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Atmosphere building on Hill 16, Croke Park.

Tribal passion is a common theme among many sports teams, none more so than Dublin GAA. Fans flock in their thousands to a particular brand: the Hill 16 brand. The iconic Hill 16 stand in Croke Park is synonymous with Dublin GAA fans. The terraced stand awash with sky blue jerseys is a permanent staple of GAA matches throughout both the league and championship campaign. There is a sense of pride for a Dublin fan standing on Hill 16.

Hill 16 certainly adds to the atmosphere in Croke Park and this is something many Dublin fans want to be included in. The electric atmosphere and jovial spirits, which culminate in section B4 behind the goal, creates a mindset where fans yearn to be part of the 13,200 Dubs on Hill 16 in order to further increase their team’s chances of victory.

The impact of the 16th man is often referred by players and officials in the GAA. The roar of a crowd can be the motivating factor in Brian Fenton fielding that last kick-out or Johnny Small blocking down that last scoring opportunity. Sports arenas are noted for their decibel level and Croke Park is no different. Studies have found that the decibel level of a seated crowd at a match averages at 110 while a terraced crowd reaches 120. The size and grouping of the supporters is also a factor. Subsequently, this is an extremely influential factor for the Dublin team as Hill 16 is the only terraced area in Croke Park and it is also the biggest collection of one team’s supporters.

Dublin goalkeeper, Stephen Cluxton, kicks Dublin to an historic All Ireland victory.  

Hill 16 creates a bond between fans and players. Consequently, there is an enriched fandom towards the players. In a three year study from 2010 to 2013, it was proved that Dublin are more clinical when shooting towards Hill 16 than towards the opposite end of the pitch at the canal end of Croke Park. 

Rob Carroll of thevideoanalyst.com notes that: “The average free taking success rate across all teams in the football Championship is 65%. In Croke Park, Dublin have averaged a success rate of 66.6% of frees kicked into the Canal End whilst all of their opponents have managed 65%. However, when Dublin kick into the tranquil Hill 16 their average rises to 75.4% and their opponents’ drop to 59.3%. This provides a huge advantage to Dublin as it represents an increase of 10% in accuracy when kicking into the Hill whilst their opponents accuracy drops 5%.”

Fans want to be part of the action. Standing on the Hill ensures you are part of the team. There is statistical proof that being a fan on Hill 16, cheering on Dublin, improves their record on the pitch. There is nothing more empowering than knowing you’re actively helping your idols on the pitch. Sport inspires young fans. Sport touches the depths of our emotions. Sport engages our minds. The GAA embodies all of these characteristics. 

Indeed it might be difficult to explain why a fan loves a particular sport when caught up in the emotion and bias of love towards a particular team. However, overall there are clear and concise reasons why a Dub can become so enriched with Dublin GAA. You may be battling many problems socially, but for that 70 minutes when you are a fan watching your team play, they ebb from you like a tributary river into a calm lake. The highs and lows of unpredictable entertainment ensures sports fans are hooked in a world of fandom for life, something the Dubs know all too well.

 S.DAWSON 03/06/2016

Shelbourne and the Red Scare

Friday night lights returns to Tolka Park tomorrow as the League of Ireland enlivens our weekends for another year. Scrub your Adidas soles clean, dust off your winter jacket, and find that matching scarf: The Reds are back. A freshly painted, from the outside at least, dilapidated stadium awaits the few hundred brave men and women who will venture down to see a young Shelbourne team play against an eager group from Cobh. 

The social aspect of renewing friendships is high on the cards for many people tomorrow night; let's hope the jovial atmosphere off the pitch resonates with the players on the pitch. Although spirits may be high amongst the Shelbourne faithful, there is a lot of disdain towards the current Board of Management, and rightly so. 

In the weeks leading up to the 2016 season, there has been a call to arms from Shelbourne Football Club. Volunteers wanted, apply immediately! However, these have only come to light after posts revealing the sheer disregard the current Board of Management have for the fans of this club appeared on the Reds Independent forum. This is just one example of the gap between the club’s management and fans. The club, frankly, needs a new dawn.

Now, this isn’t another appeal for everyone to come together and join the 1895 Trust in one big neo-socialist co-op. That should go without saying; Trust or bust and all that jazz. Although, unless there is a radical overhaul in the hierarchy of the club then extinction is imminent. The issue of Dalymount creeps over us all like an eerie shadow. For many, a move to Dalymount Park will only result in the slow death of our club. Although, without any viable alternative mooted then it appears, for now, blocking a move to Dalymount will only result in a quicker death for our club. Any recent update from the Board of Management? Of course not.

