The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
ENNISTYMON CBS are just one win away from completing an historic double this weekend, writes Ivan Smyth
The north Clare school face Tipperary’s Presentation Ballingarry in the Munster Post Primary Schools C final at UL’s north campus this Saturday (throw in 12.30pm).
Last weekend, the Ennistymon school comfortably accounted for Dungarvan CBS in the Munster Post Primary Schools C football final.
This Saturday they play in the hurling equivalent as they try to lift the Corn Risteard Uí Mhathúna.
Manager Jason Daffy is proud to see the school compete on both fronts as he believes his charges are ready to produce a big performance against a Presentation Ballingarry side that will prove stiff opposition this Saturday.
“It is a huge achievement for the school to get to both finals. Now we have won one so we would love to win this too. I’ve been part of the groups that have won 15s and 16 and a half at the D grade. It’s a fair achievement for us to get to both finals as we wouldn’t have massive numbers.”
Tara Rynne (Inagh-Kilnamona) is part of the management team as she took charge of the footballers last weekend.
Clare GAA’s Games Development Administrator Micheál Duffy (Kilfenora) and Michael Clohessy (St. Joseph’s Doora-Barefield) have also played their part in helping this group reach this stage of the competition.
With St. Joseph’s Tulla claiming an unforgettable Harty Cup triumph two weeks ago and St. Flannan’s lifting the Dean Ryan Cup, an Ennistymon CBS side captained by Niall Mullins (Inagh-Kilnamona) are just 60 minutes away from securing further silverware for Clare hurling.
“It would be massive for Clare hurling to build on the success we’ve already seen. Tulla started down in ‘C’ and although Harty isn’t a goal right now, it’s nice to be winning competitions. We are lucky to have an exceptional bunch of players.”
Daffy admits the quick turnaround from their provincial success in the big ball code last weekend presents its own challenges. He also argues that the short build up can lead to less nerves on game day.
“We have 20 players overlapping between both panels. The turnaround is quick and we’re out now for the fourth weekend in a row so it’s not easy.
“It does suit us in a way though because we are on a roll at the minute so we hope we can continue where we left off last weekend.”
With the mock exams well underway within the school, most of Ennistymon CBS starters this Saturday will have little time to over analyse this weekend’s game.
“They (the mock exams) started last Thursday so they had two exams before last Saturday. I feel we manage the situation well.
“We train Tuesdays and Thursdays while the lads know they have to study hard too. When it’s a football week that’s what we focus on and if it’s hurling then that’s what we do for that week.”
“Playing hurling or football helps break up the week for them. We also find that with the exams now on, it takes the worry off for games at the weekend.”
Munster Post Primary Schools C Hurling Final
Ennistymon CBS v
Presentation Ballingarry
(Tipperary)
4G pitch UL North Campus Saturday at 12.30pm
