Latest news with #KilmacudCrokes
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Farrell and McGeeney prepare to put friendship on hold
'Our manager, their manager, they're great friends so looking forward to a serious contest,' is how Ciarán Kilkenny, fresh from an illuminating individual performance against Galway last Saturday week, previewed Sunday's Dublin-Armagh clash. Dessie Farrell and Kieran McGeeney's origins story is well-known. They formed a mutual appreciation society to get the better of Conor Deegan who had joined Kilmacud Crokes in 1997 and was part of the Stillorgan team that beat Na Fianna in the '98 Dublin SFC final. For that and the bragging rights he had over them as part of two All-Ireland winning Down teams, Deegan was their target. McGeeney's older brother Patrick followed as did Cullyhanna's Des Mackin. By 2005, Mobhi Road had become an Orchard as two more of McGeeney's Mullaghbawn and county team-mates, the McNulty brothers Enda and Justin, had transferred. Enda McNulty dispelled the theory that McGeeney had been paid to play for Na Fianna, pointing out the only thing they received was free fruit (is it any coincidence Armagh are now sponsored by Simply Fruit?) After Paul Caffrey had led them to the first two Dublin titles, Farrell's current right-hand man Mick Galvin, who had played the two previous seasons, was manager when the club claimed the three-in-a-row in 2001. The 1999 success was the club's third ever crown and first in 20 years. They haven't claimed one since. Regaling a story about the pair's final days in the yellow and blue, McGeeney once gave an insight into how tight they were. 'I remember myself and Dessie and Senan (Connell) and Justy (McNulty) went to a friendly game. The craic going down in the car was brilliant. 'We bounced out on to the field, you'd swear we were a bunch of young fellas. And on the way home, my knee was done, he's (Dessie's) Achilles was done, Justy's hip was done and Senan's hamstring. All four of us limped into the car. There's nothing like a wee bit of reality just to let you know that you're old.' Those bonds don't break and with for nearly every step that the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) took towards recognition in 2010, McGeeney was with Farrell. From the GPA's first press conference in Belfast in 1999 when they travelled from Dublin together to McGeeney being secretary as Farrell held the chief executive role before the latter bowed out soon after becoming Kildare manager for the 2008 season. For their monotone, sometimes gruff exteriors, there is a kindness to them. Those experiences have made them players's managers. There are many tales of the lengths McGeeney has gone to for his men, ones that should stay private, but it is obvious there Is more than one side to him. 'Deep down, I think he likes to have a wee go at the media,' said Rian O'Neill last July. 'He likes to wind ye up a little bit. It's good to see you fighting back at him but he's a smart man.' The appreciation for Farrell among his group came through loud and clear after their 2023 All-Ireland success. 'I just thought some of the shots at him the last two years were disgraceful, to be honest,' said James McCarthy after that year's final. Both have had their brushes with the authorities, of course. In 2017, McGeeney was suspended for 12 weeks following an incident involving linesman Joe McQuillan in a league game against Antrim. McQuillan is the man in the middle for Sunday's game. Farrell was banned for a similar period when Dublin were found to have breached the pandemic lockdown rules and the GAA's training ban in March 2021. But neither have stopped pushing the envelope. Both haven't shied away from querying the Football Review Committee in public and this year Armagh and Dublin have been at the forefront of exposing the limitations around the team registration protocols. For Armagh's Ulster opener against Antrim, they made two late changes to the squad – James Morgan and Daniel Magee being introduced. That same weekend, Dublin did the same for their Leinster quarter-final win over Wicklow as Stephen Cluxton and Cian Murphy were replaced by Hugh O'Sullivan and Niall Doran. The weekend before last, Seán Bugler emerged from nowhere to begin the All-Ireland group win over Galway. Last weekend, Rian O'Neill did the same against Derry. If the pals are comparing notes how to get around having to name a 26-man championship match-day panel on a Thursday, it would be no surprise. After all, over recent seasons they have grown to consider each other's team as their optimum challenge game opponents but now for the first time since Farrell followed McGeeney into inter-county management in 2020 they meet in championship. Afterwards, there will be handshakes and arm-holds but in the seconds and minutes between McQuillan's first and final whistle, their brotherhood is parked. Speaking on 'Off The Ball' last Saturday, Farrell's former team-mate Paddy Christie spoke of Farrell's stubbornness and the incredible competitive streak that he saw both at county and club where Christie's Ballymun Kickhams and Na Fianna were the keenest of local rivals. McGeeney has described himself as 'a stubborn sort of fucker'. Birds of a feather flock together.
