FOLLOWING round two of the junior A football championship last week, a number of teams have edged closer to the play-offs but there is still a lot to play for in the final round in a few weeks’ time.
Meelick, Coolmeen and Cooraclare all have full points after two rounds and are almost certain of quarter-final places. In fact Coolmeen, trained this year by former Doonbeg and Clare star Tommy Tubridy, are safely through and the second qualifying spot from this group will go to either Kilmihil or Kilfenora, who meet in the final round.
Coolmeen caused a surprise last week when they accounted for Kilfenora on a score of 0-12 to 1-4. Their final game is against Smith O’Brien’s, who conceded a walkover to Kilmihil at the weekend.
Kilmihil and Kilfenora will meet in round three and this will be a straight knockout tie with the winners joining Coolmeen in the quarter-finals.
In group one, Division 5 league winners Meelick continued their winning run when they beat Miltown by three points, 0-10 to 0-7. Meelick had earlier beaten Ennistymon and their final game will be against Naomh Eoin. The men from the West Clare peninsula play their second-round tie this Friday evening when they face Ennistymon. Both lost their opening tie, so victory is vital this week to stay in the hunt for honours.
Kilrush picked up their first points of the campaign when they overcame Wolfe Tones on Saturday. The other game in group three will see the two winning teams from the opening round, Éire Óg and Clarecastle, in opposition. They play this Thursday evening.
In group four, there was a surprise on Monday when Michael Cusacks went under to Doonbeg. The concession of three goals proved costly for the North Clare outfit, who are seeking a quick return to intermediate grade from where they were relegated last season. The final score was 3-4 for Doonbeg to 0-9.
Cooraclare recorded their second win of the campaign when coming from behind to snatch a one point win, 1-7 to 1-6, over Lissycasey, who are pointless after two rounds and who must beat Doonbeg and hope that Michael Cusacks account for Cooraclare if they are to have a chance of being in the quarter-finals.

Junior B football

Second-round games in the junior B football title race took place at the weekend and at this stage of the campaign, Cooraclare, Clonlara and Clondegad have maximum points from two rounds.
Shannon Gaels and the Banner had their first outing at the weekend, having received first-round byes and they got their challenges for honours off to a winning start. Coolmeen were due to play their opening game on Monday but they received a walkover from Clonbony.