In recent history, Shelbourne has gone from a monopolistic owner in Ollie Byrne to a loyal bunch of club patrons who saved the club from collapse. It appeared, from the outside, they had nothing but loyal intentions for Shelbourne Football Club. However, it would seem their vested interests are with a select few – “good Shelbourne people” – as Joe Casey, Shelbourne chariman, once remarked at a fans forum. It is not progressive for the club to continue their social media escapades with people placed in these positions purely on personal relationships. This ‘jobs for the boys’ attitude reaffirms our archaic marketing presence. The club has even ignored offers of free advertising on Facebook. Free advertising.

Another prime example which has left many Reds in awe is the reselling of the club bar into private ownership. Nobody should make an effort to support the bar until it is back in the hands of the club. Personally, I’m appalled the club sold the bar to some charlatan, considering the loss they made from the previous private owner by swindling stock and late rent for many months. Lessons have to be learned.

One of the few enjoyable moments from last season was the positive atmosphere in the club bar. A plethora of Reds made the effort to get down early to have a pre-match pint in the club bar and to return after the match before heading on to pastures new. We knew all profits were going to the club. We were paying player’s wages while creating a welcoming atmosphere. It galvanised supporters amidst very bleak results on the pitch. If it was destined to return to private ownership, it should have been tendered to real fans of the club. If not in the hands of the club, at least it could have been in the hands of fans who would return profit to the club. Again, this forward thinking by the club is usually scoffed at. 

The current board have assisted in building this club up from the bottom. We graced the heights of the Premier Division only to be quickly shot back down to the graveyard that is the First Division. There is no denying the BoM have put the club first on many occasions but some of the self-serving egotistical decisions, which have been all too present in recent years, are overshadowing the great work which was seen at the start of their tenure on the BoM.

From the wealth and glory of the UEFA Champions League in 2004 to the near extinction of a destitute, broken club in early 2007. Shelbourne football club has been in the spotlight of Irish sport for a variety of reasons over the past two decades. Our rise and fall coincided with one of the most dramatic men in Irish sporting history – Ollie Byrne.

Tragically, the fall was authored by the intense blinding love and attachment of Byrne to this football club. He was a man with the air of an old time salesman, who saw laws and regulations as a game to beat. He was also the man who made the strongest, and most misguided, attempt yet to push Shelbourne into unimaginable heights rubbing shoulders with European super clubs. However, there is no denying that Ollie Byrne was a still a criminal fool and an enemy of all that’s decent, honourable, and true in society.

Life at our Drumcondra club is much different since Ollie Byrne's tragic death in August 2007. There are no queues along the Richmond Road as last minute tickets are desperately sought. Trips to La Coruña, Split, and Lille have been replaced with journeys to Ballybofey, Cobh, and Cabinteely. Home matches being played in front of many thousands of fans have turned into games with average attendances lingering just over the 500 mark.

The club is on its knees and to make matters worse for the long suffering diehard fans, a proposed stadium move to Dalymount Park, home to our local rivals Bohemians, seems to be a done deal behind closed doors. The current BoM are almost recluse in their nature. Social media activity is at a minimum and their insular communication resonates worry amongst the Shelbourne faithful.

The future is dark, grim, and bleak – it’s not good. Shelbourne, much like many League of Ireland clubs, is an old institution, in more ways than its age. The language and customs of a traditional Dublin – one that feels somewhat forgotten in the past decade or two – lives on at the club. Well known witty characters and a distinct attitude in the stands makes The Reds a special kind of home for many of the fans.

However, this special home for many fans is blighted by the current BoM. Ollie Byrne may have come and gone and a new Shelbourne, fighting for survival, has been borne out of his actions. We need unity to save our prestigious football club, something which will not be possible until the current Board of Management loosen their reigns on the club. 

I can’t help but think the addition of Glenisk and Pro-Stats, which first-team members had to acquire instead of commercial management at director level, are just a front. A mere ‘let’s keep the recovery going’ announcement from Shelbourne. The recovery has stopped; it’s a time for change, cooperation, and communication.

Without change, we will all be brought on another ride by misguided owners at Shelbourne Football Club. Have we learned nothing from the Ollie days? Transparency is of paramount importance if any improvement, no matter how small, will be seen in Tolka Park anytime soon. 

