Crotta U11 team take pride of place this week due to their brilliant win in the North Kerry U11 A Championship. The final was played at a sun drenched Lixnaw last Wednesday evening, 23rd June. The pitch was in perfect condition thanks to Butch Fealy, grounds man on the FAS/Lixabbey Project. Causeway won the toss and elected to play with the lively breeze in their favour. Crotta had the best of the opening exchanges and were camped in the opposition half for the first 8 mins. This pressure had to tell and when Adam O’Sullivan superbly controlled a long delivery out of the Crotta defence, turned inside his marker, and drilled the ball to the Causeway net Crotta were up and running. Causeway slowly got their game together and a pointed Evan Murphy free opened their account. Soon after Dan Goggin (Causeway) pointed from play after opening up the Crotta rearguard. A patch of play that yielded no scores followed, and the intensity and skill of both sets of players kept the large crowd entertained.
PHOTO: North Kerry Hurling Coiste na nog Chairman Joe Walsh presents The Steve Grady Memorial Trophy to victories Crotta Captain, Barry Mahony following Crotta’s win over Causeway in North Kerry U-11 Final in Lixnaw on Wednesday evening 23rd June. Photo: Mike Parker
Barry Mahony at midfield was hurling up a storm and he was ably assisted by both wingbacks Dominic Nolan and Pauiric Shanahan. John Quilter was getting through an amount of work in the corner and was clearing his lines time and again. Sean Galvin and Donal Hunt were extremely lively in the middle third of the field. Mahony effected a great clearance again from midfield and when the ball landed near the Causeway goal, Adam O’Sullivan was again on hand to finish neatly. Causeway’s response was immediate and a sideline ball by Gary Carey (Causeway) travelled all the way to the net with goalie Darragh O’Donoghue(Crotta) unsighted. Crotta 2-00 Causeway 1-02. Barry Mahony and Adam O’Sullivan both pointed frees (following fouls on the lively Sean Murnane) and these were sandwiched by an Evan Murphy (Causeway) free. Half time Crotta 2-02 Causeway1-03. The second half was dominated by Crotta who hurled as if their lives depended on it. All 15 players who were on the field at one time or another hurled really well. Barry Mahony who was outstanding throughout, pointed a free, a sixty five and scored 1-01 from play in the second half. Causeway were held at bay in this half thanks to a solid display by six backs and when Dan Goggin breached the defence once he was foiled by a brilliant save by Crotta keeper Darragh O’Donoghue. Captain Barry Mahony accepted the Sean Grady trophy amid great scenes of joy. As mentioned Barry Mahony was man of the match and he was closely followed by Dominic Nolan who had his best match in the green and red jersey. Darragh O’Donoghue in goals and all backs played their part. Sean Galvin, Donal Hunt impressed in the middle of the field. Adam O’Sullivan showed what a great finisher he is and he was ably assisted by Sean and Aaron Murnane. Darragh Behan , Jeaic McKenna and Darragh Murnane (when introduced) did what was asked of them. Behan being particularly effective in doing the hard grafting when the opposition had the ball. Panel was as follows: Darragh O’Donoghue Eamonn Rohan Brian O’Connell John Quilter Pauiric Shanahan Jeaic McKenna Dominic Nolan Barry Mahony(1-04) Sean Galvin Aaron Murnane Darragh Behan Donal Hunt Adam O’Sullivan(2-01) Padraig Hunt Sean Murnane Michael Carmody Bobby Gale Ciaran Healy Cian Keenan Aodhan McKenna Darragh Murnane James Sheehan Daniel O’Rourke David Ryan. A great victory by all concerned and well done to mentors Aidan, Paddy, Padraig, Jerome, Plunkett and Paul. Causeway were so gracious in defeat and showed how to accept defeat well. Well done to Barry Walsh, Stephen Goggin, Fitzpatrick and Joseph Lyons. Well done to referee Tony McCarthy who refereed the game the way it should be, leaving the play flow at all times. Thanks to the Lixnaw club for having the pitch and grounds available.
Cul Camp The Crotta Cul Camp will be held in Mountcoal in early August. More details next week.
Barry’s Field Like a throw back to olden days Crotta U6 to U13 teams train in Barry’s field. Thanks to Mike and Bobs for giving us the use of the field. It is greatly appreciated.
Congratulations to under age coach Plunkett McElhatton and Majella who got married last Saturday in South Kerry. All at the Club wish them well.
