Sports

Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

Sport

Footballers hammer Carlow by 19 points

Clare 4-26 Carlow 2-13 CLARE scored an emphatic 19 point win over Carlow in Dr Cullen Park on Sunday afternoon. Such was their fluency in attack, ten players contributed to their tally. [doptg id=”31″]Clare led by 12 points, 2-15 to 1-6 at half time following a superb opening 35 minutes. Rory Donnelly scored the opening Clare goal after picking up a break off Shane Brennan who scored his sides second goal just before half time after a Shane McGrath pass. Donnelly added two points while Enda Coughlan, McGrath and David Tubridy kicked three points apiece in that opening period. They were dealt an early setback when Shane Hickey had to retired with a gash to his forehead which required five stitches. He was replaced by Dean Ryan at corner back. Clare went on to dominate the second period with Podge Collins and Podge McMahon scoring their goals. While Carlow were poor Clare will be very concerned that they conceded 2-13. …

By Seamus Hayes Wexford 2-25 Clare 2-22 The fighting qualities that have been so much part of Clare’s hurling success in modern times stood out at Wexford Park this Saturday evening. [doptg id=”30″]Despite being reduced to thirteen men for the final twenty five minutes of the game, Clare simply refused to accept defeat and when Colin Ryan converted a ’65 in the fourth minute of ‘injury time’, Clare had secured extra time, against the odds given their numerical disadvantage for the final quarter. In the end, however, the effort that went into the fightback which earned extra time took its toll and the Slaneysiders prevailed. The results is certainly disappointing for Clare fans but the team did not go down without a fight. Over the two games, Wexford just about deserved their win but, that said, there will be some aspects of this latest clash that will trouble Clare. A third sending off in two games is certainly a worry …

By Seamus Hayes There are two changes on the Clare senior football team for Sunday’s qualifier clash with Carlow at Dr. Cullen Park (throw in 2p.m.) from that which put up such an impressive performance against Munster champions Kerry in the Provincial semi-final. Jamie Malone following an impressive performance when introduced for Shane Hickey who was blackcarded after five minutes against Kerry retains his place and is named at wing back. Hickey is also named in the starting line up and he will now be at corner back with Dean Ryan losing out. The other change is in attack where the experienced Rory Donnelly comes in at corner forward in place of Martin O’Leary. Dual players, Sean and Podge Collins are both named in the attack. the team is; Joe Hayes (Lissycasey) Shane Hickey (Kilmurry-Ibrickane) Kevin Hartnett (Meelick) Martin McMahon (Kilmurry-Ibrickane); Jamie Malone (Corofin) Gordon Kelly (Miltown) Ciaran Russell (Eire Og); Gary Brennan (Clondegad) Captain, Shane McGrath (Thomas Davis); Sean Collins …

WEXFORD manager Liam Dunne went home from Ennis content that his gear bag contained a particular jersey. A combative half-back in his own day, Dunne headed for Ennis last Saturday intent on winning and heading home with Brendan Bugler’s jersey. He half succeeded on the first count and followed that up by getting his hands on the Whitegate man’s number five jersey. “I asked him for his jersey. I got to him last year but he was after swapping his jersey. He’s a man that I have admired for a long, long time. I think he’s a great bit of stuff and a great hurler. He gave me his jersey and I’m delighted going home with that,” Dunne revealed. He feels Wexford will benefit from the game. “To score 2-25 apiece, would any team deserve to lose a game? Clare are not All-Ireland champions for nothing and they proved it today. We put them under pressure in the first half …

A crucial week for Clare inter-county teams begins on Saturday at Wexford Park, where the senior hurlers play Wexford in their qualifier first round replay. Fortunate to have earned a draw at Cusack Park last week, when extra time failed to separate the teams, Clare will again put their All-Ireland title on the line. They will have to do so without Shane O’Donnell (injured) and Podge Collins (suspended). The game has a throw-in time of 5pm and will be shown live on RTÉ television, with commentary on Clare FM. Victory will see Clare in action again on Saturday week, when Waterford will provide the opposition at Thurles, while defeat will mark the end of their season. Attention will then turn to the senior footballers for their first round qualifier meeting with Carlow at the Leinster side’s Dr Cullen Park. This tie will take place at 2pm on Sunday. Clare expect to have a full panel available, which means that Podge …

Clare 2-25 Wexford 2-25 (After extra time) Clare’s dream of making history by retaining the All-Ireland senior hurling title for the first time is still alive….but only just. Before an attendance of 12,871 at Cusack Park this Saturday afternoon, the title holders fought their way back from a ten point deficit to force extra time. [doptg id=”28″]They played the entire second half of normal time with fourteen men after Podge Collins was shown a straight red card just before the short whistle. The dual player, it is alleged, interfered with the face guard of his opponent’s helmet and this is a red card offence since the beginning of the playing season, Wexford dominated the game in the first quarter at the end of which they were 2-7 to 0-3 on front. They were dominant in most positions and Clare can count themselves fortunate not to have been further behind at this stage. By half time, the home side had …

Kelly returns to goalkeeping duties

All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Patrick Kelly (Inagh-Kilnamona) has been recalled for this Saturday’s Qualifier clash with Wexford at Cusack Park and he will replace Donal Tuohywho filled the position in the recent Munster semi-final game against Cork. Kelly’s selection is one of two changes from the side which started against Cork. The other change is in attack where Cathal McInerney comes in for Peter Duggan. McInerney is named at corner forward in what will be an all Cratloe full forward line which also included Conor McGrath and Podge Collins Ballyea’s Jack Browne who made his senior championship; debut against Cork before being replaced by Seadna Morey, is retained at corner back. Both Cian Dillon and Colm Galvin who were rated as doubtful starters due to injury, have been named in their usual positions in the full back line and at midfield respectively While Shane O’Donnell have been back in training in recent weeks following a hamstring injury, its thought unlikely that …

This Saturday’s All-Ireland hurling championship qualifier against Wexford is “a big banana skin, for Clare, according to Davy Fitzgerald. After a week of controversy over the playing and non-playing of club fixtures, his only comment on the issue,was “we shouldn’t have had the problem in Clare”. “We know that this is going to be a big test for us and we will be doing well to get out of this. Wexford could have beaten Dublin in the Leinster semi-final. They more than matched the Dubs on a day when they had a lot of bad wides,” Fitzgerald said. “They will come to Ennis in a determined mood.” While the Clare boss didn’t make any comment on the talking points following their loss to Cork and the subsequent club versus county arguments, there is no doubt but that preparations for Saturday’s game have been disrupted. Furthermore, there are some injury concerns following some of the second round domestic championship games. Fitzgerald is …

Former Wexford hurling manager, Liam Griffin returns to Clare this weekend to see the All-Ireland championship qualifier at Cusack Park but he will also spend some time in Newmarket-on-Fergus, recalling old times. The Rosslare man has many happy memories of his time with the Newmarket club in the early 1960s, with whom he won two U-21 titles and a couple of Clare senior championships. In fact, he is proud to say that, in his time with the Blues he “never played on a losing team”. “We were unbeaten in all our games. We had a really good team that included the likes of Trixie Twomey, Mick Considine, the O’Learys, Gus Lohan, Liam Danagher and Pudden Cullinan,” he recalled ahead of Saturday’s meeting of Clare and Wexford. “Wexford are going into the lions’ den. They have a young team for the most part, with a few experienced players. Wexford are up against it having to travel to Clare and this game …

Leading sports photography agency Sportsfile, in association with the GAA, are giving you a chance to showcase your photography skills this summer. A Season of Sundays,now in its 18th year, is still a must have for all GAA fans. The iconic images capture all aspects of the GAA season, from the cold January games to the packed stadiums of sunny summer days. This year, Sportsfile want to add your pictures in the book. “Using the hashtag #mygaapic, we want you to show us your best shots. We want to see supporters young and old getting ready for the game, the build-up, the atmosphere, the emotions, the hats, the flags, the headbands and everything that captures big championship matches. Your picture, your choice,” said Ray McManus. Award winning photographers will select the best shots, and there are great prizes to be won. The overall winner will receive a Nikon D3100 SLR camera and five runners up will receive copies of A …

Clare footballers will be heading for Dr Cullen Park in Carlow for their qualifier game on the weekend after next. Although considered to be the easiest of the potential opponents, at this stage in the competition, Clare will be taking nothing for granted. Clare will hope to build on the performance against Kerry in the Munster championship clash at Cusack Park a couple of weeks ago. Despite a solid display, they missed a glorious opportunity to pinch a rare victory over the men from the Kingdom. The date of the football game could prove problematic from an organisational point of view for Clare, should the hurlers beat Wexford in their qualifier encounter, which will take place at Cusack Park, Ennis on Saturday afternoon, with a 3.30pm throw-in. The match will be shown live on RTE and broadcast on Clare FM. Should Clare, as expected, win, it is understood the county board will apply to have the hurling and football games …

Nash earns Scariff a share of the spoils

By Seamus Hayes Scariff 2-13 Broadford 2-13 A point by Diarmuid Nash, his ninth of the evening, earned Scariff a share of the spoils with their neighbours Broadford in this round 2 senior hurling championship tie played at Cusack Park on Friday evening. At the end of a poor first half played in front of a small attendance, Scariff held a four point advantage, 0-8 to 0-4. They increased the lead to five at the start of the second half but then, in the space of four minutes Broadford hit 1-3 without reply to take the lead. In the space of a minute at the mid point of the half, Scariff had goals from John Scanlan and Cian Foley to open a five point lead and they looked to be on the way to victory at this stage of the game. Now it was Broadford’s turn to rally and they hit back strongly with 1-3 without reply in six minutes …

Waterford 2-13 Clare 2-12 CLARE’S Munster and All-Ireland minor hurling dream for 2014 ended in Fraher Field, Dungarvan on Wednesday but not before they put in a truly courageous performance after a disastrous start. Nine points down after eight minutes, they looked to be on the road to a hiding. Reduced to 14 men five minutes into the second half, a heavy defeat looked the likely outcome but from here on, Clare dominated and were two points in front by the three-quarter stage. Clare almost snatched a sensational win in injury time but the winners’ goalie, Billy Nolan, produced a magnificent save, at the expense of a 65’, from David Fitzgerald, one of Clare’s better players on the evening. Clare continued to pile on the pressure but time was not on their side. In the end, Waterford had a bit too much experience and strength and emerged with a point to spare, to seal a place in the Munster final. …

By Seamus Hayes It’s official. The worst kept secret in Clare GAA is out. Four senior hurling championship games scheduled for this coming weekend have been called off against the wishes of some of the clubs involved. Representatives of the eight clubs–Ballyea, Clooney-Quin, O’Callaghans Mills, St. Josephs, Wolfe Tones, Éire Óg, Sixmilebridge and Cratloe–were told this evening that the Clare senior hurling management team had “invoked the 13 day rule” which says that players “shall be free from club fixtures for 13 days prior to inter county championship action”. With three of the games scheduled for Friday evening and one for Sunday, there were only eight days, and in the case of Sixmilebridge v Cratloe, six days until Clare play Wexford in the hurling Qualifier first round. The earliest that these games will take place is August and if Clare progress in the championship, it may be later than this. The senior championship game between Scariff and Broadford goes ahead as …

By Seamus Hayes There is one change in personnell on the Clare minor hurling team named to play Waterford in the Munster semi-final on this Wednesday at Fraher field in Dungarvan (7.30p.m.) from that which beat Tipperary last time out. Bern O’Gorman from Wolfe Tones is fit again following an appendix operation and he is named at wing back, the position he was named in for round 1 before being forced to withdraw. In the resultant reshuffle, Liam O’Donovan from Ruan drops to the substitutes bench. The team is Jason Loughnane, (Sixmilebridge); Ciaran Cooney (OC. Mills), Seamus Downey (Clonlara), Rory Hayes (Wolfe Tones); Jason McCarthy (Inagh-Kilnamona), Dara Walsh (Eire Og), Ben O’Gorman (Wolfe Tones); David Fitzgerald (Inagh-Kilnamona), Michael O’Malley (Kilmaley); Ian Galvin (Clonlara), Mikey O’Shea (Smith O’Briens), Colin Corbett (Tulla); Padraic McNamara (Kilmaley), Aaron Shanagher (Wolfe Tones), Brian Guilfoyle (St.Josephs, Doora-Barefield);

Page 110 of 409« First...80 90 100 «108 109110111 112 »120 130 140...Last »

Sports

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 …
Read More »
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 …

Sport

Recent Posts