Munster SF Semi-final/ Dr Crokes 2-10 Nemo Rangers 0-10:"Easy, easy" was the cry from the Dr Crokes fans during their Munster clash with Nemo Rangers at Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday.
And, at times, it certainly was as they powered past their opponents. Were it not for some wayward shooting, the Kerry side would have won by much more. In winning, Crokes created their own bit of history as they became the first Kerry side to beat Nemo in the Munster football championship.
"This win puts the ghost of losing the Kerry championship final two weeks ago to rest," said Dr Crokes manager - and new Kerry boss - Pat O'Shea. "We have the greatest respect for Nemo as they have dominated this competition for a long time, but we are a young side full of enthusiasm and it was our day today."
O'Shea had heroes all over the pitch yesterday with midfielder Eoin Brosnan the pick of the bunch. Much was made of the battle of the number 13s - Colm Cooper and James Masters - and yesterday it was the Kerry man's day. Not only did he outscore Masters, but he was instrumental in setting up many of their scores - including their second goal which effectively killed off Nemo's chances.
Played at a frenetic pace, Nemo were on the scoresheet after just 40 seconds when Alan Morgan opened the scoring. Kieran Brosnan had Crokes back on level terms before scores from Masters and Seán O'Brien put Nemo back in front. Cooper and Batt Moriarty had the game level again, before Masters and Cooper exchanged frees to make it 0-4 apiece after 16 minutes.
For the rest of the first half it was all Crokes and points from Cooper, Kieran Brosnan, full back Luke Quinn and Kieran O'Leary had them 0-8 to 0-4 in front at half-time.
Eoin Brosnan extended their lead, but after 38 minutes Cooper got their first goal. Four minutes later and it was all over as a contest when a quickly-taken free by Cooper found Brian Looney and he blasted to the back of the net to make it 2-9 to 0-6.
Nemo tried to rally and three points from Masters and one from Paul Kerrigan reduced the lead, but Crokes were simply too good.
DR CROKES: K Cremin; K McMahon, L Quinn, M Moloney; B Moriarty (0-1), B McMahon, E Kavanagh; A O'Donovan, E Brosnan (0-1); B Looney (1-0), K Brosnan (0-2), A Kenneally; C Cooper (1-4), J Fleming, K O'Leary (0-1). Subs: J Cahillane for B McMahon (42 mins); V Cooper for Looney (48 mins); S Doolan for Moriarty (57 mins).
NEMO RANGERS: D Heaphy; C O'Shea, P Brophy, G Murphy; B Twomey, D Kavanagh, M Daly; D Mehigan, M McCarthy; M Cronin, S O'Brien (0-1), D Niblock; J Masters (0-6), A Morgan (0-1), P Kerrigan (0-2). Subs: R Kenny for Morgan (half-time); B O'Regan for Daly (33 mins); D Kearney for Brophy (40 mins); J Kerins for Dehigan (44 mins); C O'Brien for Twomey (45 mins).
Referee: B Tyrell(Tipperary).
