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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

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Royals Reign Supreme As Banner Bow Out

Derrick Lynch All Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football Semi Final: Meath 4-13 Clare 0-4 2020 came to an end for the Clare ladies footballers on a day when it was clear that their quota of luck had been used up in reaching this stage. Events on the final day of the group campaign had seen the Banner navigate the most unlikely path to the last four, but while it might have been a case of bonus territory, there will still be a sense of regret at the opportunity lost. In the lead up to the game, the focus was on producing a performance, but on a day when nothing seemed to go to plan, it will be that, rather than the result, that will be the biggest disappointment. The other side of the coin is that Clare simply met a more experienced and powerful opponent who were streets ahead in terms of their development curve, with their defeats in the last …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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‘Fix the one percents and you’ll reach the magical one hundred’ – Hogg

2023 All Ireland Junior winner Sinead Hogg is a mainstay at the heart of the Clon defence and after a monumental battle with Eimear Bourke and Cait Devane she is ready to push on and claim the biggest camogie prize in Munster. ” Today wasn’t easy and the body is sore. It was a serious battle and in fairness to both teams it was a war of attrition. We had to just try and stay in the game at different stages because their six forwards are unbelievable players and can hurt you in the blink of an eye. It’s great to have that half back line in front of you cutting out the supply which makes it a bit easier for us in the full back line though and I think we did quite well. We were fully focused on delivering not only a performance but delivering a result and thankfully we did both.” Sinead feels as a group they have …
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‘I feel like I’m in a dream’ – Morris
Considine bows out after a glorious decade
Éire Óg Adare to dream of provincial glory
Munster final on Clare’s mind

‘Fix the one percents and you’ll reach the magical one hundred’ – Hogg

2023 All Ireland Junior winner Sinead Hogg is a mainstay at the heart of the Clon defence and after a monumental battle with Eimear Bourke and Cait Devane she is ready to push on and claim the biggest camogie prize in Munster. ” Today wasn’t easy and the body is sore. It was a serious battle and in fairness to both teams it was a war of attrition. We had to just try and stay in the game at different stages because their six forwards are unbelievable players and can hurt you in the blink of an eye. It’s great to have that half back line in front of you cutting out the supply which makes it a bit easier for us in the full back line though and I think we did quite well. We were fully focused on delivering not only a performance but delivering a result and thankfully we did both.” Sinead feels as a group they have …

‘I feel like I’m in a dream’ – Morris

Former coach to the Clare Senior set up and in his fourth year training his beloved Truagh-Clonlara Ryan Morris feels like he’s dreaming but admits this was their ultimate objective. ” I feel like I’m in a dream that I don’t want to wake up from. To see how far we’ve come from winning an Intermediate title to claiming a first ever McMahon Cup, going back to back and now a Munster final. It’s magical, it truly is. Last year we enjoyed celebrating after the County championship and the buzz around the place was incredible. The whole day out against Sarsfields was also really special but in truth we let the day be our focus and not the game itself. It wasn’t until we sat down to plan for this year that we felt the pain of that defeat. We set in motion a plan to retain our crown and have another crack at Munster but to do so we …

Controversy reigns as Tulla denied at death

Dr. Harty Cup Round 2 St Joseph’s Tulla 0-17 Cashel Community School 0-17 After an opening day defeat to Cork school Blackrock, the pressure was firmly on Tulla to deliver in Cappamore. Showing tremendous character against a quality Cashel side they managed to stay in the game throughout thanks to an outstanding defensive display by fullback Fionn O’Gara and a series of top drawer saves from Broadford’s Jack Lovett. It was the player affectionately known as ‘Fog’ though that towered above everyone else on the field and was quite simply majestic all afternoon. Decisive hooks, critical blocks and booming clearances were the order of the day from the Clooney-Quin player. When Cashel did manage to break through the Tulla rearguard, they met a wall of resistance in Lovett. On three occasions the netminder came to the rescue, firstly denying Briain O’Donoghue with a brave point blank save in the 15th minute, then thwarting corner-forward Ryan O’Sullivan just before the interval …

21st celebrations as Éire Óg return to helm

Clare Senior Football Championship Final Éire Óg 1-10 Kilmurry Ibrickane 0-6 “The Townies are back and we’re not going anywhere’ was the passionate concluding words to captain Aaron Fitzgerald’s speech as Éire Óg bounced back to Jack Daly winning ways in Cusack Park, writes Eoin Brennan. Having only lost one of their last 21 matches and that to Cratloe in last year’s semi-final after penalties, the Ennis side’s third senior crown in four years was fully merited as they rolled with the punches of a difficult day weather and opposition-wise before finishing in powerful fashion. The ‘Bricks, fueled by an intriguing mix of youth and vast title winning experience, certainly made Paul Madden’s side sweat after hitting the ground running with the first three points through Keenan Sexton (2) and Daryn Callinan. However, on a day in which they almost needed a perfect performance, crucially they coughed up possession at halfway for Mark McInerney to pick out Gavin Cooney for …

