Clare get Kennedy Cup campaign off to winning start

CLARE made a winning start to their Kennedy Cup campaign with a 3-0 victory over West Cork at Riverside Park in Shannon last week, writes Ronan Judge.

The game was played in good weather on a pitch in good condition courtesy of the work of Shannon Hibs.

Clare goalkeeper Conor Wall was called into action early on when he did well to keep out a shot. Clare took the lead in in the 13th minute.

It was created through a great move in midfield involving Matt Jones and Ethnik Aliu, who put through Eoin Devanney on the right wing.

Devanney crossed the ball for the run of Clare striker Tiernan Adelu who fired Clare 1-0 ahead.

From that moment Clare seemed a bit more in control of the game with West Cork trying to counter attack with direct balls over the top but the Clare back line of Glen McNamara, Aidan Moloney,
Daniel Brody and Liam Heffernan dealing comfortably with the danger.

Clare had a good chance with Ethnik Aliu who tried to chip the oncoming goalkeeper but his effort was stopped brilliantly in the last minute of the first half.

The second half picked up with Clare again enjoying most of the possession. Clare were soon 2-0 ahead.

Tiernan Adelu’s strike was saved by the very good West Cork goalkeeper but it was finished from close range by Oliver Hawes.

West Cork applied pressure with some long crosses into the Clare penalty area and with a few corners. But Clare goalie Conor Wall and his back line dealt capably with everything thrown at them.

Clare made three changes – Shay Waller for Ethnik Aliu, Kevin Hanley for Conor Mc Fadden and Ryan McCarthy for Eoin Devanney. The new players made an impact and the fresh legs helped Clare.

Waller saw his shot saved before Clare scored their third goal.

Conor Wall started the move, spotting Oliver Hawes on the move.

Hawes entered the penalty area chased by a defender and finished to the top right hand corner.

Clare had another chance in the closing minutes after Ryan McCarthy was brought down inside the area. However, McCarthy saw his shot well saved by the West Cork goalie.

Clare will be happy with a good performance that was helped by the support of the large home crowd.

Clare are due to play their next Kennedy Cup match in Tulla on October 23.

Clare: Conor Wall; Daniel Brody; Liam Heffernan; Glen McNamara; Aidan Moloney; Conor McFadden; Eoin Devanney; Matt Jones; Tiernan Adelu; Ethnik Aliu; Oliver Hawes Subs: Kyle McInerney,; Adam Kilker; Eoghan Gerrihy; Shay Waller; Ryan McCarthy; Kevin Hanley; Darragh Baker (Not Available due to injury: Kyle Kirby and Callum Casey.)

Clare Manager: David Wall
Coaching team: Fabio Messori, Paul Roche (GK Coach), TJ O’Dwyer (Fitness Coach)