Final should be a repeat performance for Clonlara

THE progress of South East Clare neighbours Clonlara (holders) and Cratloe to this year’s senior championship final indicates how much the balance of power in Clare hurling has switched. A new order has replaced the clubs with a long pedigree in Clare hurling lore.
Following their intermediate victory in 2007, Clonlara created a number of shocks on their way to senior success last season and they quickly confirmed that their championship win wasn’t a fluke when they added the Clare Champion Cup to their trophy cabinet.
There were still some who doubted their credentials this year but they have answered all in no uncertain manner in progressing to the finals of both the championship and league for a second season.
Cratloe, it has to be said, have been knocking on the door in recent years. They were unlucky to lose out by a point to Newmarket in the quarter-final last season and that result probably drove them on this season.
Many doubted that they could get to this stage this year, mainly because so many of their players are also involved with a variety of football teams in the club, where they have also enjoyed success, winning the U-21A championship crown for the first time back in August and they recently added the intermediate crown.
Many observers, even those within their own club, wondered if they could be successful in both codes. Their displays to date suggest that they still have the hunger for more success.
They have been fortunate to avoid injury and, with the exception of Seán Collins, who suffered a shoulder injury in the intermediate football semi-final, they have had no problems.
Collins made a remarkable recovery in two weeks to take his place in the All-Ireland final team and while he struggled for a while in the weeks after that memorable win, he appears to be fully fit again.
Those who suggested that Cratloe would not be able to physically match their semi-final opponents, Kilmaley, were surprised last week as the South East Clare outfit more than held their own and this will have been noted by Clonlara.
Officials of the champions club are also likely to remember a clash with their neighbours in the senior B grade four years ago when Cratloe’s victory relegated the current senior champions to intermediate status. In fact, this game may be used as a motivating factor this week ahead of Sunday’s meeting.
The experience Clonlara have gained over the past two years should give them an edge over their neighbours this week. They have moulded into a very strong unit, tight in defence and well able to pick off scores from a variety of areas. That said, they have seen that if Cratloe are given an inch, they are well capable of capitalising.
They are a very fit side that play a fast running game and they are well capable of punishing any opposition if given the space. They have shown in recent games that they can pick off points from anywhere.
A strong half-back line is the key to success and both sides have shown this to be the case in recent times.
This year’s Clonlara captain, Tomás O’Donovan, played at centre-forward last year but he has been a real tower of strength at centre-back in recent outings.
He will be flanked by his brother, Domhnall, and Nicky O’Connell and this is, without question, a powerful sector for the title holders. They are certain to prove difficult opponents for the likes of Seán Collins and Damian Browne.
Michael Hawes is the Cratloe centre-back and he will be flanked by John O’Gorman and Liam Markham. Dual county player Markham has been particularly outstanding in Cratloe’s recent games and his tussle with John Conlon or Cormac O’Donovan could well have a big bearing on the outcome of this tie.
There were weaknesses in the Clonlara full-back line against Clooney-Quin in the quarter-final. It was a different story against Newmarket, when Brian Woods, John Moloney and Paul Collins were superb and they will have to repeat that form if they are to curb county minors Cathal McInerney and Conor McGrath.
At the other end of the field, the scoring feats of Conlon, O’Donovan, Darach Honan and the experienced Donal Madden are well documented and they are sure to provide a busy afternoon for the O’Gorman, Hawes and Liam Markham along with team captain Barry Duggan and his flankers Philip Gleeson and David Ryan.
That it has all the makings of a great contest is without doubt.
Cratloe have the ability to cause problems for the champions but on the form they have been showing in recent times, and particularly in the semi-final win over Newmarket, Clonlara should again be bringing the Canon Hamilton Trophy home on Sunday evening.