The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
By Seamus Hayes
Is there any stopping Cratloe GAA?. Thats the question after the South Clare club moved a step closer to adding another three titles to their collection for 2014.
The senior hurlers moved a step closer the senior championship and league double when they defeated Feakle (0-18 to 1-9) in the Clare Champion cup (senior league) at Glenomra park in Broadford on Sunday afternoon.
This latest victory was hard earned with the Clare champions having to fight back from a one point half time deficit and overcome the handicap of being a player down. Just before half time Cratloe had defender Philip gleeson dismissed on a second yellow card and they went to the half time break trailing by a point, 0-6 to 0-7.
However, despite the disadvantage of being a player short, they battled back in the second half and four unanswered points helped them to lead by three at the three quarter stage when the score was 0-11 to 0-8.
It was 0-16 to 0-9 with four minutes remaining but full credit to Feakle, who are preparing for the Munster intermediate championship, who refused to give up. Three minutes fromt he end of normal time they got through for a Gary Guilfoyle goal but Cratloe concluded with points from Conor McGrath and Cathal McInerney to seal a six point win.
In the final they will play their South Clare neighbours, Clonlara who were 1-19 to 2-11 winners over Crusheen, thus avenging their championship semi-final loss to the same opposition.
Earlier on Sunday, Cratloe’s junior footballers staged a late rally to snatch victory from Killimer in the semi-final of the junior B championship at Gurteen. Defensive blunders on Cratloe’s part allowed Killimer in for two early goals and the West Clare side were 2-1 to 0-3 in front at half time. They were still ahead by three points as the full time whistle approached when Conor Earley got in for an equalising goal for Cratloe. The winner came from goalkeeper Jamie Joyce who landed a long range free in injury time to break Killimer hearts.
On Saturday the Cratloe under 21 footballers had no trouble in scoring a 3-14 to 0-2 win over their neighbours Meelick in the opening round of the under 21 B championship. Cratloe will now play St. Breckans in a quarter final tie.
