The adage that ‘sport can be cruel’ was never more applicable than to the Junior “A” City Final last weekend when our footballers lost out to Kildimo / Pallaskenry by the narrowest of margins. The game was played in challenging conditions, with a strong breeze being a significant factor in the result. With the aid of the elements in the first half, Crecora dominated proceedings and after 15 minutes lead by five points with scores from B.Hogan (0-2), Shane O’Connell (0-1), Mike McCormack(0-1) and Karl Moloney (0-1).
In the run up to half time, Kildimo / Pallaskenry grew into the game with 3 points. Gary O’Connell added a further brace but a number of missed opportunities during this time would prove costly.
With a 7 points to 3 half time advantage, Crecora started the second half in superb fashion with three great scores from play from Karl Moloney (0-1) and two from the inspired Mark Shanahan. By the 45th minute, we held a commanding 10 points to 4 lead. However, an unfortunate spell from the 45th to the 50th minute gave Kildimo / Pallaskenry a lifeline and they scored two fortuitous goals to bring them right back into the game.
Despite the setback, Crecora responded in great fashion with a point from Ian Donoghue and on the 58th minute Gary O’Connell raced through from the 45m line before being dragged down in the square. Billy Hogan calmly slotted the resulting penalty, followed soon afterwards by another free which gave us a two point advantage with time virtually up.
In the never-ending, extended injury time played, disaster struck when Kildimo / Pallaskenry scored the winning goal after being allowed a quickly taken free. It was a cruel defeat after long periods of dominance and superb performance throughout from all players and especially on the day from the influential Mike McCormack, John Buckley, O’Connells, Moloneys and a masterclass by Billy Hogan.
There is time now to recover and prepare for county quarter-final, well done to all involved. Final Score was 1-11 to 3-6.
Panel on the night: Rob Sweeney, Shane Moloney, Tim Moloney, David Macken, Shane O’Connell, Mike McCormack (0-1), John Buckley, Karl Moloney (0-2) & Evan Moloney, Gary O’Connell (0-2), Conor Burke, Rob Henehan, Billy Hogan (1-3), Cormac Flanagan, David Cregan, Damien Kearney, Seán Keyes, Ian Donoghue (0-1), Stephen Keating, Mark Shanahan (0-2), Cathal Monaghan, John Travers.
The County Junior A Football Quarter Final is scheduled for Sunday 1st October at 12pm in Bruff against either Croom or Galtee Gaels.