Miltown’s challenge fades after bright start

By Seamus Hayes

Clyda Rovers, Cork 0-10 Miltown St.Josephs 0-7

An impressive start at the Gaelic grounds in Limerick on Saturday suggested that Miltown’s dream of becoming the first Clare club won win the Munster intermediate football championship title might be realised.

However, after landing four points in the first six minutes, they didn’t score again in the half and, in fact, had to wait until the twelfth minute of the second half, all of thirty six minutes for their next score. In between the Cork champions had kicked eight points, six of which came in the first half at the end of which they were 0-6 to 0-4 in front.

The greater experienced, patience and superior physical strength of the men from Mourne Abbey near Mallow proved too much for the Clare champions and there is no disputing their victory on a day when one of their best performers was recently appointed Clare senior coach, Paudie Kissane.

Things looked good for the Clare men in the opening minutes as they took the game to the favourites. Points from Conor Cleary in the first and sixth minutes, Eoin Curtin and Eoin Cleary gave hope of a great day for Clare football.

However, they failed to maintain this and by the 22nd minute the sides were level after James Murphy (2 frees, 1 45 and one from play) had kicked all four for the new Munster champions. They added two more before the break and had the first two of the second half to leave Miltown with a major task on their hands.

Meanwhile, on the home front, St. Josephs collected the senior B football title with a one goal win, 2-10 to 1-10 win over O’Curry’s at Cooraclare.

Killimer were crowned under 21 C champions with a runaway win over Banner (4-17 to 0-5) at Coolmeen.

In hurling, Newmarket retained the Clare Champion cup (senior hurling league) with a 2-20 to 0-16 win over Inagh-Kilnamona, confirming their superiority over the mid Clare  side whom they beat in the final in 2011 and also in the championship quarter final earlier this year.