Crokes so close to being the real deal

MAYBE we shouldn’t be surprised that Dr Crokes gave Crossmaglen “a footballing lesson”, as Oisín McConville admitted, after Saturday’s All-Ireland club final draw at Croke Park.

Pat O’Shea’s tyro talents have surprised Nemo Rangers, baffled everyone with their soporific display against The Nire and surprised us again in outgunning Moorefield in the semi-final replay in Nenagh.

But while they’re smart and slick, they’re also young and vulnerable. Consequently, they’ve problems closing out the deal — and punters run a furlong from the horse that always hits the final hurdle.