Preview Kilmacud Crokes vs St Sylvesters
- Jan 01,1970
Go-Ahead Ireland Dublin Senior Championship Final
Friday 27th September | 19.30pm
Parnell Park, Live Stream
Kilmacud Crokes vs St Sylvesters
Experience, especially on the big stage can be a key factor when it comes to winning tight games and Kilmacud Crokes have built up one of the most competent squads in Dublin club football. Thirteen of the starting team who lined out for Kilmacud Crokes in the County decider nearly a year ago versus Na Fianna are primed to go again this Friday night when the reigning champions take on their latest challengers, St Sylvesters.
Thomas Davis are the last team to defeat Kilmacud Crokes at domestic championship level. Davis’s delivered a hammer blow to Crokes 2021 championship aspirations in the senior semi-final. Foxrock Cabinteely subsequently defeated Thomas Davis is the final.
Kilmacud Crokes regrouped and over the last two seasons have gone on to claim back-to-back Dublin and Leinster Senior championship titles. However, the All-Ireland senior crown continues to evade them with Paddy O’Donoghue’s charges coming out the wrong side in two All-Ireland semi-finals.
In 2023, Kilkerrin-Clonberne had two points to spare over Crokes after a pulsating contest that required a period of extra time to separate the two sides. The year previous Donaghmoyne defeated the newly crowned Dublin champions by 1-11 to 0-07, with Catríona McConnell playing a starring role for the Monaghan club.
Former Intermediate All Ireland club champions St Sylvesters are the surprise team of the 2024 championship. Many pundits were predicting a Kilmacud Crokes vs Na Fianna rematch. When Na Fianna’s championship campaign came off the rails it was St Sylvesters who emerged as group winners despite a shock defeat to Foxrock Cabinteely in the round robin series. The girls from Malahide booked their place in Friday’s decider with a polished semi-final display over Thomas Davis.
Similar to Crokes, St Sylvesters also have a wealth of experience throughout their ranks. Sinéad Aherne, Niamh McEvoy, Nicole Owens and Kate Sullivan are inspirational figures both at club and indeed County level. Sinéad Tracey and Aimee Hazley are two long serving members who continue to play key roles on the team.
While Dannielle Lawless and Clodagh Fox are two fine footballers who have shown huge leadership qualities during this championship campaign. Up front Marion Hernon has added some extra spice to the Syl’s full forward line with the Galway native linking up alongside Aherne and Sullivan.
Kilmacud Crokes will be favourites to win the Dublin title for a third time. However, St Sylvesters have the attributes and determination within their ranks to cause an upset. This game has all the makings of a superb contest and one not to be missed.
Referee Kevin Doherty will get proceedings underway at 7:30pm in Parnell Park. The game will be streamed live on Dublin LGFA and Dublin GAA social media channels.
Tickets remain on sale via www.universe.com General admission €10, Under 16’s are free.
Kilmacud Crokes: Dearbhla Gower, Niamh Carr, Emer Sweeney (Capt.), Philippa Greene, Aoife Kane, Molly Lamb, Kate Murray, Grace Kós, Lauren Magee, Niamh Cotter, Ailbhe Davoren, Mia Jennings, Amy Conroy, Michaelle Davoren, Éabha Rutledge.
Kilmacud Crokes’ Panel: Rachael Fleming, Alanah Jones, Alex Bedford, Cassie Sultan, Christine Moran, Ciara Regan, Doireann Egan, Emma Kane, Julia Buckley, Laura Kane, Sinéad O’Donoghue
St Sylvesters: Sophie Rickard, Clíona Fitzpatrick, Sinéad Treacy, Chloe Byran, Caitlinn Guiden, Dannielle Lawless, Keeva Kenehan, Sasha Kennedy Kambic, Nicole Owens, Clodagh Fox, Niamh McEvoy, Sarah Brennan, Kate Sullivan, Sinéad Aherne, Marian Hernon.
St Sylvesters’ Panel: Sophie Brennan, Mia Roche, Emma Lynch (Capt.), Grace Twomey, Emma Sullivan, Katie Slattery, Katie O'Sullivan, Sophie McGlynn, Aimee Hazley, Gráinne McGinty, Kirsten Hall, Ruby Canning, Ellie Doyle, Kate O'Toole, Laci Ryan.
End.