Kilmacud’s ominous march to Croker

A FOURTH Leinster Club SFC title for Kilmacud Crokes and the sweetest of them all, according to their manager Paddy Carr and captain Pat Burke.

It was an understandable joint statement. Bereft of several key players, the Dublin champions belied such blows to take control of this provincial climax after the break and establish a lead they never relinquished at Portlaoise’s O’Moore Park.

Rhode won’t be kicking themselves as much as they did three years ago when they let slip a six-points advantage over the Stillorgan club. However, skipper Niall McNamee painted a tearful figure in the dressing room afterwards after missing a late penalty and earlier in the second half cracking the crossbar with a stinging shot.