Crunch time in race for Clare football crowns

Eoin Brennan previews this weekend’s action in the senior, intermediate and junior football championships

Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final Play-Off
Clondegad v St Joseph’s D/B
at Cusack Park Ennis, Sunday 3pm

Much has changed since these sides last met in the senior championship four years ago. That 1-18 to 0-4 opening round pummelling at the hands of Clondegad was the beginning of the end for that Parish side as they subsequently fell to intermediate level.

Backed by a fresh crop of young guns, Doora/Barefield soared back to senior level for the 2021 campaign and excelled by reaching the last eight at the first attempt.

With any hint of relegation now extinguished, it is hoped that the kamikaze rushes of blood to the head that coughed up two goals in all three group matches can be replaced by a more composed collective unit as the Parish have simply nothing to lose.

Clondegad’s development curve hasn’t exactly remained on the up either since that 17-point lowering of the Parish back in 2018 as despite contesting the previous year’s county final, they only subsequently won just two of their next ten championship ties and found themselves fending off relegation in 2019 and ’21.

A fresh approach this year has consequently reaped better results too as Clondegad garnered gritty back-to-back group victories over Ennistymon and Doonbeg before crashing back down to earth thanks to a below par second half against Kilmurry Ibrickane last time out.

If Clondegad can rediscover their earlier hard-to-beat form, they will be favourites to reclaim a quarter-final spot as it’s difficult to see who will be able to curb their dynamic talisman Gary Brennan along with playmaker Barry Toner.

On the flip side, for Clondegad to get the upper hand, they will need to shut down Tom McDonald and they just appear to have the edge on experience and options in that regard to be able to prevail.
Verdict: Clondegad

Senior Relegation Play-Off
Doonbeg v St Joseph’s Miltown at Cooraclare, Saturday 6pm

A semi-final showdown only three years ago, it’s almost incredible to fathom how one of these sides will be only 60 minutes away from intermediate level come Saturday evening.

Just as winning momentum builds confidence though, losing has a a similar draining effect that can see a relatively solid senior side spiral towards the trapdoor.

Stopping that rot is essential in Cooraclare on Saturday as neither want to risk locking horns with Kilmihil for their mere survival.

2018 and ’19 champions St Joseph’s Miltown have the most scope for improvement as injuries to key players have dogged their campaign so far.

Cormac Murray should be back in the mix following a hamstring injury sustained a month ago and their chief marksman would be a huge boost to their cause as Doonbeg are not the most prolific scorers.

The Magpies will undoubtedly battle and throw everything at their opponents but having already edged this duel in two of the last three championships, Miltown will be gunning to complete a hat-trick and finally put this forgettable campaign behind them.
Verdict: St Joseph’s Miltown

Intermediate Football Championship Quarter-Finals
Wolfe Tones v Ennistymon
at Cusack Park Ennis, Saturday 4pm

Having already taken out the flagship sides of Kilfenora and Banner, newcomers Ennistymon have already overachieved by reaching the last eight in their new surroundings at intermediate level.
Led by the experience of Joe Dowling, their blend of youth and senior knowhow make them dangerous opponents.

However, being a revitalised Wolfe Tones, there will be no complacency as they have finally regained their thirst for success as evidenced on both football and hurling fronts.
Verdict: Wolfe Tones

Kildysart v Shannon Gaels
at Lissycasey, Saturday 4pm

An Estuary derby that the Gaels would have preferred to postpone until deeper into the business end but one which they must embraced wholeheartedly if they are to cause an upset.

Kildysart, despite the massive loss of key forward Diarmuid O’Donnell to injury, have set their sights on finally delivering on their long held promise that included a first ever Cusack Cup Final appearance this year.

However, the derby factor will ensure a keen focus on their neighbours and they should have the edge on balance to maintain their 2022 journey.
Verdict: Kildysart

Cooraclare v Naomh Eoin
at Shanahan McNamara Park Doonbeg, Sunday 1.30pm

Being 65 years since Cooraclare’s last intermediate triumph, it’s essentially uncharted waters for the newcomers but they have certainly negotiated their passage admirably so far to top their group and have slowly become accustomed to holding the favourite’s tag once more.

They will be expected to receive both barrels from fellow West Clare side Naomh Eoin who after lowering Coolmeen for the second successive season, will be eager to catch a much bigger fish on Sunday.
Verdict: Cooraclare

Kilrush Shamrocks v O’Curry’s
at Shanahan McNamara Park Doonbeg, Sunday 3.30pm

It’s eight years since these neighbours last clashed at championship level but their renewal of acquaintances along with being the headline act of a West Clare double header with Cooraclare and Naomh Eoin in Doonbeg on Sunday should only add to what is expected to be an unmissable tie.

Kilrush did see off a combination of O’Curry’s and Naomh Eoin on their return to senior in 2019 but injuries and transition have impacted since and therefore winning is no longer a foregone conclusion as O’Curry’s will feel they are ripe for a derby upset.
Verdict: O’Curry’s

Intermediate Relegation Play-Off
Coolmeen v Kilfenora at Gurteen, Sunday 12.30pm
It’s difficult to know what exactly has happened to Coolmeen and Kilfenora who both harboured hopes of competing at the business rather than the sharp end of the intermediate championship.

Coolmeen have demonstrated the slightly better form but Kilfenora have won the last two meetings and that Indian sign might just inspire them to new heights as they bid to avoid a last chance saloon showdown with fellow North Clare side Michael Cusack’s.
Verdict: Kilfenora

Junior A Football Championship Quarter-Finals
St Senan’s Kilkee v Éire Óg
at St Michael’s Park Kilmihil, Saturday 4pm

Already through to the last four of the Junior A hurling equivalent, Éire Óg’s current buoyancy at adult level should carry momentum.

However, being their first team, Kilkee’s need is greater as following a quarter-final exit last year and a semi-final in 2019, they will be determined to regain their intermediate status after a three-year absence.
Verdict: St Senan’s Kilkee

Liscannor v Lissycasey
at Páirc Finne Corofin, Saturday 5pm
Another side looking to reclaim their intermediate status as Liscannor seek to bounce back at the first attempt.

Lissycasey’s adult playing population should be mushrooming in numbers over the coming years in contrast to their North Clare rivals.

However, on this occasion, Liscannor’s experience might just give them the desired kick.
Verdict: Liscannor

Killimer v Clondegad
at St Michael’s Park Kilmihil, Sunday 12pm
Now that they’ve finally broken their Ballyvaughan hoodoo, the path to potential glory has become much clearer for Killimer.

Thanks to their underage amalgamation with Kilrush they should provide a strong bank of big game experience to be able to negotiate a tricky tie against Clondegad’s second string who have essentially nothing to lose.
Verdict: Killimer

Kilmurry Ibrickane v St Breckan’s
at Ennistymon, Sunday 2pm
An intriguing all-second team match-up that is difficult to call as two years on from their Junior B success, St Breckan’s have continued their upward development while Kilmurry Ibrickane do have plenty of business experience at this level including a semi-final finish in 2021 which could give them the edge.

Three points separated the sides last year in the ‘Bricks favour and they will be slight favourites to repeat that feat.
Verdict: Kilmurry Ibrickane