Minor C Camogie Championship Final Wolfe Tones 6-13 Parteen-Meelick 6-10 Wolfe Tones definitely earned their …
Read More »
The Clare ladies footballers make their bid to reach a first All Ireland Intermediate final since 2016 this weekend as they take on Meath in their last four tie in O'Moore Park Portlaoise.
Read More »
Derrick Lynch When Clare ladies football manager James Murrihy set out his stall for 2020, you can be certain that facing into the last week of November was not something he had budgeted for. The Kilmurry Ibrickane man is in his third year in the role having taken over from Neil Moynihan, who also led Clare to this stage of the championship in 2016. He admits it has been a season like no other, and has meant that everyone has had to adapt to a different way of working in all walks of life. He feels the innovations forced on people over the last few months have also led to unexpected opportunities of how to take things to the next level. “When we met in the Temple Gate on October 15 2019, little did we think that over 14 months later we would still be playing competitive football in the 2020 championship. Everything that has transpired over the last seven …
Read More »
Derrick Lynch One of the main driving forces in Clare’s run to the 2020 All Ireland Intermediate LGFA semi-finals has been Laura Egan. The Kilmihil woman, who also played a key role in her club’s 2019 senior breakthrough success, is a constant outlet in the middle third and will be central to Clare’s hopes of reaching another decider this weekend. Egan, who teaches in St Joseph’s Community College Kilkee, outlined that the squad are all working toward that common goal and is confident they are ready to take the opportunity presented to them. “We have been working extremely hard at training and there is a great panel of girls there who have all been pushing each other really hard to take things to that next level. Training has been really intense and I would be hopeful that it will carry through to Saturday’s game. For the year that is in it, we are just delighted to be training and playing …
Read More »
Derrick Lynch It has been an eventful 2020 for Orla Devitt, and the Eire Óg clubwoman is hoping to cap it off with an appearance in the All Ireland ladies intermediate football final. This year saw Devitt begin a new job working Revenue in Limerick, but little did she know that the outbreak of Covid-19 meant that the role would change almost immediately. The UCC graduate was redeployed within a week of starting in the role to help with Covid-19 contact tracing, and while there was some respite and a return to regular work as case numbers fell, the spike over recent months meant that the call came once more as the workload increased. “It was hectic during the summer when the case numbers spiked and there was a shortage of contact tracers so we were fairly busy, It is calming down a bit now and they have hired more people to work on it so the workload is getting …
Read More »
In the lead up to the Limerick game six weeks ago, I have to say my overriding feeling was more of trepidation than hope for the year ahead. I would not have thought I would be disappointed we did not make it to the last four, and massive credit must go to the players and management for this. The joy, distraction and entertainment they supplied was more than welcomed at a difficult time. We are extremely thankful as supporters to everybody who made this championship happen, and to be able to see Tony Kelly in full flow was an added bonus to the hurling folk throughout Ireland. The game last week had more of a lightweight flow to it with speed, agility, movement and transition from defence to attack at speed, all on show. This was in contrast to the heavyweight clash that preceded it, between Galway and Tipp. It is safe to say we are not at the level …
Read More »
Derrick Lynch As with most championship exits, the commentary in the wake of Clare’s defeat against Waterford last weekend has ranged from measured to mad. There are plenty points which will be a source of regret when the analysis of this game is carried out, but on a very basic level it was undoubtedly the number of unforced errors and concession of three preventable first half goals that ultimately led to Clare’s downfall. The injury sustained by Tony Kelly in the warm up which was aggravated even further inside the opening five minutes was also a huge factor, with the concession of that second goal while he was off the field receiving treatment being a real ‘salt in the wound’ moment in the game. As you would expect from the Ballyea man, he soldiered on to the bitter end but with his movements limited at corner forward, the spark that has lit the torchpaper over the last few games for …