S.DAWSON 03/03/2016

St Vincent's goals see off Portlaoise challenge

Portlaoise 0-10 St Vincent’s 3-11

A second half blitzing secured victory for St Vincent’s against a beleaguered Portlaoise side in O’Moore Park earlier today. Two second half goals from Shane Carthy, and a first half Tomas Quinn three pointer, ensured Vincent’s would still be in contention for retaining their Leinster Senior Football Championship title after this quarter final encounter.

The current All Ireland Club champions started the brighter of the two teams with two points within the opening two minutes. Potent centre forward Diarmuid Connolly was involved in both scores. Connolly latched on to an early free from Tomas Quinn before a quick one two set the evergreen corner forward through on goal to score the first point of the match. The Vinnie’s number 11 then embarked on a mazy run through the Portlaoise rearguard before nonchalantly bisecting the posts.

Portlaoise could not handle the pace at which the Dublin outfit were controlling the game. With less than five minutes played, and Portlaoise still to register any meaningful attack, a Michael Savage kick out was fielded by Shane Carthy in the midfield area for Vincent’s. A lofted pass aimed at Ciaran Dorney was palmed down to Connolly who hand passed the ball across to Tomas Quinn. The Vincent’s full forward managed to get the ball across the goal line despite being completed annihilated in the process. Quinn gingerly rose to his feet safe in the knowledge his bravery had given his team an early 1-02 to 0-00 lead.

Portlaoise’s first score of the game came from the boot of Paul Cahillane after a mix up in the Vincent’s full back line. St Vincent’s Gavin Burke and Tomas Quinn then had goal chances of their own which they did not take. Subsequently, Portlaoise grew into the game. Cahillane got his second score of the game after he gained possession from a fortuitous bounce off a Brendan Egan block.

Both teams exchanged points as the first half drew to a close. Zach Touhy pointed before his effort was cancelled out by Shane Carthy. Portlaoise scored the last two points of the half as Craig Rogers and Brian McCormack’s respective points clawed Portlaoise to within a point of their opponents at the half time break, 0-06 to 1-04.

St Vincent's Shane Carthy (L) and Daithi Murphy (R) compete for possession with their Portlaoise opponents

In similar fashion to the opening of the first half, St Vincent’s stormed out of the blocks. After an uncharacteristic wide from Tomas Quinn, the Marino men were intent on building an unassailable lead. As the crowd were still taking their seats after the interval at O’Moore Park, Shane Carthy drilled the ball past Micky Nolan in the Portlaoise goal. St Vincent’s were passing the ball with ease and after some good build up play from Daithi Murphy and Gavin Burke, Carthy made full advantage of his teams dominance.

A pointed Tomas Quinn free followed before Carthy kicked the ball over the black spot with 37 minutes played. After a physical opening 30 minutes, Carthy was continuously improving in what was an outstanding performance from the lively half forward. Portlaoise began to deploy substitutes in the form of Adrian Kelly and Eoghan Feane in an attempt to quell the Vincent’s dominance. Ultimately, their efforts would be in vain.

After a pointed free from Craig Rogers on the 42^nd minute mark and another substitution from Portlaoise, this time Malachy McNulty entering the field for Eoghan Whelan, St Vincent’s hammered home the final nail in the Portlaoise coffin. A quickly taken free from Diarmuid Connolly caused panic in the Portlaoise full back line as ‘keeper Micky Nolan raced to punch clear the dangerously aimed free. Somehow, the ball dropped to Shane Carthy who stroked the ball into an empty net. Carthy will not score an easier goal in his career as the metropolitans had a 0-07 to 3-06 lead with 17 minutes still to play.

St Vincent's full forward Ciaran Dorney celebrates

St Vincent’s are often lauded for the flamboyance of their attack and goal scoring prowess. However, their resilient defending was just as easy on the eye on this occasion. They were intent on working the ball up the field through intricate passing moves. Just like the Dublin SFC final, their full back line was in charge for the entire 60 minutes. The experience of captain Ger Brennan rallied the troops but it was the performance of young Jarlath Curley marking the cumbersome Zach Touhy out of the game that really stood out in a backline which gave very little away.

As the match entered the final ten minutes, Portlaoise legs grew heavier. They could not keep up with the pace of their opponents with Vincent’s superior stamina shining through. With cynical challenging aplenty, Kieran Lillis was shown a black card for dragging Diarmuid Connolly down by the neck. Connolly took responsibility of the resulting free and confidently scored to maintain his team’s nine point lead.

