Kilmaley crowned Féile champions

Kilmaley 3-7   Clarecastle 1-5

A LIVELIER and better-balanced Kilmaley side captured the Clare Féile na nGael hurling title at Cusack Park on Friday evening when they accounted for Clarecastle.
The win was Kilmaley’s second in this competition in three years, while the final marked Clarecastle’s second successive runners-up award, having lost to Wolfe Tones in last year’s final.
Kilmaley looked the better side from the outset but they struggled to translate this onto the scoreboard and found themselves behind at the end of the opening quarter following a David Barry goal for the Magpies.
Early points from Sean O’Loughlin (free) and Cathal Darcy saw the winners hit the front and they would have extended this lead but for two excellent saves from Clarecastle goalie, Jack Hayes.
The game was 12 minutes old before Clarecastle had their first score, a point from Owen O’Hara and this was quickly followed by a David Barry goal.
Kilmaley, to their credit, didn’t panic and four minutes later, the impressive Aidan Kennedy had them back in front when he struck the first of his two goals. Clarecastle, with Adam Cassidy doing well at midfield, were enjoying their best spell at this stage and points from O’Hara (free) and Jack Murphy had them back in front as half-time approached.
The final score of the half, however, fell to the winners and it proved to be a crucial score. The game was in the second minute of injury time when full-forward Kennedy got the final touch for his and Kilmaley’s second goal which left them in front, 2-2 to 1-3 at the break.
Clarecastle returned with Colin Brigdale in their attack and within four minutes of the resumption, they introduced Killian McDermott but it was Kilmaley who dictated matters in the second period.
Aidan Kennedy pointed in the ninth minute and two minutes later, they had their third goal with corner-forward Tom O’Rourke getting the vital touch. Kilmaley’s confidence was growing and they hit some excellent points from Aidan O’Brien, Sean O’Loughlin, Cathal Darcy and Kennedy to seal a fully merited win.
Team captain Rafe Queally, Sean Kennedy, the lively Cathal Darcy, Sean O’Loughlin and Aidan Kennedy were particularly impressive for the winners.
Clarecastle’s best were Jack Hayes, Stephen Barry, Marc McAuliffe and, particularly, Adam Cassidy.
After the game, Bord na nÓg chairman Martin Reynolds presented the trophy to the winning captain Rafe Queally.

Kilmaley: Ronan Callinan; Sean Crowley, Rafe Queally (captain), Tommy Barry; Senan Killeen, Sean Kennedy, Aidan Griffey; Cathal Darcy, Sean O’Loughlin; Eanna McMahon, Aaron Slattery, Aidan O’Brien; Tom O’Rourke, Aidan Kennedy, Gary McMahon.
Sub: Conor Talty for Slattery.
Scorers: Aidan Kennedy (2-2); Tom O’Rourke (1-0), Cathal Darcy, Sean O’Loughlin (0-2 each),  Aidan O’Brien (0-1).

Clarecastle: Jack Hayes; Marc McAuliffe, Mark McCabe, Kevin Hartigan; Lee Brack, Hayden Starr, Cian Donnelly; Adam Cassidy, Ronan Garvey; Oisin McCarthy, Stephen Barry (captain), Jack Murphy; David Barry, Owen O’Hara, Sean Egan.
Subs: Colin Brigdale for Egan (half-time); Killian McDermott for McCarthy (34 minutes), Brandon Greene for O’Hara (55 minutes), Mark O’Loughlin for D Barry (57 minutes); Stephen Kelleher for Garvey (59 minutes).
Scorers: David Barry (1-0), Owen O’Hara, Jack Murphy (0-2 each); Colin Brigdale (0-1).

Referee: Rory Hickey, Éire Óg.