Irish Examiner
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Kerin O'Rahillys star David Moran announces retirement from club football
From Strand Road to the hallowed turf of Croke Park, David Moran graced Gaelic football with a presence that was as commanding as it was inspirational. Over three remarkable decades, he stood tall – literally and figuratively – among the finest to ever wear the green and gold of Kerry, and the cherished blue and white of Kerins O'Rahilly's. His inter-county journey with the Kingdom was marked by glory, resilience, and unforgettable moments. Few can forget his immense performance in the 2014 All-Ireland semi-final replay against Mayo in Limerick – a day when he stood as a giant among men, dictating the game with poise and power, and dragging Kerry toward ultimate triumph. It was a display for the ages, and for many, the very essence of the man – classy, composed, and commanding. And while his inter-county days rightly brought him All-Ireland medals and national acclaim, it was with his beloved Kerins O'Rahilly's that Moran's leadership shone brightest in later years. His performance in the 2022 All-Ireland club semi-final against Kilmacud Crokes was nothing short of awesome. In what would be his final outing on such a grand stage, Moran led by example – fearless, driven, and utterly selfless in the blue jersey. It was club football at its finest, led by a man whose loyalty to Strand Road never wavered. Off the field, he has always carried himself with humility and grace – a credit to his family, his club, and his county. The proud son of Kerry, and of the great Ogie before him, David has written his own chapter in the Moran footballing legacy – one filled with courage, skill and passion. From the stands, he will now support those he once inspired, shoulder to shoulder with his beloved Sinead, and his two biggest fans, Eli and Ivy.
Irish Independent
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Two rival GAA clubs do battle with bids to develop 15-acre site in south Dublin
Ballinteer St Johns outlined their bid to members in a recent newsletter, and revealed rival club Kilmacud Crokes has submitted a counter bid for the land. The newsletter, titled 'a pitch of our own', said a strategic review had identified several facilities as 'required to sustain the size and growth' of the club's membership. Ballinteer St John's has over 3,000 members and the use of five council-owned pitches, which includes their main field located next to Marlay Park. The club's catchment includes Ballinteer, Churchtown, Dundrum and Rathfarnham, and it has more than 100 teams playing across all age groups and codes. A fully owned pitch and training facility within easy reach to their clubhouse is deemed a priority for the club, and it has been working on the bid for the Ticknock site for 15 months. 'A highly skilled committee was established to locate suitable sites for purchase, and a number of locations were identified and explored,' the club said. 'In spring 2024, a 15-acre site on Ticknock Road became available, approximately 1.5km from our clubhouse and zoned appropriate for sport facilities, subject to planning permission. It quickly became the preferred option. 'Ballinteer St Johns made a preliminary offer on the site subject to further site investigation. 'The committee engaged with a Consulting Engineer firm who carried out an extensive survey, engineering and environmental studies on the site. All the evidence concluded it was challenging, but a very viable option. 'As the Executive Officers prepared a formal bid, the selling agent indicated that an unconditional bid had been made on the site (i.e. not subject to planning permission). ADVERTISEMENT 'It quickly transpired the bid had come from another GAA club, Kilmacud Crokes. 'The Executive has met a number of times and discussed possible next steps. Last Monday a counterbid was issued by Ballinteer St Johns. There has been no update on the status of that bid. 'We are aware there has been some conversation around this situation within the wider club membership over the past week. 'As a Club Executive, we want to provide transparency and commit to keeping you informed of any future developments,' they added. Kilmacud Crokes, based in Stillorgan, is one of the largest GAA clubs in the country with around 5,000 members and 130 teams. They currently have three pitches, plus a half-sized all weather pitch, but regularly spend a large amount of their membership funding to rent pitches for training and games. Their catchment area covers Clonskeagh, Dundrum, Kilmacud, Leopardstown, Mount Merrion and Stillorgan, and Crokes GAA Clubhouse is roughly 7km from the 15-acre site on Ticknock Road. Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said: 'Pre-planning consultations are carried out under section 247 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. 'In accordance with this section such information is not in the public domain. The Planning Authority cannot therefore comment on such consultations.' Kilmacud Crokes and the Dublin County Board have been contacted for comment.
