowly dawned that Crokes were celebrating as we dropped to our knees.

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Yes we really did go that close to tying it up just at the death . . . pictures from Darren Hickey at Kilmacud Crokes. No doubt we are devastated to lose but, in truth, I don't think the team or the management - John Sexton, Dave Ryan, Padraig McCarthy, Paul Kavanagh, Fergus Byrne, Des O'Toole -  could have prepared better or given more to try to bring a championship back to Malahide and we can only congratulate them on a great and honest effort, 

Congratulations to a fine Kilmacud Crokes team who have been our nemesis over the years but have players we will gladly cheer in the blue of the Dubs. Well done Crokes.

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I read the report on the Crokes site and they congratulated Parnells on their fine facility. I can only concur. The pitch was brilliant for this time of year, well done and thanks again to Parnells for providing this great facility.

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