The game petered out as a contest in the last five minutes of play. Both teams had made numerous changes and it was the industrious Cormac Diamond who made a case for a starting berth in the semi final after two deserving late scores. The scoreboard read 0-10 to 3-11 in favour of St Vincent’s after 60 minutes of intense football played at an unstoppable pace throughout.

Portlaoise, the most decorated club in the history of the Leinster SFC, bow out after a regimented St Vincent’s display. The match was befitting of the 12 Leinster titles held between both clubs. The Laois men will be disappointed that they didn’t get to stamp their authority on the match but St Vincent’s were as ruthless as they have been all year. Tommy Conroy has manufactured a team that will strike fear into any opponent. Next up for the Dublin side is a semi final encounter with Garrycastle of Westmeath in Parnell Park.  

Portlaoise Panel and Scorers

M Nolan; D Seale; P Cotter; B Mulligan; E Whelan; C Healy; C Boyle; K Lillis; S Nerney; G Dillon; B McCormack (0-01); B Glynn; P Cahillane (0-06, 4 frees); Z Touhy (0-01); C Rogers (0-02, 1 free); Subs: R Downey; K Fitzpatrick; R Maher; G Brody; L McGovern; A Kelly; M McNulty; M Rogers; E Bland; E Feane; J Nerney.

Wides: 4

St Vincent's Panel and Scorers

M Savage; K Bonnie; J Curley; H Gill; B Egan; G Brennan; M Concarr; E Fennel; D Murphy; G Burke; D Connolly (0-02, 1 free); S Carthy (2-02); R Trainor (0-02); T Quinn (1-03 2 frees); C Dorney; Subs: D Jordan; M Moore; Cameron Diamond; S Byrne; M Loftus; Tiernan Diamond; Cormac Diamond (0-02); A Baxter; G Murphy; L Bree; B Quigley; M McNally; A Martin; K Malone; Turlough Diamond; L Sheehy; E Brady; C Brennan; J Brennan.

Wides: 8

S.DAWSON 09/10/14

St Vincent's retain Dublin SFC title by narrowest of margins

St Vincent's 0-14 St Oliver Plunkett's Eoghan Ruadh 1-10

St Vincent’s were crowned champions of Dublin for the second year in a row after a hard fought victory against St Oliver Plunkett’s E.R. Vinnies grinded out the result despite a late fight back from Plunkett’s in front of a packed Parnell Park.

Throw in was delayed by ten minutes as droves of fans ushered through the turnstiles. Playing conditions were perfect on a balmy Monday evening for this star studded event. The pre match chatter circulated around both team’s potent attack and preference for a high tempo game.

It was Bernard Brogan who pointed Plunkett’s in to an early lead with two points, one from play and one from a free after a Ger Brennan foul. A Gareth Smith point with five minutes played ensured momentum was entirely with the pre match underdogs.

Vinnies could have been left chasing a six point deficit without registering a score themselves if it was not for an outstanding save from their ‘keeper Michael Savage. The Vinnies number one made up for a poor short kick out which saw Ger Brennan dispossessed and Bernard Brogan through on goal. Savage displayed great reflexes and strength to palm away Brogan’s powerful goal bound effort.

Half forward Gavin Burke thought he had scored Vincent’s first point of the game but play was called back for a ’45 missed by referee Dave Feeney. It took 11 minutes before Vinnies scored, thanks to a long range effort from marauding midfielder Eamon Fennell.

A further point from full forward Ciaran Dorney was preceded by a sweetly struck Diarmuid Connolly score from his left boot. Plunkett’s deployed two sweepers concentrating on a counter attacking style of football which has proved successful for them thus far.

With the scores level, four apiece, Gavin Burke should have scored a goal for Vincent’s after some intricate hand passing from Ciaran Dorney and Shane Carthy put Burke through on goal. However, the nimble forward had too much elevation on his shot which saw it drift over the black spot.

Scoring was sporadic in this closely contested duel. Plunkett’s Alan Brogan and Gareth Smith both shot wides before a late rally from St Vincent’s ensured they would hold a two point lead going into half time.

Firstly, Tomas Quinn pointed a free from his hands before Gavin Burke scored his second point of the match. It was a crucial time to score with the last play of the first half. After a slow start, St Vincent’s grew in to the game showcasing a regimented performance in every area of the pitch. Plunkett’s were by no means out of the contest, but Vinnies, as they have done all year, looked wholly determined to win at all costs.

