Sixmilebridge secure final spot

Champions in 2013, Sixmilebridge are back in the Clare senior hurling championship final thanks to an eight point win over Crusheen at rain lashed Cusack Park on Sunday.

A strong opening half at the end of which they led by ten points set the tone and left Crusheen with a mountain to climb, something they came close to achieving in the second period.

The winners had a dream start with Jamie Shanahan scoring the game’s opening goal inside the first minute. Crusheen were clearly rattled and they played second fiddle to the winners throughout the opening period..

A goal from Conor O’Donnell in the final minute of the opening half followed by another from Fergus Kennedy in the opening minute of the second half, led to a very exciting second period . Scores came hot and heavy and as the game entered the final quarter the margin was down to two points.

An excellent Shane Golden goal settled the nerves amongst Sixmilebridge followers and while Crusheen battled to the end, the winners sealed a merited victory when firing over the final three points.

They will have to wait a little longer before learning who will provide the opposition in the final following Saturday’s draw between Clonlara and Kilmaley. A date for this replay will be decided at a meeting of the CCC on this Monday evening.

Meanwhile, Kilmaley are celebrating a second successive under 16 A title win. At Clarecastle at noon on Sunday they recorded a one point win, 1-11 to 1-10, over their neighbours Inagh-Kilnamona.

Tubber, Broadford and Feakle booked places in the semi-finals of the junior B hurling championship when they defeated Scariff, Tulla and Newmarket respectively

By Seamus Hayes