Read More »
Derrick Lynch The shortlist of candidates to take over the reins as chairman of Clare GAA is down to three. It’s after Michael O’Connor confirmed that he is not standing in the race for the position, but will instead continue in his role as PRO for a fourth term. The Crusheen club chairman was among the four strong list of nominated candidates confirmed by the deadline, with PJ McGuane, Jack Chaplin and Robert Frost also in the running to succeed Joe Cooney, who has served the maximum five years in the position. Cooraclare’s McGuane and Cratloe’s Chaplin have confirmed they will be contesting the election, while O’Callaghan’s Mills clubman Frost told The Clare Champion that he will not be deciding if he is standing until the deadline this Friday. In a letter to clubs outlining his reasons for withdrawing from the race, O’Connor admitted to being “bowled over” by the “huge support” that had come his way over the last …
Read More »
All Ireland SHC Quarter Final: Waterford 3-27 Clare 3-18 Clare’s 2020 championship came to an end in Pairc ui Chaoimh as Waterford set up a final four showdown with Kilkenny next weekend. Clare battled throughout but the toils of an unbroken three week run were evident as Waterford finished stronger and were much sharper in possession. Waterford had the dream start to the game with former professional soccer player Dessie Hutchinson raiding for a brace of early goals. Both were by products of sloppy Clare defending, with the opener coming after Austin Glesson slipped inside the cover before drawing a solid save from Eibhear Qulligan. The rebound was swept home by Hutchinson, and he repeated the trick less than five minutes later as a long delivery found him in behind the cover once more and he fired a clinical effort to the net. Clare had responded well to the sucker punch opening with Tony Kelly, Shane O’Donnell and a brilliant …
Read More »
Derrick Lynch A second All Ireland hurling quarter-final in the last three seasons awaits Clare on Saturday afternoon as they make the trip to take on Waterford in Pairc ui Chaoimh. The Banner booked their spot in the last six with an impressive win over Wexford last weekend as Tony Kelly’s outstanding haul of 1-15 was instrumental in the victory. Having lost his place on the starting 15 for the opening qualifier win over Laois, Tubber’s Pat O’Connor put in a huge shift last weekend, including a brilliant point blank stop to deny Lee Chin a goal in the closing stages. He outlined that the squad know a huge chance awaits in Cork on Saturday. “It is great to be there and it is not every year you get to play in the quarter final of an All Ireland championship. We are down to the last six now and we are faced with a very good opportunity” he noted. Saturday’s …
Read More »
When I was brought onto the panel in 2007, we were in a bit of a transition period. Our biggest problem was lack of belief and confidence, due to the fact very few players on the panel had success at intercounty hurling, whether that be underage or senior. The U21 win in ‘09 was crucial to the success in 2013. I felt like we finally belonged and we had beaten our peers in crucial games en route. This brings me to our current crop, sometimes I wonder if they are capable of winning an All Ireland and then I remember the confidence and belief they have gained from their abundant success at underage. While we still have a long way to go and to improve to be at the top table, in once off knockout hurling, you always have a chance when you have belief and these lads have it in spades. The performance last Saturday was a joy to …
Read More »
Derrick Lynch As the euphoria in Tuam Stadium was dying down in the aftermath of Sunday’s win, Clare selector Ger Keane was heard to say “Right lads, are we back on Zoom so on Monday night?”. It summed up the manic nature of the 15 or so minute which had just unfolded with Clare’s championship future swaying in the wind before Laois eventually held off Kildare. The Kilkee native outlined that it was a surreal experience for all involved but felt that when reality hit, his side were deserving of their place in the last four. “It is unbelievable really to be honest. I am involved in football a long time but I was never involved in something so dramatic in waiting for the result to come in from the other game. We knew we just had to take care of our own business and after that it was out of our hands really. We built ourselves up for that …
Read More »
