AIB Munster Club Senior Football Championship final: Dr Croke’s (Kerry) 1-21 St Joseph’s, Milltown-Malbay (Clare) 2-9
DR Croke's sent out a warning to their All-Ireland rivals after they cruised to an anticipated win over first-time finalists, St Joseph’s, Milltown-Malbay in a lopsided Munster final at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick.
The Kerry champions got off the a lightning start, with their Clare counterparts struggle to make up that early lost ground as Dr Croke’s cantered to their eighth provincial title.
Within 10 minutes of the final, Dr Croke’s had scored 1-6 without reply and it was all of 13 minutes before Kevin Keaney had the first score for Milltown. That Dr Croke’s goal was scored by David Shaw who started instead of Colm Cooper, who joined the action after 42 minutes by which stage the game as a contest was over.
Winning manager Pat O’Shea was happy with the performance of his side, but gave credit to their opponents afterwards.
“They kept battling all the way. We got away to a flying start which left them with a mountain to climb,” O’Shea said.
“We put up a fine tally of 21 points which was a very good scoring rate and the bottom line is that we are champions again”
The defeat was a learning experience for Milltown, according to manager Mike Neylon who was satisfied that his side managed to stay with their more illustrious after that disastrous start.
“We made a poor start but we competed well and I would hope that we will have learned a lot from the game” he said.
Dr Croke’s led 1-7 to 0-2 after 20 minutes, but suddenly the game came to life thanks to a superbly taken goal by Oisin Looney to leave only five points between them.
By half-time Crokes led 1-10 to 1-4 and it was essential that Milltown made a bright start to the second half but points by Tony Brosnan (free) and Brian Looney within two minutes ensured the chances of comeback was dashed. Brosnan was top scorer, firing over eight points, five from frees. Dr Croke’s have once again cruised through Munster and were only tested in their own championship.
But after losing to Nemo a year ago, the Kerry side were more than happy to be kings of Munster again. They played some very attractive football and worked their way upfield from defence in impressive manner.
Captain John Payne, Gavin White and David O’Leary had matters under control at the back and Johnny Buckley, especially in the second half, and Daithi Casey were on top at midfield while manager O’Shea must have been happy that all his forwards got on the scoresheet.
Some of their points were superbly taken from long range with those put over by Buckley and Brosnan being particularly fine efforts.
For Milltown’s supporters, it was a memorable occasion and they remained on the pitch for a considerable time afterwards to congratulate their heroes, the pick of whom were Enda O’Gorman, who hit a superb point, Gordon Kelly, Oisin Looney and the Clearys, Conor and Eoin. Darragh McDonagh had an excellent game and his high catch and strike for an added time stoppage goal was fitting reward for a gallant Milltown side.
Dr Croke’s: S Murphy (0-1 45); J Payne, M Moloney, F Fitzgerald; D O’Leary, G White, S Doolan; J Buckley (0-1), D Casey (0-3, 0-2 frees); M Burns (0-2), G O’Shea (0-1), B Looney (0-2); D Shaw (1-0), K O’Leary (0-2), T Brosnan (0-8, 0-5 free). Subs: M Potts for Doolin (38), C Cooper for Looney (42), A O’Sullivan for Moloney (47), J Kiely (0-1) for Shaw (48), D Naughten for D O’Leary (54), B Fitzgerald for Burns (59).
St Joseph’s, Milltown Malbay: S O’Brien; A McGuane, E O’Gorman (0-1), E O’Brien; C Hehir, Gordon Kelly, J O’Connor; O Looney (1-0), D McDonagh (1-0); K Keavey (0-1), C Cleary, K Malone; B Curtin, E Cleary (0-3, 0-2 frees), C Murray. Subs: M Murray for Hehir (29), E Curtin for Keavey (h-t), Graham Kelly for O’Connor (42), S Malone for B Curtin (49), E Reidy for McGuane (56).
Referee: A Kissane (Waterford).
