Dr Crokes are through to the Munster Senior Club Football Championship final after a hard-fought victory over Waterford champions Rathgormack at Fraher Field. Despite a strong challenge from Rathgormack, Crokes emerged victorious by just one point, securing a 0-09 to 0-08 win thanks to a number of key contributions, particularly from goalkeeper Shane Murphy.
Rathgormack, who are the reigning Deise champions, entered the match with the goal of becoming the first Waterford team to reach a Munster final since 2016. Meanwhile, Dr Crokes, who had previously knocked out defending champions Castlehaven, were aiming for their ninth provincial title.
The match began with Rathgormack showing their intent early on. Conor Murray opened the scoring with a fine point from distance, followed by another from James Power, giving the Waterford side a 0-02 to 0-01 lead after six minutes. Dr Crokes, however, quickly regained their composure. Tony Brosnan levelled the score with a free, and Micheál Burns added two points to put the Kerry side ahead 0-04 to 0-02. Rathgormack responded through Jason Curry, who reduced the deficit to a single point with a strike from 45 meters.
Brosnan added another free for Crokes, but Rathgormack were not backing down. James Power’s second point of the match kept the gap to just one. As the first half drew to a close, Dr Crokes produced a superb team move to extend their lead. A late point from Maidhcí Lynch left the score at 0-07 to 0-05 in favour of the visitors at half-time, but Rathgormack remained very much in the game.
The second half began with Rathgormack on the attack, despite Dr Crokes having the advantage of the wind. Rathgormack’s determination was evident, and they were unlucky not to score a goal on 36 minutes when goalkeeper Shane Murphy made a crucial save from Peter Walsh after a brilliant run by James Power.
Micheál Burns added his fourth point to put Crokes three ahead, but Rathgormack refused to give in. Adam Murray’s score brought them back into the game, and Brosnan’s free on 52 minutes pushed Crokes to a 0-09 to 0-06 lead.
However, Rathgormack had one last surge, with Jason Curry firing over a crucial point, reducing the gap to just one. They had a late opportunity to level the scores, but a free under the crossbar was cleared by the Crokes defense as the final whistle blew.
Dr Crokes will now progress to their 11th Munster final, but they will have to reflect on this close call in Dungarvan before their next challenge. Rathgormack, though disappointed, will take heart from their spirited performance and will be hopeful for future provincial campaigns.
Rathgormack: Paudie Hunt; Glen Power, Mairtin Power, Willie Hahessy; Sean Hahessy, Tom Walsh, Cathal Crowch; Peter Walsh, Michael Curry; James Power (0-02), Jason Curry (0-03, 0-02f), Conor Murray (0-01); Jason Gleeson (0-01, 0-01f), Stephen Curry, Adam Murray (0-01).
Subs: Billy Power for Cathal Crowch (HT); Francis Roche for Adam Murray (HT).
Dr Crokes:
Shane Murphy; Evan Looney, Fionn Fitzgerald, Maidhcí Lynch (0-01); Charlie Keating, Gavin White, Brian Looney; Mark O’Shea, Michael Potts; Micheál Burns (0-04, 0-02f), Gavin O’Shea, Tom Doyle; Tony Brosnan (0-04, 0-04f), David Shaw, Cian McMahon.
Subs: Kieran O’Leary for Cian McMahon (40); John Payne for Michael Potts (42); David Naughton for Tom Doyle; Michael Moloney for Maidhcí Lynch (58).
