Dr Crokes strike late in extra-time to seal Kerry Intermediate Hurling honours

Mark Heffernan was the star man with 0-11 (7f)

Kerry IHC final: Dr Crokes 4-15 St Brendans B 2-15 (aet)

Two goals in the second period of extra-time sealed victory for Dr Crokes over St Brendan's B in the Kerry IHC Final on Thursday night, sealing their first intermediate title in six years. 

Crokes, who do not have the option of going senior due to Kerry club competition structures, turn their attention to the Limerick Junior champions in the Munster Semi-final in November.

Crokes started well with a quick fire 1-1, Fionn Doyle their first goal scorer but the efforts of Jack Moriarty in particular helped St Brendans towards a lead of 0-9 to 1-5 at half-time. 

Kevin Orpen scored Brendan’s first goal in the 38th minute to put them in control until the final five minutes of normal time which unfolded frantically. 

Brian O’Connor put Crokes back in the lead at 2-10 to 1-12. Orpen responded with his second goal but Crokes midfielders Tom Doyle and Mark Heffernan (free) pointed to send the game to extra-time at 2-12 apiece.

Crokes shaded the first period of extra-time (2-15 to 2-14) before Brendán O’Connor appeared to be edging the game towards penalties with the only score in the second additional period until the decisive second goals. 

Tom Doyle struck when moved in on the edge of the square in giving Crokes the lead again as Brian O’Connor had another fine strike for his second and decisive goal in the game.

Mark Heffernan was the star man with 0-11 (7f).

St Brendans will hope for better in the Senior Final in Kerry on Sunday against Abbeydorney.

Scorers for Dr Crokes: M Heffernan (0-11, 7f), B O’Connor (2-1), T Doyle (1-1), F Dineen (1-0), D Carroll and N Doncel (0-1 each).

Scorers for St Brendan’s B: K Orpen (2-2), B O’Connor (0-6, 3f), J Moriarty (0-4, 1f), T O’Sullivan (0-2), M Davis (0-1) 

DR CROKES: D Kenny; M O’Connor, J Murphy, S Barry; A Keogh, N Doncel, D Carroll; M Heffernan, T Doyle; J O’Riordan, K O’Connor, A Byrne; B O’Connor, F Dineen, K Landers.

Subs: A Murphy for K Landers (H/T), S Noonan for K O’Connor (58), A O’Connor for A Keogh, TJ O’Sullivan for J O’Riordan (both E/T).

ST BRENDAN'S B: C Lawlor; T O’Flaherty, K Fitzgerald, J Davis: J Moriarty, P O’Sullivan, A McDonagh; D O’Sullivan, M Davis; D Costello, F Horgan, K O’Mahony; T O’Sullivan, B O’Connor, K Orpen.

Subs: E Kearney for A McDonagh (H/T), J Hussey for T O’Sullivan (40), P O’Mahoney for K O’Mahony (55), B Doyle for M Davis, B Leen for J Hussey (both E/T).

Referee: J Murphy (Ballyduff)