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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

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Olympics gain could be Clare ladies’ loss

Women’s Gaelic Players’ Association (WGPA) executive committee member, Deirdre Murphy, who has played adult camogie for Clare since 1997, has contrasted the way three possible Olympians are treated in their rugby and hockey camps, to their ladies football and camogie experiences. Naomi Carroll is an international hockey player, while Susan Vaughan and Eimear Considine could be part of the Irish Rugby 7s squad at the 2016 Rio Olympics. “If you take Clare, in particular, you have Eimear Considine, Susan Vaughan and Naomi Carroll, who have a realistic chance to take part in the Olympics in rugby and hockey. They are experiencing what all Clare camogie players want to experience with regard to the level of professionalism, the level of care and training,” Murphy said. She says Clare camogie players and footballers would love to train in that type of professional environment. “Look at Máire McGrath, who is just as talented but her experience at inter-county camogie doesn’t compare to what …

Broad approval for GAA season changes

There has been mixed reaction to the report from the GAA Central Council working group, which proposes the completion of all fixtures in a calendar year. If approved, this will operate from 2016. The report argues that the recommendations will enable counties and provinces to complete their competitions in sufficient time for the All-Ireland Club Championships in junior, intermediate and senior by December. The main recommendations in the report are: – The All-Ireland Club Championship finals, at all grades, be played over a single ‘club weekend’ each December; – On a two-year pilot basis, the All-Ireland hurling and football finals should each be brought forward by one week from their current dates; – All-Ireland final replays should take place on the Saturday immediately after the drawn game; – Provincial championship draws in football and hurling should take place in late August of the competition year; these draws should be structured so that the club champions of counties still involved in …

By Seamus Hayes Cork 2-21 Clare 0-18 A much sharper and hungrier Cork side proved too strong for Clare in the semi-final of the Waterford Crystal senior hurling tournament played before an attendance of 1,369 at Mallow on Saturday. The visitors were outplayed throughout the field in the opening half and found themselves twelve points, 0-7 to 2-13, adrift at half time. The Bannermen did show improved form in the second half but, overall, they can have no complaints with the result as they were well beaten in most areas throughout the seventy minutes. With the start of the Allianz league just two weeks away, Davy Fitzgerald and his management team are sure to be disappointed with this performance. True, it is still very early in the season and there are a lot of players to be considered for places in the side, but there must be some concern after this display. There was little to suggest, in the opening …

By Seamus Hayes Clare 0-16 Tipperary 0-15 Clare’s top scorer in recent seasons, Colin Ryan, hit the winning point at Sixmilebridge to send Clare into the semi-final of the 2015 Waterford Crystal senior hurling tournament. The finalists for the past three years produced another close contest when they clashed at O’Garney Park before an attendance of 1,342 on a bright but cold afternoon. In winning, Clare dethroned the holders and set up a semi-final meeting with Cork in Cork next Sunday. It was a win Clare deserved but they nearly let it slip. Four points clear with five minutes remaining, the home side was under a lot of pressure in the closing minutes. Four unanswered points helped the visitors to draw level with a minute remaining before Ryan struck for the winning score. Playing with the aid of the breeze, Tipperary had the better of the early exchanges and raced into a two point lead after five minutes. As the …

St Joseph’s Tulla 1-11; Causeway, Kerry 0-12 St Joseph’s Tulla progressed to the Munster colleges Senior B hurling championship semi-final and a meeting with Coláiste Chríost Rí from Cork, when they overcame the strong challenge presented by a fancied Causeway Community School from Kerry, in Rathkeale on Friday afternoon. From an early stage, it was a close affair but, in the final analysis, the Clare side were that bit better balanced and this proved decisive. The game’s only goal proved to be a crucial score and it came after just 10 minutes, when Gary Cooney’s powerful strike from the edge of the 13m line beat the Kerry defence. At half time, the winners held a two point advantage, 1-5 to 0-6, but the Kerry side will argue that Darren Chaplin’s effort, six minutes from the interval, should not have been allowed. The umpires disagreed but after consultation, the referee allowed the score. From my position on the sideline, the effort was …