Strong Ennis performance seals win over Cobh Pirates RFC

Senior Men’s Junior League 2: Ennis RFC 26 – 6 Cobh Pirates RFC The Ennis Senior men’s rugby team were victorious 26 – 6 over Cobh Pirates during the Junior League 2. Ennis started off with a strong scrum, followed by Dylan Kenny breaking through tackles to score a converted score under the posts. Ennis’ defence stood firm and soon Joey Keane managed a huge steal with the Cobh Pirates just short of the try line. At the end of the first-half, the opposition scored a penalty, bringing the half-time score to 7 – 3. At the start of the second-half, the Cobh Pirates scored another penalty. With the score at 7 – 6, Ennis increased their defence and attack, allowing Cian Guilfoyle to score Ennis’ second try. Brendan Keane scored their third try, converted by Kenny, after a dominant Ennis scrum. With the game almost over and the Cobh Pirates on the attack, Guilfoyle intercepted on the halfway line …

Meehan and McEvoy shine as Banner overcome Wolfe Tones

Junior C camogie final Banner 1-9 Wolfe Tones 0-9 Novel could best describe this meeting on Saturday afternoon last between Wolfe Tones and Banner in the Junior C camogie final that drew a sizable attendance to Father McNamara park. Wolfe Tones with an experienced group of players faced up to a youthful Banner side with many dual players. Both sides had freetakers of a standard far higher than Junior C as Ciara Meehan and Sarah McEvoy shared a dozen scores over the hour. Wolfe Tones netminder Anna Brennan retired injured after 15 minutes as the Shannon side started slowly and didn’t score until the 17th minute from McEvoy with Laura Meaney adding a second Tones scores a minute later. Two further scores from Wolfe Tones in the final minutes of the half left them on four points, one behind Banner at the interval. Ciara Meehan was excellent from placed balls and missed just one over the hour. Half-time Banner (0-5) …

Whelan and Meaney score as Clondegad lower Banner

Junior B football final Clodegad 2-11 Banner 2-8 A season of underachieving in the view of both clubs in the Intermediate championship came to an adult end in Lissycasey on Sunday afternoon in the Junior B county final decider. As with most Junior finals it can be a hazardous task to allocate a favourites tag so all was up for grabs before what was a disappointing following from the two clubs. Scores were hard to come by the opening quarter with the two sides sharing a paltry five points as Clondegad led (0-3) to (0-2) before Ciaran Connelly struck for the first of four goals in the game. Within two minutes Banner had cut the lead of Clondegad to the minimum with their first goal as long time performer Fiachra Hayes who started in place of William Bello was their shooter. Clondegad full forward Oisin Griffin won a high ball and his breaking ball was doubled to the net by …

Éire Óg Fawle as Kevin’s goal seals final place

Junior A football semi-final Michael Cusacks 1-9 Éire Óg 0-8 Renowned Michael Cusack’s defender Kevin Fawle is not recognised as a goalscorer but should ultimate success come the way of the men from the Burren and Belharbour they will look back at Fawle’s 50th minute goal as one of the decisive moments of the year. Éire Óg will have left Corofin with deep regrets posting perhaps their least effective showing of the season that was well below their quarter-final showing against Cooraclare as Michael Cusack’s were very fortunate to get extra time before dispatching the challenge of St Breckan’s second string. Éire Óg opened the scoring with goalkeeper Cian Howard kicking over their first score from a free and he added a second free after eight minutes. Domhnall McMahon operating at full forward with others pulled out kicked over Michael Cusack’s first score just before Jack McGann and McMahon once more were on the scoresheet after 13 minutes to take the …

Flynn and Duggan goals keep St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield senior as the ‘Bridge drop down

Senior camogie relegation final St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 2-9 Sixmilebridge 1-10 There was heartbreak for Sixmilebridge and jubilation for St Joseph’s in equal measure in Clooney on Saturday afternoon. Relegation to Intermediate camogie for the Bridge who in a bygone era won multiple championships as St Joseph’ chasing their first maintained their status and once more are the only Clare club to possess four senior GAA, Camogie and LGFA sides. With the LGFA county final on the horizon for St Joseph’s they did not want a low note to be played in the run up with relegation from senior camogie and set out their stall early with (2-2) in the opening half with Ciara Duggan and Siobhan Flynn scoring (1-1 each). Chloe Morey hit back between the 14th and 18th minutes with (1-2) to keep Sixmilebridge in contact as Olivia Phelan had initiated the scoring for Sixmilebridge after four minutes. Determined tackling by both sets of defenders ensured a low scoring contest as …

Tulla fall to Harty Cup opening round loss

Blackwater Community School, Lismore 2-16 St. Joseph’s Tulla 0-20 St Joseph’s Secondary School, Tulla suffered an agonising two-point reverse in their Harty Cup Group 3 campaign on Wednesday afternoon. The defat, at the hands of a pacy Blackwater Community School from Lismore, leaves them under pressure to advance to the knockout stages. For all that Tulla did well in this contest, a sloppy start proved detrimental to their chances in Kilmallock, falling eight points behind inside the opening quarter. It was a position that the students, coached by Terence Fahy, Aidan Harte and Tomás Kelly couldn’t recover from fully. Even when they were on top and looked like taking the lead, they were hit with a sucker punch of a goal that filled the Lismore confidence heading into the second half. Indeed, a stunning save from Billy Murphy in the Lismore goal denied them a potential game changing goal, with Darragh White having to settle for a point instead. The …

New Clare ladies football manager

IN a statement this afternoon Clare LGFA announced the appointment of Listowel’s Graham Shine as the new Intermediate team manager for the coming season. The former Limerick and Kerry Ladies manager has been appointed for two years, with an option of a third, in charge of the county’s flagship side. Board Chairman Sean Lenihan advised that there were a number of applicants for the post from both within and outside the County and thanked the unsuccessful candidates for their interest in the position. He outlined Shine’s extensive experience at Club and County level over many years and wished him and his backroom team well over the next couple of years starting soon with preparation for Clare’s return to Division 2 of the National Football League commencing in mid-January. A qualified personal trainer and fitness instructor, Shine was part of former Manager Wayne Freeman’s Backroom Team last year so he knows the panel of players involved here to date. He has …

Banner five still alive in Munster Junior Football PPS Championships

Clare’s interest in the Munster Junior (Under 17) Post-Primary Schools Football Championships have been reduced to five after a busy week of derbies in all five grades. St Joseph’s Spanish Point (C), St John Bosco Community College, Kildysart (D) and Under 17E trio St Michael’s Community College Kilmihil and St Patrick’s Comprehensive School, Shannon and Ennis Community College who are due to face each other this morning (Thursday) in Wolfe Tones at 10.45am are the only schools left in the first provincial championship of the 2024/25 season. The Frewen Cup is destined to return to Kerry for another year after St Flannan’s College bowed out at the quarter-final stage to St Michael’s Listowel by 1-13 to 1-09 in The Bog Garden in Rathkeale on Wednesday afternoon. Trailing by 1-4 to 0-4 by the break, the Ennis College grabbed a lifeline on the restart when Kieran Doyle converted a penalty. With Dara Kennedy and TJ Moore dominating the engine room, Darragh …

Crusheen present double trouble for Parteen-Meelick

Junior A Camogie Championship Cup Final Crusheen v Parteen-Meelick at Fr McNamara Park Ennis, Saturday at 4pm (Kevin Walsh, Wolfe Tones) Momentum is the clear driving force as heavyweights Crusheen and Parteen-Meelick finally meet in earnest to decide the Junior A Camogie Championship honours. I say finally as they were forced into a dress rehearsal final group decider a fortnight ago but as expected it was merely a shadow-boxing exercise especially on the red half of the divide as Parteen-Meelick eased to a 9-27 to 0-07 win. Don’t expect the same in Fr. McNamara Park on Saturday afternoon as Crusheen, off the back of their commanding Junior A Ladies Football Final triumph over Cúil Gaels last Sunday will be determined to achieve a historic double. Parteen-Meelick were pencilled in for a ladies football final too last Saturday but being a Junior B Shield Final, they opted to put their full focus on this prestigious decider. There’s no shortage of camogie …

Clancy crushes Cúil dreams of silverware

Junior A Ladies’ Football Final Crusheen 3-10 – Cúil Gaels 0-14 Crusheen back at the start of the century under the management of the late Michael Cullinan possessed some of the best underage players in the county winning four Under 16A titles plus Minor, Junior A and Intermediate honours finally contested a senior final joined with Kilmihil. Time moved on, players left and lean times followed but once more Crusheen are back in the Intermediate championship for 2025 following a five-point success over Cúil Gaels in Lissycasey on Sunday evening. Cúil Gaels for their part had ample scoring chances over the course of the hour and really worried Crusheen but unfortunately from the estuary’s perspective they kicked a dozen wides as opposed to just five for the title winners. At least four of the Cúil Gael points skimmed the Crusheen crossbar much to the relief of Grace Gleeson. Yet, the matchwinner was at midfield for Crusheen, namely Anna Clancy with …

Shannon Town shade cup spoils in low-key derby

(FAI Junior Cup) Shannon Town A 2 – Bunratty/Cratloe 1 Shannon Town inched the derby spoils to book their place in the next round of the FAI Junior Cup but it wasn’t the greatest of advertisements for an early morning kick-off in Lynch Park in Shannon on Sunday. Don’t get me wrong, all the ingredients were ripe for a memorable derby as a sizeable crowd was in attendance to witness a rare clash of these neighbours while there was the added layer of new Shannon Town manager Davy Hogan playing against his former Premier winning club. However, perhaps the players weren’t given sufficient notice of the 10:30am kick-off as the teams never really livened up until the final quarter. Amazingly, there wasn’t a shot of note throughout the entire opening period and essentially it was only with Charlie Morrison’s 68th minute penalty that this prudent tie finally opened up. It was a huge relief to hosts Shannon Town who, as …

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