After going in to the interval on a high, the opening five minutes of the second half saw Vinnies hit four consecutive wides. These were after a Bernard Brogan free had closed the gap to a solitary point.

Shane Carthy was magnificent throughout the second half and was fully deserving of his two points he scored in quick succession eight minutes in to the half. A Ciaran Dorney score increased St Vincent’s lead to four points, 0-10 to 0-06.

Plunkett’s replied with another Bernard Brogan score before substitute Cameron Diamond pointed a shot with 42 minutes played. Diamond made an immediate impact to the match after replacing Daithi Murphy minutes earlier.

St Vincent’s looked to be cruising to victory. They were leading, 0-14 to 0-8 with just ten minutes still to play. Diarmuid Connolly may have only registered one first half point, but he dissected the Plunkett’s backline on many occasions, assuming the role of playmaker.

It was from a Connolly pass that Ruairi Trainor scored his first of two points. Vinnies could have then wrapped up the match when Trainor was one on one with ‘keeper Alan O’Mara. However, the Cavan net-minder displayed good reactions with a close range save. Again Connolly was at the epicentre of play, beginning the move before passing to Shane Carthy who released Trainor through on goal.

Both teams were empting their benches as the match was reaching its conclusion. With three minutes left to play a long range pass was lofted in to the St Vincent’s square. It was hit and hope time for Plunkett’s as they desperately sought after a goal.

The evergreen Alan Brogan rose high in the crowd of players to fist the ball into Michael Savage’s net. Game on. This was followed by a pointed free from his brother Bernard. Possession was vital and ultimately lack of possession was what undone Plunkett’s. They failed to claim the resulting kick out after an Alan Brogan wide and time ran out for Pat McDonagh’s men.

The current All Ireland club champions showcased a determined display which resulted in Ger Brennan lifting the trophy for the Marino outfit. Plunkett’s battled back with a dogged display in the last five minutes although it wasn’t enough to topple Vincent's. They now look forward to a run in the Leinster Club Championship, hoping to replicate the success of last year. They face Portlaoise on November 9th, in Portlaoise.

St Vincent’s Panel and Scorers

M Savage; K Bonnie; J Curley; H Gill; B Egan; G Brennan; M Concarr; E Fennell (0-01); D Murphy; G Burke (0-03); D Connolly (0-01); S Carthy (0-02); R Trainor (0-02); C Dorney (0-03); T Quinn(0-01, 1 free); Subs: D Jordan; M Moore; Cameron Diamond (0-01); S Byrne; M Loftus; Tiernan Diamond; Cormac Diamond; A Baxter; G Murphy; L Bree; B Quigley; C Wilson; A Martin; K Malone; Turlough Diamond; L Sheehy; E Brady; C Brennan; J Brennan.

Wides: 9

St Oliver Plunkett’s Eoghan Ruadh Panel and Scorers

A O’Mara; R O’Connor; S Lyons; E Clarke; D Lally; J Brogan; D Kelly; C Dunleavy; P Brogan; D Brogan; C Walsh; A Brogan (1-01); N Walsh; B Brogan (0-05, 3 frees); G Smith (0-03, 1 ’45); Subs: N Murray; R McConnell; L Herron; D Matthews; G McCormack; P Lee (0-01); S Moran; R O’Brien; S O’Connor; P McNulty; J O’Donoghue; E O’Sullivan; L O’Doherty; P Bergin; L Eglington.

Wides: 8

S.DAWSON 28/10/14

Crokes prevail in Dublin SHC final despite dogged St Jude's display

Kimacud Crokes 2-16 St Jude's 1-15

It took eighty minutes to separate Kilmacud Crokes and St Jude’s. The experience of Crokes ensured a four point victory after a frantic and, at times, chaotic game of hurling.

A last gasp Damien Kelly point broke St Jude’s hearts at the end of the sixty minutes to take this enthralling final in to extra time. St Jude’s were nearly home and dry before two late points from Sean McGrath and Kelly restored parity.

It was St Jude’s, making a debut appearance in a SHC final, who got off to the better start thanks to two early pointed frees from Fionn Riain O’Broin. The nimble corner forward would be his teams leading point scorer, not for the first time this year, in a fantastic display of hurling.

The Tymon North side maintained a lead for the opening quarter of the match before a Sean McGrath point from play brought the teams level, three points apiece. The Templeogue club were applying relentless pressure high up the field, dispossessing their opponents on numerous occasions before they could make a dent in their half.

