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.

Three points they led Moorefield by in the closing stages, three points they led Crossmaglen by; both ended in frustrating draws.

With Eoin Brosnan and Brian McMahon, the most physically imposing players Crokes have, likely to miss (or have a limited role in) the replay, the Kerry side will be largely friendless in the market for the April 1 rematch.

Despite what their coach perceived as a disappointing display, they were within 20 seconds of a stunning All-Ireland win on Saturday, but couldn’t summon the ruthlessness and nous to shake off the toothless dog hanging onto their ankles.

That’s the bad news. However, while McConville might also have protested that Saturday was Crossmaglen’s worst performance of the season, there was plenty in the Rangers display for Pat O’Shea and co to get their own teeth into.

Never mind that McConville’s equalising point towards Hill 16 in injury time took him around the back of the Davin Stand and across the Canal without so much as a solo or hop. His goal — accommodated by a dubious collision that flattened the covering Crokes defender, was the one and only time Kieran Cremin was exposed in the hour.

That’s no coincidence — Crokes hadn’t conceded a goal in six club championship matches.

But Crossmaglen’s poor scoring return in the Ulster club final and the All-Ireland semi-final win over St Brigid’s is hardly coincidental either.

Michael McNamee proved as dangerous as Oisín McConville, but beyond them, Donal Murtagh’s attack was limited.

WHAT WILL worry the Crokes management, given Eoin Brosnan’s likely absence, was the influential role of Cross midfielder David McKenna.

O’Shea must already be cross-eyed from the amount of gameplans he’s prepared this season, but he’ll have to come up with another midfield combination in two weeks. For the third game in succession, Crokes began with a different centre forward — this time David Moloney and Shane Doolin alternating in the role, and it was the latter who breathed life into Crokes challenge with the perfect riposte to McConville’s goal.

However, no gameplan can ring-fence a talent like Colm Cooper, who set up Doolin’s goal. While necessity may have dictated Cooper’s orchestral manoeuvres around the field, he conducted Crokes’ attack imperiously in the final quarter, teeing up Moloney for the point that gave the Kerry side a 1-9 to 1-6 advantage.

Game over? It should have been. But Crokes’ possession game invites pressure, and there are none better than Armagh men to hunt in packs. First Batt Moriarty under the Hogan Stand, then Doolin in attack turned over the ball needlessly as Dr Crokes became understandably protective of their dwindling lead.

What will encourage the underdogs — and that they will be again in Portlaoise — is the growing maturity of Brian Looney, who was exceptional, and Ambrose O’Donovan, who wouldn’t be a son of his father’s if he didn’t accomplish an amount of things below the radar.

Also, the outstanding poise of a full back line (Keith McMahon, Luke Quinn and Michael Moloney) that still get asked for ID in some night-spots.

They’ll need more from Kieran O’Leary, but captain James Fleming was intelligent and effective in his use of, and running off, the ball.

Referee Syl Doyle again booked nine players on Saturday, but missed the most blatant right jab of the day in the early stages. Either that, or he chose not to caution the attacker who softened Keith McMahon’s jaw.

On the basis that the Wexford official missed it — though he did award Crokes a free — will video evidence be brought to bear and the culprit sanctioned on the basis of irrefutable video evidence in advance of the replay?