Cooper-less Crokes still run riot against An Ghaeltacht

Dr Crokes 1-17 An Ghaeltacht 0-6

HAVING opened up what was essentially an unassailable 1-10 to 0-2 lead by half-time Dr Crokes, the defending champions, were thereafter largely in cruise control, ending up convincing winners in Austin Stack Park last Sunday.

More resourceful and economical with a spread of seven different scorers from play the Killarney outfit had more options and more individual aces in all aspects of play. And while An Ghaeltacht offered a lot in terms in terms of their energy and endeavour, they were without a few key players - as indeed were Crokes who didn’t have Colm Cooper or Gavin White - but with a stronger squad the Black and Amber brigade were able to dictate the trend of proceedings with some incisive defence splitting runs, strong support play, and clinical finishing.

They were ahead 1-2 0-0 at the end of the opening quarter with Kieran O’Leary having fisted home the only goal of the game from a lofted delivery in the ninth minute. Aided by the extremely strong breeze they built on their lead to extend their advantage 1-5 0-0 by the 20th minute, and, were comfortably in front 1-10 0-2 by the half-time break with five of their six forwards having already scored from play.

An Ghaeltacht’s two points, coming as they did in the dying moments of the half offered some hope maybe of a revival, given that they would have the aid of the elements in the second half.

Éanna Ó Conchúir continued to do his utmost to inspire their challenge, but Crokes slick possession based approach ensured that they continued to hold sway with the West Kerry side largely reduced to sporadic attacks, and, to a number of long hopeful deliveries.

By contrast Crokes were smarter and sharper, moving the ball quickly into scoring positions, and converting with a lot of confidence. Ahead by fifteen points, 1-16 to 0-4, going into the final quarter the encounter drifted to its inevitable conclusion with the end result confirming Crokes ranking as the odds on favourites to retain this title.