Sports

With national discussions surrounding the balance between enjoyment as opposed to winning at underage level, Clare’s minor side have struck the perfect balance. That’s certainly the opinion of Clare selector Ger Hickey as he states that the freedom the players are given has helped forge this group in to All Ireland contenders. “We give them the freedom to express themselves. We do have tactics and we monitor their workload but they still have that freedom to make decisions. Everything we do is player led. They get to express themselves on the field and in training.” “They have great groundings with their club and school. We have seen Scariff (Community College), St. Joseph’s Tulla, Flannan’s and Ardscoil Rís all enjoy success. They have the freedom to go out and play while the bonus is that they have won Munster and hopefully will win an All Ireland.” Hickey was in charge of Clare’s Celtic Challenge side last year and since becoming involved …

St Joseph’s Tulla……2-11 St Flannans (A-K)…….1-10 Anyone holding ambitions of county minor management in 2026/27 was upgrading their CV at 12.30pm on Friday last following a high-quality final between two even sides that showed admirable fielding skills and increased levels of motivation as the game progressed. The Clare post-primary GAA season ended in stunning sunshine at Cusack Park five short days since 18,000 people hurled every ball and enjoyed a post-game disco. This time it was two sides that will by the end of the decade provide a sizable minority of the Clare senior panel that engaged in this year’s encounter. Noticeable prior to the game was the physical power advantage that existed in favour of the East Clare school. The opening salvo of the game was fired over the bar by St Joseph’s centre back Cian Maxted before the towering presence of Paddy Murphy added a second score with just four minutes played at headquarters. Had the winners lost …

TERRACE tickets for Sunday week’s Munster final went on sale this morning and sold out in less than half an hour. The rematch of last year’s provincial final has sparked huge interest in both Clare and Limerick, particularly after the Banner’s toppling of the All Ireland champions in the round robin phase. Tickets went on sale via Ticketmaster at 12 noon and were also available in certain retail outlets. They were all gone well before 12.30, much to the frustration of many supporters. Stand tickets, the majority of the Gaelic Grounds capacity, are set to be allocated to clubs in the coming days. But, with people not having certainty about receiving those, there was overwhelming demand for the tickets on sale today. Last year’s Munster final saw a similar means of distributing tickets, which also saw many people queuing only to be disappointed.

WHEN last Sunday’s results unexpectedly threw up a Clare-Limerick Munster final it seemed that the logical venue would be Thurles, where last year’s decider took place. However there was some consternation and bemusement in the county on Monday as it appeared likely that the game would go to Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh, a particularly awkward venue for Clare supporters. While home advantage was ceded, there was still a good deal of relief on Tuesday when it was confirmed that the match will be played at the Gaelic Grounds. Speaking about the matter on Wednesday, Clare County Board chairman Kieran Keating explained what had happened. “Thurles was our preference, that’s where we nominated and Limerick nominated Cork. We did our canvassing and so on to the delegates. The game was in Thurles last year and obviously Cork felt they were entitled to their turn. That’s the way we felt the vote was going to go and we consulted with our management …

Premier Division Avenue United 3 2 Newmarket Celtic A 17th game will be required this Saturday to finally decide the destination of the Premier Division after holders Avenue United secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over leaders Newmarket Celtic in resplendent sunshine in Roslevan on Wednesday evening, writes Eoin Brennan. With the FAI Junior Cup champions leading by three points in the table ahead of this final round showdown, nothing but an Avenue victory was sufficient to extend the title race. And that seemed a mere formality as the home side stormed into the contest with a sixth minute solo goal from Nnabuike Nneji bolstered by a further brace from the excellent Elias Kunz to soar 3-0 clear by the 33rd minute. With a depleted Newmarket appearing ragged and warweary, Avenue might have capitalised further while down the other end a glorious back post opportunity for Jack Kelly cleared the crossbar while an injury-time Stephen Kelly scrambled effort managed to ricochet …

The TUS Gaelic Grounds is set to host the eagerly anticipated Munster SHC Final between Clare and Limerick on Sunday, June 11. Páirc Uí Chaoimh was on course to stage the game until an eleventh-hour intervention from Clare. The venue was due to be announced on Monday evening but Clare requested the Munster Competitions Controls Committee to postpone the decision so they could explore the possibility of the TUS Gaelic Grounds hosting the game. Clare go in search of their first Munster title since 1998 while they seek revenge for last year’s defeat at the same stage to Limerick. Brian Lohan’s men secured a vital win over Limerick in their second game of the Championship at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in April. These sides have met in seven Munster SHC Finals with only one of those staged at the TUS Gaelic Grounds. That clash occurred in 1955 with Limerick prevailing on the day. Clare have only defeated Limerick in one Munster SHC …

FIGHTING on the Katie Taylor undercard tonight, Ennis boxer Paddy Donovan moved to 11-0 with a very impressive TKO against Sam O’Maison. The English fighter came to Dublin with 17 victories and just four defeats, and was potentially the most dangerous opponent Donovan had met. But from the first bell there was only one man in it, Donovan dominating the action, softening his opponent up with some big shots before ending it in the sixth. It was impressive stuff from a focused looking Donovan, as he punished the head and body of O’Maison throughout, winning every round. Generally on the front foot himself, Donovan dealt easily with any O’Maison attacks, showing some neat footwork and elusiveness on the few occasions it was required. While the 3Arena was still far from full, there was plenty of vocal support for the Ennis man, with the noise levels rising every time he applied the pressure. The first stanza saw Donovan set the tone, …

Following a successful inaugural camogie version recently, it’s the turn of the Under 15 hurlers from around the country to compete for the Super 9’s title in Gort GAA today (Tuesday, May 16th) from 10:30am. Hosted by Gort Community School’s transition year students as part of the GAA Future Leaders programme, the 9-a-side format will allow the players to showcase their talent as 16 teams including St Flannan’s College, St Joseph’s Tulla, St Kieran’s Kilkenny, Kilkenny CBS, De La Salle Waterford, St Colman’s Fermoy, Midleton CBS and holders Ardscoil Ris participate in the one-day tournament. The competition is open to the public and will have a carnival atmosphere as along with the on-field action, there are hurling challenges and food stands. Entry is €5 and it will be cash only at the gate. McKeever Sports will sponsor jerseys for the winning school in camogie and hurling, along with jerseys for best players in an All Star team selected from all …