Derrick Lynch When delegates of Clare’s GAA clubs gather for the 2020 Convention on December 15, it will be like never before. The night of Convention for Clare GAA is normally one that marks another step closer to Christmas with the mixture of decorations and the social gathering creating that atmosphere of another year drawing to a close. This time, the decorations will still be there but they will be in the homes of those who dial in to join the Microsoft Teams meeting for what will be a unique and hopefully never to be repeated experience. The setting this year might be different but it should not detract from the job of work at hand. The reality is that while 2020 was a strange and challenging year for all concerned, there will be no magic reset button on December 31 to make 2021 any better. It will hopefully be the year of the vaccine, but the harsh reality is …
Read More »
Derrick Lynch Work rate was the main component identified by Brian Lohan as being key in seeing his side overcome Wexford to reach the All Ireland quarter-finals. A strong first half showing proved to be a chasm too deep for Wexford to bridge with the game put to bed by Tony Kelly’s 55th minute goal. Lohan was pleased with how Clare went out about their business and felt that some of the criticism aimed at the team after their one point win over Laois had been unjustified. “Very happy with that performance and how the guys worked all over the field. They were tough conditions and tough opponents who really put it up to us. It was in our lads, it was there, and there is spirit in the group. They were unlucky not to have a better result against Laois the last day and I thought we played well but unfortunately conceded a couple of goals. Laois are not a …
Read More »
Derrick Lynch Four candidates have been nominated to succeed Joe Cooney as chairman of Clare GAA. The O’Callaghans Mills clubman will see his five year tenure come to an end at this year’s Convention on December 15, which will be held virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions. Cooraclare’s PJ McGuane, who is the current vice-chairman of the board, is one of the nominees for the chief position, while former provincial and county chairman Robert Frost of O’Callaghan’s Mills is also in the running for another term in the role. Current PRO and Crusheen chairman Michael O’Connor has been nominated for chairman, with Jack Chaplin of Cratloe completing the four man shortlist. All candidates must declare prior to Convention as to whether they are contesting for their positions, with clubs then casting their votes and the results revealed on the evening of December 15. The position of vice-chairman is also up for grabs with the outgoing PJ McGuane having held the post …
Read More »
All Ireland winner with Limerick Shane Dowling has linked up with St Joseph’s Doora Barefield for the 2021 Clare IHC campaign. The Na Piarsigh clubman will coach the Parish along with being a selector alongside new manager Michael Guilfoyle, with the Feakle native taking over from club legend Seanie McMahon in that role. Vinny Sheedy will also form part of the backroom team. Dowling has always had a connection to the St Joseph’s club, and was a mascot with the team for the 2000 All Ireland Club hurling final. The 27-year-old announced his retirement from intercounty hurling with Limerick earlier this year after struggling to overcome a knee injury. He scored 21-292 in 59 league and championship games for his county, making him Limerick’s leading scorer of all time.
Read More »
Minor C Camogie Championship Final Wolfe Tones 6-13 Parteen-Meelick 6-10 Wolfe Tones definitely earned their Minor C Camogie Championship breakthrough, having been tested to their optimum by a never-say-die Parteen-Meelick in what was a truly memorable decider in Fr. McNamara on Wednesday evening, Sharing twelve goals equally, supporters were not only afraid to take their eyes off it but even fearful of blinking in case they missed a goal. It was a compelling end-to-end contest that proved a superb advertisement for Clare Camogie as the standard on offer far exceeded expectations as both sides left everything out on the field in pursuit of some much-needed silverware. And yet considering the final scoreline, it’s perhaps difficult to believe that there were no goals at all until additional time in the first half. Indeed, injury-time in general appeared to ignite something special in these sides as seven of the twelve goals were scored in those added minutes, five of which arrived amidst …
Read More »