CLARE and Kilmurry Ibrickane footballer Enda Coughlan is hoping that he will be given the all clear to resume playing on March 5. The 29 year old Garda injured the cruciate in his left knee playing championship football for his club in Doonbeg against Kilkee last July. Since the operation on September 9, Coughlan has been training six nights weekly in the gym and on the running track. “It’s coming on very well. I was up with (surgeon) Ray Moran before Christmas and he said that there is only 14% strength deficit between the legs. Once that’s down to 10% you can go back playing. I have a few other things to work on and I’m back up to him then on March 5 and hopefully I’ll be cleared to play then,” the Clare utility footballer told The Clare Champion this week. Coughlan has been told that gaining full confidence in the repaired knee is possibly the most difficult step …

CLARE County Board chairman Michael McDonagh has supported 1993 Derry All-Ireland winner Joe Brolly’s suggestion that the inter-county league and championship system should be completely overhauled. In fact the Miltown Malbay clubman has told The Clare Champion that the national hurling and football leagues should start in January, while the All-Ireland finals should be completed by August 1. “I think the clubs have been let down by an expanded inter-county scene and I think it’s now time to start a national debate on it. My own opinion is that the inter-county leagues should start in January and finish by March. We should be able to run out county leagues in tandem with that,” McDonagh said. “Inter-county championships should start in April and finish by mid July. This would enable our club championships to start in August and finish by the end of September. I don’t think there should be any such thing as the McGrath Cup or the O’Bryne Cup. …

By Seamus Hayes Newmarket Celtic A 2 Bridge United A 2 Full back Jason White earned Bridge United A a share of the spoils in this top of the table premier league clash at McDonagh Park on Sunday morning when he found the net in the first minute of injury time, sparking off great celebrations amongst supporters and officials of the visiting club. League leaders Newmarket looked to be heading for another win when they went 2-0 ahead with ten minutes remaining when Ronan McCormack scored from the penalty spot after substitute Cathal Hayes was fouled in the area by Bridge goalie John Mulready. The visitors refused to give up, however, and were thrown a lifeline six minutes from time when Mike McNamara finished after a bout of pressure. They continued to pile on the pressure and when the league leaders failed to clear from a corner, White pounced for what could yet prove to be a most valuable point. …

THE Clare senior footballers have a number of challenge games lined up in the coming weeks, as they prepare for their first Division 3 National League outing at home to Wexford on February 1. They were due to play Tralee IT on Tuesday night but that game was postponed. Clare are due to play Galway and Connacht club champions, Corofin, as well as Kerry and Munster club champions, Austin Stacks over the next few weeks. Other games in the pipeline include UL, Dublin and Leinster champions St Vincent’s. All three club teams are preparing for All-Ireland club semi-finals in mid-February. For the second successive year, Clare have opted not to play in the McGrath Cup. On the injury front, Enda Coughlan is still recuperating following a cruciate knee injury, while Shane McGrath’s knee is also receiving treatment. Clare’s opening league game against Wexford is due to be played in Cusack Park, although the pitch is currently undergoing drainage work. Clare …

As Clare hurlers’ preparations for the new season continue this weekend with a challenge game against Antrim, at a midlands venue to be confirmed, it’s been confirmed that Colm Galvin will not need surgery. There are just two weeks to go to the team’s first competitive game of 2015, a Waterford Crystal clash with either Tipperary or Mary Immaculate College. Clare and Tipperary have contested the past three finals of the tournament and the Premier side is fancied to get over the challenge of Mary Immaculate College in the opening round on Friday, January 9 at Dr Morris Park (7.30pm) to face Clare a week later in a quarter-final tie. Manager Davy Fitzgerald told The Clare Champion that Clare and Clonlara star, Colm Galvin will not require surgery on a knee injury that has kept him out of action in recent weeks. “While it’s unlikely that he will be fit for the start of the league campaign, it’s great that he won’t …

