The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Classy Kerry provide primer for bigger days ahead, writes Derek Dormer
Clare 0-9
Kerry 1-13
After last weekend’s postponement due to adverse weather conditions Clare and Kerry squared off in Shanahan McNamara Memorial Park Doonbeg.
It’s always a tough assignment for any intermediate team to be playing senior and so it transpired as Kerry put Clare to the sword in the opening 30 minutes.
A goal inside 90 seconds certainly didn’t help Clare as what seemed a communication error from a Banner kick out resulted in star forward Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh finishing to the net.
Ni Mhuircheartaigh would finish the day with 1-7 and was a constant threat throughout. Another defensive error led to a Niamh Ni Choncuir goal chance but an admirable point blank Micaela Glynn save kept Kerry at bay.
Defensive errors and a lack of indiscipline giving Kerry plenty of scoring opportunities from play and placed balls was a feature of the first half.
Clare trailed 1-8 to no score at half time but admirably regrouped at the interval winning the second half nine points to five with Chloe Moloney landing some superb frees.
Clare worked tirelessly throughout the contest and their heads never dropped but now find themselves in a do or die situation next week away to Tipperary.
Overall a tough day for Clare but playing top quality senior opposition can no doubt only enhance their preparations for that all important Intermediate Championship later in the summer.
Clare’s best performers were Laurie Ryan, Tara Kelly, Chloe Moloney, Grainne Nolan and the industrious Fidelma Marrinan who covered every blade of grass here in Doonbeg.