Intermediate Hurling Championship Round 3, Group 1 Clarecastle v Smith O’Brien’s at Páirc Micheál Uí hEithir Cratloe, Saturday 5pm, (Andy McMahon, Cratloe) They’ve met regularly in the Clare Cup and even the Magpies’ second string have battled Smith O’Brien’s but at adult championship level, this appears to be the first time that their flagship sides have clashed. It would potentially have been a heavyweight showdown if the Killaloe-Bridgetown side were at their 2021 or ’22 levels while it will still be a battle, the loss of key players to emigration for Smith O’Brien’s should mean that Clarecastle possess the better balance to shade matters and top the group. Verdict: Clarecastle Ruan v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield at Crusheen, Saturday 5pm, (Jim Hickey, Cratloe) It’s only three years ago since St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield’s first team raided for five goals to floor Ruan in the intermediate semi-final. However, it’s a strong sign of the Parish that while their first team is now operating …
Read More »
On initial viewing, the race for the Fr. Murray Memorial Cup (intermediate camogie) appears fairly straight-forward. After all, with all three semi-finalists from 2023 (Tulla, Whitegate and Éire Óg) and senior demotee Clooney-Quin split evenly between the two groups, the business end overtly looks clear-cut. Clooney-Quin’s senior experience along with negotiating their way to intermediate glory as recently as 2021 makes them the stand-out candidates, with Tulla currently ranking a close second having contested back-to-back intermediate finals, three if you include the replay in 2022 against eventual champions Clarecastle/Ballyea. They won’t want to see another mid-Clare side join them in the second tier but for Tulla, it’s all about learning from their previous deciders and leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of reaching the promised land of senior. Whitegate were beaten finalists to Clooney-Quin in 2021 and actually meet them first this Thursday evening at 7pm, in what is potentially a Group A decider in Clooney and the same …
Read More »
Current kingpins Truagh-Clonlara and Scariff-Ogonnelloe may have switched roles last October after the latter’s two year reign but having clashed in the last three finals, they will be overwhelming favourites to do so once more come October 19th. It’s up to the chasing pack to alter that perceived narrative as with only the finalists seeded for this year’s race for the McMahon Cup, the groups initially appear a bit lopsided. After all, with three of last year’s semi-finalists (Scariff-Ogonnelloe, Inagh-Kilnamona and Feakle-Killanena) pooled in Group B, the fact that there are two business end berths means that one major contender has to fall at the group stages. Scariff-Ogonnelloe’s vast experience of three titles in the last five seasons makes them the forerunners to maintain their perfect group record as since bounding back to senior level in 2017, they have progressed to the penultimate stage at a minimum. That’s a seven year record that no other senior side in the county …
Read More »
St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 6-10 Kilmurry Ibrickane 2-13 Senior Ladies’ Football Championship Group A Round 1 It took free kicks to finally separate these sides in the Division 1 League decider but this time it was six timely goals that ensured revenge for St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield but also a major opening boost to what is unquestionably the group of death in this year’s senior ladies football championship in Gurteen on Sunday afternoon. Such a heartbreaking means of losing a final seemed to be channelled into Sunday’s display for the Parish who were never behind at any stage despite facing into the strong conditions in the opening period. Decisive first half goals through Roisin Fowley, Lyndsay Clarke and Aoibhinn McMahon kept wind-assisted Kilmurry Ibrickane at arm’s length in the opening period, with Chloe Moloney inevitably leading the charge with seven points in what was a compelling tussle with fellow county senior Siofra Ní Chonaill at 3-5 to 0-9 by the break The …
Read More »
When Limerick referee Johnny Murphy blew his full time whistle at the end of what was arguably the greatest All-Ireland final of all time there was naturally a huge outpouring of emotion the length and breath of this beautiful County. For the people, especially the hurling fraternity, in places like Ennistymon, Clonbony and Kilkee there was also an overwhelming sense of pride as Miltown’s Conor Cleary and Ennistymon’s Cathal Malone walked the steps of the Hogan Stand. Heroes forever more to every Clare person, be they man woman or child, these two great warriors are now the proud owners of a coveted Celtic Cross medal and their achievements will no doubt inspire a whole new generation of children to pick up a hurley and dream of following in their footsteps. Sport has always been part of the DNA of the Banner and hurling has always had a massive following all over the County. In recent weeks the John Hynes Memorial …
Read More »
The resilience shown by Clare hurlers Ryan Taylor and Tony Kelly to battle back from serious injuries has been lauded by team physiotherapist for the last three years, Shane Malone. While Shane has attended All-Ireland homecomings in his native Kerry following All-Ireland successes, he described last week’s welcome for the Liam McCarthy Cup in Clare as “incredible”. He will never forget the hundreds of Clare hurling supporters who lined the streets and rural roads to welcome the team home, which was a real “eye opener”. “The enthusiasm and love for Brian Lohan and the team is quite different from my previous experiences. I was very impressed by the volume of support out there for the Clare team. It shows the high esteem they are held within the county. “The response from Clare fans all year has been unbelievable. There is a great connection between Brian Lohan and the county and people respond when they like what they see. “The way …
Read More »
The relief; the jubilation on the field when it was all over; the calm and satisfaction afterwards as Clare left Croke Park secure in the knowledge that they’d be back in a few weeks time. These were the winning moods and personas displayed among the players as they went on their way after the glass ceiling of this All-Ireland semi-final stage had finally been cracked. A first All-Ireland semi-final win over Kilkenny since 1997 and only a second championship win over Kilkenny ever; a day of atonement for the most recent semi-final defeats against Kilkenny; an All-Ireland final day out to look forward to on July 21. “It’s a special feeling for sure,” said Diarmuid Ryan. “A special day and a special win but we’re going to knuckle down for two weeks and the All-Ireland final.” As he spoke the reset had already taken place – the hoopla had died down, with Ryan and the rest of the players being …
Read More »
It’s a measure of the standards that Tony Kelly has set in his 13 years as a senior inter-county hurler and of his star quality that despite being subdued for the first 45 minutes of the All-Ireland semi-final that he still ended up as one of the game’s most influential players. Doing the maths tells this story – no Clare player ended up with more than him from play as he top-scored jointly with David Reidy who had a huge game in the 61 minutes of game time that he got. And for the Ballyea colossus, who has slipped into the veteran classes almost unnoticed, his three-point burst down the long home straight of this All-Ireland was a crucial part of the power-play that ultimately swamped Kilkenny and left them shellshocked at the end. And you could say that this comeback was really kickstarted by Kelly, with his opening point being the first response to the Billy Ryan goal, which …
Read More »
Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-19 Inagh-Kilnamona 1-11 The victor wasn’t a surprise but the manner of Newmarket-on-Fergus’ 26th Clare Cup title certainly proved to be as the roll of honour leaders had a rather bloodless final triumph in Clarecastle on Friday evening. Bridging a six year gap to their last Clare Cup crown, it was an utterly commanding display when first responding to the hammerblow of an early goaled Inagh-Kilnamona penalty to outscore them by 1-7 to 0-1 in the second quarter and carve out a match-winning 1-11 to 1-04 interval cushion. Indeed, it wouldn’t have flattered the Blues had the half-time chasm been doubled as amidst their second quarter siege, James Carrig’s side passed up four glorious goal chances in as many minutes just before the recess. Niall O’Connor was outstanding at the back, Peter Power was equally influential at the other end while Stephen Casey was also hugely effectual when switched to shadow Inagh-Kilnamona’s talisman Fred Hegarty. This was an impressive …
Read More »
St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 2-14 O’Callaghan’s Mills 0-17 It really doesn’t matter if you lead early in a match or are chasing the game for lengthy spells but what does matter though is who is ahead when it counts the most and that’s at the final whistle. On Sunday morning out in Tulla the men from the Parish epitomised resilience and got their just rewards for never surrendering when grabbing the lead for the only time in the sixtieth minute to practically steal a cracking league final that was played in a hugely sporting manner. It was two second strings but nobody who was in Dr.Daly Park would have guessed that as these two played out a superbly contested battle that ebbed and flowed throughout with the result in doubt right up until referee Pat Healy’s full time whistle. Level on six occasions it took a late late Conor Kearns goal to decide the destination of league honours. One could only …
Read More »