JIMMY Sexton is the oldest surviving Kilmurry Ibrickane footballer. Almost 86, Jimmy made his adult debut for Mullagh in 1943 and while the his local club were not senior for the duration of his career, he has been part of several senior championship successes in his role as a selector. “When I was 11 years old I went on as a sub with the juniors. They were short a player,” he recounted in Quilty last Saturday. “We had a poor team. We won junior and intermediate with Mullagh in the 50s but we couldn’t produce a senior team. I never played senior here but I played senior with Clohanes believe it or not. We were beaten in the Cusack Cup final. Three of us from Mullagh played with Clohanes and two from Quilty played with Miltown. It was around 1954,” he recalled. Jimmy played minor and senior football for Clare before a knee injury finished him. His subsequent contribution to …

GAA President Liam O’Neill says he favours having just one player in goals for penalties in hurling, while he also defended the GAA’s deal with Sky. The media rights deal featured at the Clare GAA convention last Thursday, when Éire óg successfully proposed that when the current deal expires, games shown on Sky should also be available for viewing on non subscription channels. “I want penalties taken from 20 metres. I have a preference for one player in goal. When a penalty is given the expectation should be a goal, favouring the attacker,” the GAA President said with reference to the ongoing penalty issue in hurling. Midway through this years championships penalty takers were forced to strike from the penalty line,” he told The Clare Champion. “The hurling 20/20 committee, chaired by Liam Sheedy, will have a definite proposal on that. We had to act on what was happening. We couldn’t have a situation where people were endangered. It was a …

By Seamus Hayes Clare League 4 Roscommon League 0 Beaten finalists last season, Clare progressed to the knock out stage of this season’s Oscar Traynor inter league competition with a merited win over Roscommon at Doora on Sunday. [doptg id=”43″] Two goals in each half proved too much for the visitors and the win has given Clare top spot in the group, ahead of Galway on score difference. Both finished on the same points after Galway scored a 3-1 win over Mayo but Clare’s superior score difference sees them take top spot. Playing with the aid of the wind, the home side got off to a great start and took the lead after four minutes when Colin Smith drilled a powerful left foot effort to the net from the edge of the box. Midway through the half, Roscommon enjoyed their best spell but they could not break down a strong Clare defence in which team captain Pat Purcell led by example …

One of the men behind setting up the development squad structure for Clare hurling has described the failure of Clare GAA to offer Anthony Daly a role as “a lost opportunity”. Speaking after it was confirmed that Daly will manage the Limerick development squads and will also fill the role of coach of the Limerick minor hurlers for 2015, Tulla’s Jim McInerney said Daly “has been available for a number of weeks since he stepped down from the post of Dublin manager. He is an ideal candidate to get involved with the underage squads and to be a coach to the Clare minors”. McInerney, along with Sean O’Halloran, Seanie McMahon, Brian Quinn and Jamesie O’Connor, helped put the Clare development squad structure in place some years ago. McInerney’s view with regard to Daly’s suitability for the role of managing the development squad structure, is shared by many in the county. Clare’s loss is Limerick’s gain and while no one is …

Ennistymon club man, John Fawl will represent Clare GAA on Central Council next year following his victory at Thursday night’s annual convention. In a three way contest for the post, at the Auburn Lodge Hotel, he secured 92 votes and was elected on the first count, defeating Miltown’s John Reidy, who secured 57 votes, and O’Callaghan’s Mills’ Noel O’Driscoll, who received 28 votes. The quota was 89. All other members of the executive for 2015 were elected without opposition. They are Tadhg Murphy, Cooraclare (president); Michael McDonagh, Miltown (chairman); Joe Cooney, (O’Callaghan’s Mills) vice-chairman; Rosaleen Monaghan, Tubber (assistant secretary); Bernard Keane, St Joseph’s (treasurer); Gerry Lynch, Tulla (assistant treasurer); Sean O’Halloran, (Bodyke) PRO; Anne Hayes, Lissycasey (culture and Irish officer); Ger Hickey Feakle (development officer); Michael O’Neill, Ballyea (coaching and games officer); Fergal Gray, Feakle (children’s officer); PJ Kelly, (Inagh-Kilnamona) and PJ McGuane, Cooraclare (Munster Council delegates); Michael O’Neill, (Ballyea); Bernard Keane, (St Joseph’s); Tom Downes, (Kilmihil) plus the chairman and secretary (Congress delegates); Gabriel …

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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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