Crokes took the lead for the first time in the match thanks to an easily pointed free from Sean McGrath with 16 minutes played. Moments later, full forward Oisin O’Rorke bisected the posts after receiving possession from a quickly taken McGrath free. Surprisingly, it was St Jude’s who were moving the ball around more efficiently than their much fancied opponents.

Mark Maguire could have created a goal scoring opportunity if it was not for some resilient Crokes’ defending in their full back line. Maguire gained possession after some intricate hand passing from Joe McManus and Ronan Joyce.

Jude’s had already been gifted a goal opportunity when Fionn Riain O’Broin nearly rounded off a complete performance with a three-pointer. However, Crokes’ ‘keeper Matt Collins pulled off an outstanding save to guide the sliotar away and eradicate any potential danger to his goal.

O’Riain Broin was St Jude’s most potent attacking option at times when Danny Sutcliffe had dropped deep. It was the number 13 who pointed his fourth free of the half on the stroke of half time to ensure the teams went into the interval level, five points apiece. This came three minutes after Sutcliffe had pointed a sweetly struck effort which drifted in from the left and over the black spot.

Second half

It took two minutes before the first point of the second half was scored. McGrath and O’Riain Broin were displaying a master-class in free taking. This time, it was the Crokes’ talisman who showcased his arsenal of talents by giving his team an early lead.

St Jude’s, and Dublin inter county star, Danny Sutcliffe began the second half just as he finished the second. Sutcliffe pointed a sensational point from the left of the pitch to bring the scores level for just the third time in 35 minutes.

The play opened up more in the second half with a plethora of sweetly struck scores seen from both teams. Crokes introduced a number of substitutions and it was Jude Sweeney, fresh off the bench, who scored a sublime effort to bring the score to 0-07 to 0-07.

With 48 minutes played St Jude’s had opened up a three point gap for the first time in the match. O’Riain Broin pointed yet another free to sit St Jude’s firmly in the driving seat. However, Crokes’ reply was immediate and effective. Midfielder Ross O’Carroll was released through on goal from a Damien Kelly pass and finished off his chance with aplomb with a crisp ground stroke low to the left of the St Jude’s ‘keeper Nolan.

The goal set up a grandstand finish. With less than ten minutes to play, the teams were level. It was St Jude’s who were gaining momentum with crucially timed points from Sutcliffe and O’Riain Broin. Both teams were emptying their benches in an attempt to maximise fitness to see them over the line.

After a Ross O’Carroll wide for Crokes, an O’Riain Broin free increased St Jude’s lead to two points as the end of the match rapidly approached. Crokes remained calm and composed. This was the experience of winning the 2012 Dublin SHC shining through. This was the ruthless will to win instilled by Ollie Baker since taking over the reigns in Stillorgan.

A late Sean McGrath free was followed by a Damien Kelly point. Cue scenes of adulation in Parnell Park for the partisan Crokes following. The match, confusingly, was destined for extra time. As Danny Harrington’s whistle reverberated around the Donnycarney venue, it wasn’t clear if extra time or a replay would be needed.

Extra time

All St Jude’s needed to do was to keep hold of possession in the dying seconds. A task easier said than done against a formidable opponent, Kilmacud Crokes. Ryan O’Dwyer and Cian MacGabhann got Crokes off to the perfect start in extra time.

St Jude’s had no answer to a rampant Crokes showing. O’Riain Broin uncharacteristically missed a free before Rob Hardy saw his long range effort drift wide of the post also. Just as the first half of extra time was coming to an end Sean McGrath was released through on goal by earlier goal scorer Ross O’Carroll.

McGrath capped off a productive performance by drilling the sliotar past the hapless Graham Nolan in the St Jude’s goal. The score line read 2-13 to 0-14 at the short break in extra time. Crokes opened up an unassailable lead which no doubt made tired St Jude’s legs even heavier.

Sean Fallon’s men battled gallantly in the second half of extra time. A Ronan Joyce point was preceded by a Paul Maguire goal from a set piece. As much as St Jude’s hassled and harried their opponents, Crokes had that little extra to ensure there would be further silverware in the Kilmacud Crokes clubhouse this year.

Points from Dillon Mulligan, Sean McGrath, and Ryan O’Dwyer brought the final score to 2-16 to 1-15. St Jude’s will be proud in their performance, knowing they gave it their all. However, it was experience, class, and fitness which saw Kilmacud Crokes crowned Dublin Senior Hurling Champions despite a dogged St Jude’s display.

