Crokes defy Peregrine's perseverance to prevail
Tuesday November 24 2009
Kilmacud Crokes withstood a brave St Peregrine's challenge to claim the Dublin Minor Football League Division 4 crown by 2-10 to 3-4 at a windswept Kiltipper Road on Sunday morning.
It was Peregrine's who made the brighter start and they went ahead through a well-taken David Carroll penalty, but Kilmacud managed to stay in touch through points from Robert Foley and Alex Mulvey in an entertaining first half.
With a strong breeze at their backs the Stillorgan side continued to press but were thwarted on numerous occasions by a swarming Peregrine's defence for who David Lynch, Ronan McLoughlin and Anthony Kindlin all excelled.
However, Croke's pressure was rewarded through Cormac Ryan's 20th-minute goal, but their lead was short-lived as first Adam Hanley and then Garreth Callaghan netted for Peregrine's to leave them two points (3-0 to 1-4) ahead at the interval.
Kilmacud restarted the match in determined fashion and were soon level thanks to points from Paul Fogarty and talented substitute Fiachra Lynn as they played a more composed game against the elements.
St Peregrine's continued to impress, however, with James Orango and Craig Lowndes winning vital primary possession in midfield, but they were rocked by the concession of a second goal on 53 minutes when Fogarty finished well to leave five points between the sides.
The Blakestown Road club rallied well through two fine points from O'Callaghan but with Ian McNally superb at corner-back for Crokes they couldn't find that all-important equalising goal and the Stillorgan side held on by three points much to the delight of their management team of John Shovlin, Rory Ward and Ian Byrne.
St Peregrine's mentor Paul Rice was not too downbeat at the final whistle when assessing the match. "We're delighted with the lads today and all year," he said. "They gave no less than 100pc and we're very proud of them."
- MFL DIVISION 4 FINAL
