KILMACUD CROKES will be out to secure a famous football and hurling title double on Sunday when they take on fellow southsiders St Jude’s in the final of this year’s Dublin SFC ‘A’.
The Stillorgin club won the SHC title in dramatic fashion last weekend when they saw off Na Fianna after extra-time, and with former Dublin star Paul Mannion in flying form they will be hoping to add the football title this weekend.
“I thought that we played well against Ballyboden,” Crokes boss Robbie Brennan told the Irish Independent this week of his side’s seven-point semi-final win, “but our start wasn’t what we would have wanted in terms of our intensity and we really only got going properly towards the end of the first quarter.
“A few things went our way in that game with Conor Ferris making a crucial save to deny Colm Basquel and if that goal chance had gone in, things may have unfolded differently.
“However, we would have to be pleased with how we performed from that point and we’ll be looking to enhance that level of consistency in the final, as we will need do to if we’re to come out with the right result,” he added.
“There is great excitement around the panel and having a senior county final to look forward to is what it is all about and why you make all the sacrifices in terms of your time.
“To be honest, it’s a privilege to be involved at this stage of the year and I would never take this for granted.
“We would love to get over the line next Sunday but we are fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead for us and it’s really all about going out and enjoying the occasion and hopefully we can play to our potential on the day,” said Brennan.
“We had a quick review after the Ballyboden game but that has been parked now and all our focus is now on the challenge that St Jude’s will present next weekend.”
What was already a memorable weekend for Crokes became even better at Balgriffin last Sunday morning when they claimed the Dublin Minor ‘A’ Football Championship at the expense of St Vincent’s (2-14 to 1-9).
Castleknock may have had the measure of them in the Senior ‘B’ Hurling showpiece last Sunday, but with a Dublin SFC final to look forward to on Sunday, Crokes continue to be a formidable force.
Despite making a slow start, the scoring prowess of Dara Dempsey (1-7) and Louis McGauren (0-3) helped Kilmacud to turn things around. Vin’s had been in the hunt for a minor championship double but even though Kalum O’Brien registered 1-4 during the opening period, they ultimately ended up second best.
Tom Lahiff of St Jude’s and Crokes’ Shane Cunningham ahead of the Go-Ahead Dublin Senior Football Club Championship final which takes place in Parnell Park on Sunday. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
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