Kilmacud Crokes Panel and Scorers:

M Collins; N Corcoran; Rory O’Carroll; J Clinton; C MacGabhann (0-01); J Doughan; B O’Carroll; D Mulligan (0-01); Ross O’Carroll (1-00); R O’Dwyer (0-02); D Kelly (0-01); S McGrath (1-06, 5 frees); C Conway (0-01); O O’Rorke (0-01); B O’Rorke (0-01); Subs: P Tighe; R Murphy; B Mulligan; J Sweeney (0-01); O’Loughlin; B Horan; J Burke (0-01); B O’Leidhin; M Geragthy; C Clinton; R Walsh; A De Paor; T Clarke; D O’Murchu; G McMorrow; C Lafferty; L McMullan; N O’Reardon.

Wides: 8

St Jude’s Panel and Scorers:

G Nolan; E McLoughlin; G McManus; C Mangan; R Hardy; A O’Beirne; R O’Brien; P Maguire (1-00); N Mangan; R Joyce (0-01); D Sutcliffe (0-03); M McGuire; F O’Riain Broin (0-10, 9 frees); T Devlin; J McManus (0-01); Subs: M Hartnett; P Aylward; P Garvey; V Walsh; J Ryan; B Moran; A McGovern; S Larkin; J Kennedy; N Cronin; C O’Riain Broin; L Kelly; M Hannon; P Larkin; O O’Donnell.

Wides: 9

S.DAWSON 28/10/14

Dublin Senior Football Final line up decided after two raucous semi final matches

The Final of the 2014 Dublin Senior Football Championship will be contested by St Oliver Plunkett’s E.R. and St Vincent’s after their respective semi final victories in Parnell Park on Saturday evening.

The first semi final of the day saw Plunkett’s face stiff opposition from St Jude’s. The men from Dublin 7 recorded a comprehensive 1-11 to 0-04 victory over their south Dublin opponents. The opening quarter yielded just four points, two apiece, in a cagey start to this semi final encounter.

Antrim inter-county star Mark Sweeney was pulling the strings for Jude’s in the middle of the park, creating a scoring opportunity for corner back Rob Finnegan to kick his team into a first half lead. However, three unanswered scores from James Brogan, Niall Walsh, and Bernard Brogan ensured Plunkett’s led at the half time break, 0-05 to 0-03.

The second half was completely dominated by Plunkett’s. Their quick counter-attacking style of football implemented by Pat McDonagh and his management team was a joy to behold. St Jude’s had no answer to their impressive tactics and were second to every ball as Plunkett’s outclassed their opponents in all departments.

Bernard Brogan pointed the first score of the second half before Conor Walsh and Gareth Smith followed suit with points of their own. St Jude’s solitary point of the second half came from the boot of Ronan Joyce with 40 minutes played.

A late Bernard Brogan goal rounded off a complete performance from St Oliver Plunkett’s. St Jude’s ‘keeper John Brian Carthy had no chance to stop a clinical effort from Brogan as he stroked the ball low into the corner of the net. Soon after, Plunkett’s corner forward Gareth Smith pointed a ’45 to finish the match off in comprehensive fashion.

Confidence will be high in the Plunkett’s camp after their dominant ten point victory as they continue in search of a first Dublin Senior Football Championship in the club’s history.

If Plunkett’s are to succeed in claiming this years Dublin title, they will have to overcome a regimented St Vincent’s. The Marino outfit grinded out a hard fought seven point victory over Ballyboden St Enda’s.

Not for the first time in this years Championship, Diarmuid Connolly stole the headlines with yet another masterful goal, top scoring with 1-06 to his name. The match swung in the balance for the majority of the 60 minutes unlike the earlier one-sided encounter.

The first score of the match came within the opening 30 seconds when former Dublin Minor Sam Molony pointed a confident early shot over the black spot. Both teams exchanged frees in a physical opening quarter of the match. Ultimately though, it was Connolly who would be the difference between the two sides.

The Dublin inter-county star kicked four points, two off either foot, to galvanise a St Vincent’s team going in search of back to back county titles. However, Ballyboden battled diligently and led at the interval, 0-08 to 0-06. It was an entertaining first half with free flowing football aplenty in the Donnycarney venue.

