Wounded Crokes will bounce back against An Ghaeltacht

GARVEY’S COUNTY SFC ROUND 3

An Ghaeltacht v Dr Crokes Saturday, September 15 Ftizgerald Stadium 3.45pm

FEW would have predicted the champions being in Round Three but that’s exactly where they find themselves after getting complacent and caught by Kerins O’Rahillys last weekend.

Whatever about being beaten by Strand Road it’s how they were beaten that will trouble and anger the champions in equal measure. Leading by 10 points at half time and nine points after 50 minutes no one - including themselves or, indeed, O’Rahillys - could have foreseen what transpired in the closing 15 minutes. Taking nothing away from O’Rahillys perseverance and downright skill to reel the champions in, Dr Crokes must ask themselves this week did they simply get sloppy and complacent, or is there something more troubling at play here?

Certainly their first round win over St Kierans was less than impressive, but there were still plenty of signs of the damage this team can inflict. Their two goals within a minute of each other in the first half against O’Rahillys was a sharp reminder that this remains one of the most lethal and ruthless attacks in the county, and in young David Shaw they have another start forward ready to step up.

Colm Cooper played in a very withdrawn position (we’ve see that plenty of times before) but the Crokes might be better served by placing the Gooch closer to the opposition goals now that the pace is ebbing from the legs a little bit more again.

Johnny Buckley ( pictured) faded at midfield when his team really needed him, and overall one imagines manager Pat O’Shea giving his players a real going over this week to refocus hearts and minds.

The victim of that could be An Ghaeltacht because if Crokes come out angry and determined to prove a point it’s hard to see how last year’s Intermediate champions can live them.

After losing to Mid Kerry in the first round, the west Kerry club bounced back with a decent win over Kenmare District back in Gallarus last weekend but the paucity of the District team this year must be taken into consideration.

On paper An Ghaeltacht have a talented team and last weekend’s 2-18 to 0-5 win on grass will send them to Killarney filled with confidence, no matter how poor the opposition was.

Cathal Ó Lúing, Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Marc Ó Sé, Éanna Ó Conchúir, Seán M Ó Conchúir and Dara Ó Sé are fine talents but take it that Crokes will be in the quarter-final draw.

Dr Crokes

Verdict: