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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

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Pointless Clare facing relegation play off

By Seamus Hayes Tipperary 2-19 Clare 0-20 Despite showing improved form on their previous league outings, Clare suffered their third defeat in succession when going under to Tipperary at Cusack Park in round 3 of the Allianz hurling league on Sunday afternoon. Goals in the 43rd and 66th minutes proved crucial in a tie played before 7,363 patrons. Tipperary showed the greater sharpness on the day and this was a crucial factor on the day. The visitors started brightly and led 0-4 to 0-1 after twelve minutes. With centre back Conor Ryan in excellent form Clare hit the next four points to lead by one, 0-5 to 0-4, after twenty minutes. The home side failed to build on this, however and the premier outfit fought back and led by four, 0-13 to 0-9, when the half time whistle sounded. Clare returned with Aaron Cunningham in at wing forward in place of Shane Golden but Tipperary hit the first two points …

Five changes on hurling team for clash with Tipperary

By Seamus Hayes There are five changes in personnell and a number of positional changes to the Clare team for this weeks clash with Tipperary from that which lost to Cork in Pairc Ui Rinn two weeks ago. David McInerney, Tony Kelly, Conor McGrath, Paul Flanagan and Shane Golden come into the starting line up in place of Domhnaill O’Donovan, Jack Browne, Conor Cleary, David Reidy and Bobby Duggan. The positional switches see Brendan Bugler revert to wing back and Pat Donnellan revert to midfield after playing the opening two games further afield McInerney and Kelly return after injury while McGrath, a second half substitute in both of Clare’s openin games, will have his first start of the season. Its a must win game for Clare if they are to have a chance of avoiding being involved in the relegation play offs. the team is; Pa Kelly; Paul Flanagan, David McInerney, Cian Dillon; Brendan Bugler, Conor Ryan, Pat O’Connor; Pat …

Tipperary 2-11 Clare 1-8 CLARE’S chances of involving themselves in the contest for promotion to division 2 suffered a big setback in Thurles on Saturday afternoon when they fell to Tipperary, who now join Clare on four points from four games. Once Tipperary scored their first half goal Clare never looked likely to push the county county and the nearest they came to them was four points, six minutes from full-time. In a display which had echoes of their first half performance against Sligo, Clare simply gave the ball away too often when they went into contact. Tipperary were also more adept at funelling back and then breaking forward at pace. Tipperary led 1-5 to 0-4 at half time with Conor Sweeney netting in the 11th minute. Liam Casey delivered a long ball, which Sweeney flicked to the net as he was challenged by Gordon Kelly. Michael Quinlivan, who went off with a hamstring injury in the opening half and …

SINCE establishing himself as a member of the Clare senior football panel in 2014, Ciarán Russell has nailed down a regular starting spot at wing-back. The Éire Óg man has emerged as a key figure, alongside Gordon Kelly and Jamie Malone, in the Clare half-back line. That was exemplified when he was black-carded in the early minutes of the second half against Louth in Drogheda. While Russell’s absence wasn’t the sole reason Clare were beaten, they badly missed his athleticism, tackling and legitimate aggression in that sector. And yes, he’s well able to play football on top of all that. A bit like he plays, when Russell spoke after Clare’s six-point win over Sligo, he wasn’t about to talk up their performance. “I think we started slowly. I don’t know what happened to us in the first 10 minutes. We found ourselves five points down but we kicked on, rattled off a few scores and got back into it just …

CLARE won’t name the starting line-up for Sunday’s crucial hurling league clash with Tipperary until nearer match time but it’s expected that Tony Kelly, David McInerney and Conor McGrath will all make their first competitive starts of the season. The inclusion of all three will strengthen Clare’s chances of getting their first win of the campaign. It’s also likely that experienced Brendan Bugler and Pat Donnellan will revert to defensive duties for this one, after spells at midfield and wing-forward respectively. Indeed, there is speculation that Clare might revert to using a sweeper, with Donnellan filling the role that he did with great success during the 2013 championship campaign. Ahead of this week’s eagerly-awaited tie, there is a doubt about the fitness of Colin Ryan. The Newmarket man picked up a leg injury in the Cork match and didn’t train last week. A final decision on his fitness will be made nearer match time. McInerney is likely to be named …

(Peter O’Connell) Clare 0-22 Sligo 1-13 TRAILING by 0-5 to 0-0 after 14 minutes and 0-10 to 0-4 down eight minutes before half-time, Clare staged an excellent recovery in winning their second game of the division 3 NFL. Now on two points from three games, Clare play Tipperary on Saturday in Thurles in round four. Sligo meanwhile are now bottom of division 3, not having picked up a point yet. [doptg id=”48″]Scoring ten evenly split points from play between them, Pat Burke and Shane McGrath put over an array of superb points for Clare, while Shane Hickey also pointed three from play. Clare only got going late in the first half when, backed by a strong breeze, Sligo were six points ahead. However come the interval the Yeats County team were just 0-11 to 0-9 ahead. Adrian Marren and David Kelly were exceptionally dangerous for Sligo for much of that opening half. Clare didn’t match Sligo’s zest for most of …

AS Clare prepare for their third league game of 2015 in Cusack Park on Sunday, they do so in the knowledge that if they are to avoid fighting relegation, this is a must win game. Sligo are in even more dire need of the points following defeats to Limerick and Fermanagh. In losing to Louth, Clare simply spilled possession much too often. Although they played decent football in the opening half, once Louth gained in confidence and stepped it up, Clare were left floundering. Losing Ciaran Russell to a black card and Cathal O’Connor to injury, adversely affected Clare. They had to move Shane McGrath to midfield and Shane Hickey to wing back, which resulted in their attack becoming unbalanced while they couldn’t win sufficient primary ball in the middle of the field. Not scoring in the last 27 minutes is a reflection of Clare’s second half display which if replicated this weekend, will lead to certain defeat. Clare must …

By Seamus Hayes There are two changes in personnell to the Clare senior football team for Sunday’s clash with Sligo from the side which lost to Louth in Drogheda two weeks ago. Kevin Hartnett, selected to play at full back in the opening tie against Wexford but who was forced to withdraw after picking up an ankle injury in the warm up before that tie, has recovered and he returns at full back to the exclusion of Stephen Collins. Podge Collins also missed the Wexford game due to injury but he was introduced against Louth and he will start on Sunday. He replaces David Tubridy who suffered an injury in training this week. The team is; Joe Hayes; Martin McMahon, Kevin Hartnett, Dean Ryan; Jamie Malone, Gordon Kelly, Ciaran Russell; Gary Brennan (capt) Cathal O’Connor; Sean Collins, Shane Hickey, Shane McGrath; Podge Collins, Shane Brennan, Pat Burke

By Seamus Hayes St Flannan’s 2-4 Presentation, Kilkenny 1-5 There were a number of outstanding individual displays in an all round impressive team performance as St Flannan’s qualified for a first ever All-Ireland senior camogie final appearance when overcoming Presentation from Kilkenny at Clarecastle on Thursday afternoon. In the final they will play Seamount, Kinvara or Magherafelt from Derry, who replay their semi-final this weekend. [doptg id=”47″]In Thursday’s replay, the Ennis school laid the foundations for the victory with a superb defensive display. Aoife Keane was outstanding at centre-back, while the full-back trio of Aleisha Malone, Emma O’Connell and Carol Browne also excelled. The decision to deploy corner-forward Laoise Ryan in a sweeper role was also a key factor for the Ennis team. Elsewhere, Sinead Quinn and Aoibheann Malone excelled and caused huge problems for the visitors. In very cold conditions, a swirling wind made matters more difficult for the players and it was clear from an early stage that …

Relegation looms after defeat in Cork

By Seamus Hayes Cork 1-24 Clare 0-17 When Clare raced into a three point lead after just six minutes, a margin they still held after twenty minutes, a first win in this season’s league looked likely at Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday evening. However, from here on Cork dictated matters and they held a one goal advantage when the half time whistle sounded. A storming third quarter in which they outscored Clare, 0-7 to 0-2, killed off any hopes of a Clare win and the Banner men now find themselves at the bottom of the division 1 A table with relegation worries on their minds. With Conor Cleary at centre back flanked by Patrick O’Connor and Conor Ryan, the visitors started well and after Cork had opened the scoring through Patrick Horgan, Clare hit four in a row through Colin Ryan (2) Bobby Duggan and John Conlon. Cork fought back to level at 0-5 each after eleven minutes but Clare …

Clare unchanged for trip to Cork

By Seamus Hayes The Clare senior hurling management team has named the same fifteen as started last week against Galway for this Saturday evening’s round 2 Allianz league date with Cork at Pairc Ui Rinn. There is one personnel change, however, with Colm Galvin moved to midfield in a switch with Colin Ryan. Despite his impressive showing when introduced early in the second half in Galway, Cratloe’s Conor McGrath is again named amongst the substitutes David McInerney and Tony Kelly will again be absent due to hamstring injuries which also caused them to miss out on U.L.’s midweek Fitzgibbon cup quarter final win over UCD. Davy Fitzgerald and his selectors continue with the experiment of playing 2013 All-Ireland winning captain Pat Donnellan at wing forward and All star Brendan Bugler at midfield. Both were key members of the defence when Clare beat Cork in that thrilling All-Ireland final which went to a replay. Both Clare and Cork lost their opening ties …

CLARE and Cork go into their Round 2 league clash in Páirc Uí Rinn on this Saturday evening (7pm throw-in) in the knowledge that defeat for either will leave them rooted to the bottom of the Division 1 table and facing relegation. They last played in the league two years ago at the Cork venue and, on that occasion, Clare turned in a powerful second half to record a 1-22 to 1-16 victory. The Leesiders led by five points at half-time in that game and could have been further in front at that stage. The Banner side had 10 wides in the first half. Goalkeeper, Patrick Kelly was one of the heroes on that occasion Clare’s half-backs had struggled in the opening half but, after the break, Brendan Bugler, Patrick O’Connor and Pat Donnellan were superb. The dominance of this trio, allied to excellent play from Conor Ryan at midfield, John Conlon in the half-forward line, and the continued brilliance …

Rugby star, Peter O’Mahony has signed a three year contract with the IRFU which will see him remain at Munster until at least June 2018. The dynamic back row made his senior debut for Munster against Ulster in January 2010 and has since made 68 appearances for Munster scoring 10 tries. Peter made his Ireland debut in the 42 – 10 win over Italy in February 2012. The 25 year old has won 27 caps for his country and his most recent appearence in the green jersesy was in the 18 – 11 victory over France in the RBS 6 Nations Championship. Peter is the current Munster captain and captained his country during the 2013 Summer Tour of North America. IRFU performance director, David Nucifora, said, “Peter’s performances for Ireland over the past few seasons have been exceptional. The esteem in which he is held by Irish rugby is reflected in the fact that at the age of just 25 …

An injury to his left foot during a training session in July 2013 has finally caught up with Munster’s Damien Varley. The 31-year-old hooker has three caps for Ireland and made 121 appearances for the province, scoring 12 tries. Damien, who lives near Killaloe, has only made one substitute appearance for the province this season in the victory over Leinster in October. He underwent surgery three months ago on the injury but has decided to retire after exhausting all possible avenues to a return. He played club rugby with Garryowen before joining the Munster set-up. He joined London Wasps in 2008 but returned to Munster the following year and shared in some of the provinces greatest moments. He started in Munster’s historic win over Australia in Thomond Park in November 2010 and was the starting hooker in the province’s Magners League winning Grand Final against Leinster in May 2011. Varley first represented Ireland against Australia in June 2010, and his …

There are no shortage of talking points following the draw for the 2015 Clare senior and intermediate hurling and football championships, which took place on Monday evening at Treacy’s West County Hotel. Senior champions, Cratloe will open their hurling title defence against Ballyea, while their opponents in the first round of the football championship will be Kilmurry-Ibrickane. The hurling championship (senior and intermediate) has a new format this year and will be run similar to the senior football competition. Sixteen teams will play eight first round games, after which the eight winners will be drawn against each other with the eight losers drawn against each other. At the end of last season, five senior clubs lost their status and were relegated to intermediate. Two of these, St Joseph’s and Wolfe Tones, will face each other in the first round of this season’s intermediate race The senior hurling champions from 2013, Sixmilebridge face Éire Óg in the opening round, as they seek to …

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Banner brilliance dominates hurling All-Star nominations

Clare’s epic 2024 season that saw them capture the Liam MacCarthy Cup for the first time since 2013 and the Allianz League title for the first time since 2016 sees them deservingly dominate the list of PwC Hurling All-Stars nominees announced this morning. The Banner braves are the standout contingent in the list of 45 names and have 14 players nominated across all areas of the field. In addition, star forward Shane O’Donnell is nominated for PwC GAA/GPA Hurler of the Year where he is joined by Cork’s midfield dynamo Darragh Fitzgibbon and Limerick’s defensive rock Kyle Hayes. The PwC GAA/GPA Young Hurler of the Year nominees are Clare’s Adam Hogan, Cork’s Eoin Downey and Limerick’s Cathal O’Neill. There are eight counties represented in total. The breakdown is Clare 14, Cork 10, Limerick nine, Kilkenny four, with Waterford, Wexford, Dublin and Antrim having two representatives each. Goalkeepers: Patrick Collins (Cork), Nickie Quaid (Limerick) and Eibhear Quilligan (Clare). Defenders: Adam Hogan …
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Tones just shade 12 goal thriller
Can the real Inagh-Kilnamona please stand up?
Group of Death comes alive
Intermediate predictability dashed by compelling Group 4

Intermediate predictability dashed by compelling Group 4

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 …

Clooney or not Clooney, that is the question

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 …

Clare camogie power base is still in the East

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 …

Doora/Barefield hit the ’Bricks for six

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 …

‘There was hurling in Clonbony before there was hurling in Sixmilebridge’

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 …

The rocky road to recovery

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 …

‘A special day and a special win’ – Diarmuid Ryan

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 …

‘We grabbed it with both hands’ – Tony Kelly

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 …

Dominant display drives Blues to record 26th Clare Cup title

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 …

Kearns’ golden goal secures Division 3 Hurling League title for the Parish

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 …

Éire Óg go to town on the ’Bridge

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 …

Clare set for Wexican stand-off

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 …

Promotion the main prize for semi-final winners

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 …

Ballyea in a league of their Eoin after powerful finish

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 …

900 million fans shows the popularity of volleyball

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 …

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