Galleries

Derek Dormer watched The Banner Ladies overcome atrocious weather condititions to beat Kilmihil 0-9 to 0-6 and win a 13th senior ladies football title in 15 years   AFTER a dour struggle in atrocious weather conditions it was dual star Niamh O’Dea who must take all the plaudits as she almost single handedly dragged The Banner Ladies from four down to kick the last seven scores in a tough tight tense battle with Kilmihil. With the incessant rain and almost gale like wind this was never going to be a free flowing contest but it was still an engaging battle between Clares two best sides in what has now become their almost annual County final showdown, that kept patrons entertained throughout. In fact this County final can best be described as a war of attrition with both teams putting their bodies on the line in pursuit of County Championship glory. Becky Mahon opened the scoring with a well taken point …

Clooney-Quin eventually bridged a 16-year gap to their sole Minor A crown with a 1-14 to 1-12 victory over St Joseph’s Doora Barefield, but only after a titanic 80 minute wrestle for supremacy in extreme conditions in Cusack Park. BELYING the incessant rain that greeted this much anticipated high noon showdown, Coiste na nÓg Iomaint couldn’t have asked for a better advertisement for underage hurling than this compelling marquee decider that was filled with character, commitment and sheer determination to leave everything on the field in pursuit of the prestigious Willie Chaplin Cup. Evenly-matched throughout, Clooney-Quin were crucially much more clincial in the opening half which permitted them to carve out a six point cushion by the break, a lead that the favourites would maintain by the three-quarters mark. A storming Parish ressurection in the final quarter almost usurped the leaders though, with a remarkable seven point turnaround completed by a dramatic injury-time goal for Eoin Ogie Fanning to hand …

Newmarket Celtic and Avenue United continued their winning ways as the pair picked up 5-1 wins over Tulla United and Kilrush Rangers respectively. Meanwhile, Bridge United were held to a draw against a resurgent Shannon Town as Mark Colbert’s side saw their winning start to the league come to an end. Coole FC moved up to fifth place after their second league win on the bounce as they defeated a Mountshannon Celtic side who are still searching for their first points of the campaign. Newmarket Celtic moved two points clear at the top of the Maloney Hardware Premier Division with a big win over Tulla United. The league leaders struck twice in three minutes during the opening half with Eoin Hayes and Darragh Leahy finding the target. Mike Moloney’s side hit back when Dara Ryan netted after Newmarket failed to deal with a corner. Newmarket Celtic led 2-1 at half time before their strength in depth helped them power to …

BACK to school blues were eased for the pupils of Flagmount National School with recent Forest School workshops in the leafy Lough Graney Valley. The event, called ‘Wild Plants Can Sing’ was part of the Forest School pilot project, funded by the Heritage in Schools Scheme.< Workshops were facilitated by Marina Levitina and Áine Ní Flatharta. Children got an opportunity to spend time outdoors in nature, as part of an inspirational process that offers opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences among the trees. Principal of Flagmount NS, Louise O’Kelly said the workshops were thoroughly enjoyed and very beneficial. “We are very fortunate to have Forest School in our parish,” she said. “Forest School integrates wonderfully with all our subjects particularly Geography and Science. Unquestionably, Forest School brings Geography and Science to life outside the classroom, fostering a deeper connection with nature. “This year, we also welcomed children from Ukraine to our school, nature is …

THE opening of the new €500,000 hall secures the future of scouting in Ennis and further enhances the group’s international reputation. That’s according to deputy leader of Ennis Scouts, John Egan, who has thanked the local community for their support of the project. At Saturday’s official opening, John said the facility starts a new chapter in the history of Ennis Scouts. “It’s fabulous to have it. There is a long tradition of scouting in Ennis. Today was like a family reunion. It was great to have everyone involved, from the youth members and all the people who have given their lives to scouting in Ennis. “It doesn’t matter if you are in scouting for a day or a lifetime, we appreciate the help that you give,” John told The Clare Champion. Ennis Scouts currently caters for 150 members and the new hall has already seen the group host scouts from across Europe. John said, “That’s about at our capacity with …

Ireland chef d’equipe Michael Blake speaks to Dan Danaher and looks back at his riding career, what he had to do to buy his first pony, setting the world bareback championship record, and guiding Ireland’s showjumpers to a string of successes   MICHAEL Blake has made history by bringing the Aga Khan trophy back to Tuamgraney following a very successful showjumping year that included qualifying for the Olympics less than seven days before the thrilling jump-off against France in the RDS. On paper, Michael knew he didn’t have the riding pedigree to become Ireland’s Showjumping Manager. However, through hard graft and precise planning, the Tuamgraney man put himself firmly in the hunt for selection. From 2012 to 2016, Michael took over the Ireland Youth Showjumping team and helped young riders to an impressive haul of medals. In 2017, the senior riders asked him to get involved so he became Development Manager and started working with Chef d’Equipe, Rodrigo Pessoa. This …

MORE than 1,300 competitors flocked to the shores of Lough Derg on Saturday to participate in the return to east Clare of a major adventure race. Last weekend saw the second staging of Quest Lough Derg, an arduous challenge for athletes in Killaloe and Ballina following the inaugural event in 2019. Fine weather, with temperatures reaching 22 degrees, allowed athletes and supporters to maximise Quest Lough Derg and its stunning location, sold-out since August. The race makes itself accessible to athletes on all levels, from beginners to experienced racers, with its three routes: the 22km ‘Challenge’, the 45km ‘Sport’ and the 69km ‘Expert’, starting and finishing at various points in Killaloe and Ballina. Competitors were able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Tountinna, Garrykennedy, Ballycuggaran and Moylussa. After the event, competitors were treated to hot food, music and a festival-like atmosphere at the finish line. The winners of the Expert Route were Shaun Stewart and Laura O’Driscoll. The Sport Route …