The second half began with Diarmuid Connolly embarking on a marauding run through the ‘Boden defence. Connolly’s agile footwork and astounding strength ensured he found himself in range of Daire Walsh’s goal. Connolly unleashed an unstoppable left footed strike into the net to kick Vinnies into an early second half lead.

However, ‘Boden didn’t let their heads drop and their reply was efficient and immediate. Two points from first half substitute Daniel Davey were preceded by a pointed free from Andrew Kerin. As the match neared its conclusion, it was the current All Ireland Senior Football champions who pulled away with points from Tomas Quinn, Diarmuid Connolly, and Shane Carthy.

Although St Vincent’s were in the ascendancy, ‘Boden, yet again, clawed their way back into this end to end semi final thanks to a goal from Conal Keaney. With 52 minutes played the ‘Boden full forward latched on to a hopeful long range pass into the square from Aran Waters.

Keaney’s goal shortened Vinnies lead to just two points as ‘Boden hoped to set up a breathtaking finish. However, Tommy Conroy’s men upped their intensity and pointed five consecutive scores to ensure a hard fought seven point victory, 1-17 to 1-10 in favour of St Vincent’s.

Dublin Senior Football Championship Final

St Oliver Plunkett’s Eoghan Ruadh vs St Vincent’s.

Monday 27th October, throw in 19:45, Parnell Park.

S.DAWSON 20/10/14

St Jude’s and Kilmacud Crokes emerge victorious from Dublin SHC semi-finals

St Jude’s and Kilmacud Crokes will contest this year’s Dublin Senior Hurling Championship final which will be played in two weeks time after their respective semi final victories over O’Tooles and Ballyboden St Enda’s in Parnell Park yesterday evening.

It was a historic victory for St Jude’s as the club reaches new levels contesting a Dublin SHC final for the first time in their 36 year history. A 56^th minute Danny Sutcliffe point secured victory for St Jude’s over O’Tooles in an exhilarating game of hurling played in the Donnycarney venue.

O’Tooles will be distraught after battling gallantly throughout the 60 minutes only to be undone by a terrific score from Dublin inter-county star Sutcliffe. It was his third score of the match in a semi final played at a frantic pace.

The Templeogue outfit raced into an early two point lead thanks to points from Mark Maguire and Ronan Joyce. O’Tooles reply was accurate and immediate. A point from Andy Morris was preceded by a pointed free from Conor Carton, who would showcase a master class in free taking throughout the match.

O’Tooles could have added a goal to their tally from the hurl of Peadar Carton if it was not for an outstanding save from St Jude’s ‘keeper Graham Nolan, who somehow directed the sliotar wide from Carton’s close range shot. O’Tooles had a two point lead going into the interval after an evenly balanced opening half.

St Jude’s enjoyed the majority of possession in the second half as both teams exchanged points with the physicality levels increasing as the match entered the last quarter. Jesse Kennedy, who was named at corner back, marshalled the St Jude’s half forward line well, along with playmaker Danny Sutcliffe. Add to this the assured accuracy of Fionn O Riain Broin from dead ball situations and this was an extremely difficult game plan to breakdown.

Conor Carton’s final point of the match in the 54^th minute levelled the scores for the seventh time. However, it was Sutcliffe who would steal the headlines for St Jude’s as his point proved to be the match winner. St Jude’s emerged victorious after a colossal battle with O’Tooles and they will now face Kilmacud Crokes in this year’s final after their comfortable seven point victory over Ballyboden St Enda’s.

Crokes’ corner forward Caolan Conway was instrumental in his team’s victory throughout this eagerly anticipated semi final. Conway pointed seven points to ensure his team would see off the resilient challenge of Ballyboden. At half time Crokes had a lead of four points, 0-09 to 0-05.

An early second half goal from the hurl of Sean McGrath put an end to a short spell of momentum ‘Boden had created. However, Ballyboden, inspired by a notable performance from Dublin inter-county star Conal Keaney, scored four consecutive points to reduce Crokes’ lead to a solitary point as the match neared its conclusion.

Crokes always looked the hungrier of the two sides. Similar to when these two teams met in the group stages of this years Championship, Crokes registered a resounding victory. Four late unanswered points from McGrath, Conway, and a brace from Damien Kelly meant the Stillorgan outfit would be able to look forward to a final appearance, hoping to emulate their 2012 Dublin SHC final victory.

After two scintillating semi final encounters, this years final is sure to be an enthralling encounter between two of Dublin’s finest hurling clubs in recent years. 

S.DAWSON 14/10/14