Éire Óg 3-20 Sixmilebridge 2-14 There’s always a certain level of respect between clubs but sometimes there’s also a level of contempt that is evident for all to see. On Sunday evening this Division 2 final was practically over by the end of the opening quarter. The townies who would have genuine Canon Hamilton ambitions were going through the motions and without much exertion had eased to an eight point lead. Fast forward to the final minutes and after battling throughout the Bridge’s second team who will compete in the Intermediate Championship to their credit only trailed by nine. Gerry O’Connor’s charges are in complete and utter control with several tap over point opportunities but rather than take them they continually try to engineer another green flag to inflict more pain on their opponents. I suppose a series of high profile clashes between the clubs in recent years will have that effect and they did eventually get their third major in …
Read More »
The distinctive stench of turpentine has permeated around the county in the last two weeks as slates have been cleaned and canvases blanked ahead of Clare’s senior hurling championship resumption in Thurles this Saturday. Following the heartbreak of a third consecutive Munster Final reverse to trophy hoovers Limerick at the same venue last time out, picking up the pieces has never been more important as they look to regather self-belief, confidence and momentum once more in the All-Ireland series. While earning the unwanted record of being only the second team ever to lose three Munster deciders to the same opposition was harrowing enough, the despondency surrounding the below-par performance made it arguably the most disappointing of all three provincial final clashes. After all, Brian Lohan’s side had exceeded all expectations to push Limerick all the way to extra-time in a Munster Final for the ages in 2022 while the Banner subsequently almost took down the champions in their own home …
Read More »
Adult Football League Semi-Finals (Winner on the day) Cusack Cup Semi-Final Lissycasey v St Joseph’s Miltown at Lissycasey, Friday 7.30pm (Jim Hickey, Cratloe) Considering the seesaw form of these sides in recent seasons, it’s hard to believe that only three years ago, Miltown were Cusack Cup and Lissycasey were Garry Cup champions. All because both have been in the second tier since and are now vying for a pre-championship boost of attempting to dethrone holders Ennistymon in the final. Lissycasey were subsequently beaten finalists to Corofin in 2022, the same season that Miltown dropped to the second tier. However, having secured a first Garry Cup crown in 18 years twelve months ago, it would be a major jolt to qualify for the Cusack Cup decider once more. Meanwhile it’s 17 years since Lissycasey last contested and won their sole Cusack Cup title, a major carrot in itself this Friday evening as they look to make home advantage count. The sides …
Read More »
Under 18A Hurling League Final Ballyea 1-20 Sixmilebridge 1-11 A devastating finish saw Ballyea complete a remarkable 13 point second half turnaround to snatch their first ever Under 18A League title on the away soil of O’Garney Park in Sixmilebridge on Wednesday evening. Having led for the previous 30 minutes, the ‘Bridge seemed set for victory themselves when accentuating their 0-8 to 0-7 half-time edge with a goal after only 25 seconds of the restart as good play from Stephen Gavin was finished to the bottom right corner by Donal O’Leary. However, it was if subconsciously the home side assumed that the job was done as they would be sorely second best for the remainder as the defiant visitors outscored them by 1-13 to 0-03 in the final 30 minutes. Eoin Kennedy found his range from frees while the talismanic Eoin O’Connor provided the real spark to ignite Ballyea’s challenge when fielding a Dillon Killoughery delivery to cut in from …
Read More »
Volleyball is one of the most popular sports there is with over 900 million fans worldwide. That fanbase is growing all the time and the sport consistently ranks in the top five of the most watched global sports. At the end of the month Ireland will head to San Marino for the CEV SCA (European Volleyball Small Countries Association) Championship where they will face Scotland, Malta, Northern Ireland and hosts San Marino in the group stages. The Banner County have had huge success in the sport with the Senior and Junior All Ireland titles residing in the county courtesy of the Coláiste Muire and the Munster Thunder clubs. The strength of the sport in Clare can be highlighted by the fact that four Banner players will represent Ireland in the tournament. Amy O’Sullivan, Catriona Ní Riordan, TJ Sweeney and Maria Jones will all proudly don the green jersey in Serraville from May 30th to June 2nd. Three of the girls …
Read More »
The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes