FROM the 1300s onwards, Irish men had fought in the armies of various different countries and also navies.

Clare 3-24Wexford 1-20 (AET) The margin between the teams at sun-splashed Semple Stadium on Saturday evening suggests a comfortable victory but while the Banner men were deserving winners and clearly the better team, they came within a whisker of blowing their chances in the 2013 championship. A Wexford goal in the second minute of injury time levelled the game and sent the match to extra time where, to their credit, Clare hit 2-3 without reply in the first period to kill off the Slaneysiders challenge and set up an All-Ireland quarter final clash with Galway on Sunday week. Not for the first time this season, Clare failed to convert a large share of the chances they created. Had they not been as wasteful, they would have won this tie in normal time and with plenty to spare. One of the big talking points in recent weeks has been the failure of Cratloe’s Cathal McInerney to get much game time. The …

Cratloe’s Cathal McInerney has put down a marker for the Clare senior hurling management team as they turn their attentions to making plans for their All-Ireland quarter-final meeting with Galway on Sunday week.

Wexford travelled to Thurles on Saturday determined to account for Clare and progress to the All-Ireland quarter final.

A series of meetings are taking place at provincial and national level this week to discuss proposals that, if implemented, will mean major changes to GAA competition eligibility and structures.

  Galway 3-12Clare 1-12 Despite suffering their second defeat of the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship campaign, Clare are still in the race for a place in the play-offs. To achieve this, they must beat the defending champions Wexford at the Slaneysiders’ venue on this Saturday. Wexford are in a similar position after their loss to Kilkenny in last week’s third round. At sun splashed Cusack Park on Saturday, there was little between the sides on a day when the teams were level on five occasions. Galway were two points in front after five minutes but Clare hit the next three to lead by the minimum margin by the 13th minute. They were level at the mid-point of the half and then Galway struck for the game’s first goal when Breda Hanney gave Denise Lynch no chance from close range. From here to the half time whistle, Clare had the better of matters and they hit five unanswered points to lead …

Kilrush 0-14Cratloe 0-6 Kilrush booked a place in the semi-final of the Garry Cup and earned a home venue when they proved too strong for Cratloe in this re-scheduled fixture, played in sweltering heat at Cusack Park on Sunday.

Éire Óg   2-15Lissycasey  1-10 Éire Óg will play titleholders Kilmurry-Ibrickane in this Saturday’s Cusack Cup (Division 1) football final at Kilmihil after they overcame the challenge of Lissycasey in last Saturday’s semi-final played at Lissycasey.