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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

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Clare 0-11 Leitrim 1-8 A POINTED Leitrim free, eight minutes into injury time, snatched a point for the Connacht county in Miltown Malbay on Sunday afternoon. Both teams are now tied on three points in NFL division 4. Wicklow, who beat Antrim, top the division on full points from two games. Emlyn Mulligan, who also scored Leitrim’s first half goal, pointed the decisive free which was conceded by Cathal O’Connor. The Coolmeen man was shown a black card by Offaly referee Damien Brazil. When Martin O’Leary pointed a superb score, five minutes earlier, Clare led 0-11 to 1-6 and it lookeds as if they would hold on for a crucial win. However substitute Ray Cox pointed Leitrim to within a score of Clare before Mulligan equalised. Clare played with the wind in the opening half but the teams were level, 1-3 to 0-6 after half tiime. O’Leary scored Clare’s opening point while Gary Brennan, who had a superb game, also scored …

Sunday’s football league tie between Clare and Leitrim has been switched from Cusack Park in Ennis to Hennessy Park in Miltown. Friday night’s heavy rain has led to the decision to move the eagerly awaited round two tie to the West Clare venue where the throw in time will be 2p.m. Full back Kevin Hartnett and full forward David Tubridy, both of whom impressed in the first round win over Waterford last week, have been ruled out due to injury. In all the team will show four changes in personnel and some positional switches from that which won in Dungarvan. As expected, dual star Podge Collins who was hugely impressive when introduced in the second half against Waterford, is in from the start this week while Enda Coughlan returns after injury and he has been named at centre back. The experienced Gordon Kelly and Michael O’Shea have both been named in the starting line up. Steven Collins and Jamie …

John Lynch has been to the fore of St Senan’s for 40 years.

By Seamus Hayes GAA clubs across the country will agree it has become increasingly difficult to get volunteers to take on club officer roles and it has almost become the norm that some clubs fail to fill some executive posts at their annual meetings. Eventually, most manage to get someone to take on a specific task. Despite the fact that St Senan’s Kilkee have, so far, failed to find both a chairman and secretary, outgoing chairman Peter Muldoon is satisfied the club’s future is secure and that the posts will be filled. The positions remain vacant after the AGM and a further meeting failed to find candidates for the posts Outgoing officials Peter Muldoon (chairman) and John Lynch (secretary) signalled well before the end of last season that they would not be seeking re-election. Muldoon completed four years in the post, while outgoing secretary John Lynch has been the face of the West Clare club for the past 40 years. …

Tipperary 4-22 Clare 3-11 A fourteen point defeat in the week before the 2014 Allianz National hurling league gets underway will certainly have given Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald and his backroom team plenty to think about over the coming days as they finalise plans for the county’s clash with Kilkenny in Ennis next week. Such a comprehensive defeat from Tipperary in a repeat of last year’s final wasn’t what Clare followers expected as they headed for the Gaelic grounds in Limerick on Friday evening after the match had been switched from Sixmilebridge because of the inclement weather. Clare’s display was well below anything they had shown since last summer and the management team will certainly have plenty to ponder on as they prepare for the Kilkenny game. Particularly disappointing for Clare fans in the attendance of 1,248, was the manner in which Clare’s challenge faded when Tipperary stepped up a gear after half time. With the exception of a period …

WHEN Podge Collins was beckoned from the dugout, along with Michael O’Shea, early in the second half in Dungarvan, it represented the hurling All-Star’s league debut for the county footballers. His impact was immediate. Collins pointed a left-footed score, which came at a critical time for Clare. It followed a sustained period of Waterford possession, which only resulted in a single Paul Whyte pointed free. Collins’ point was similar to the left-footed effort he landed in the Munster club football semi-final against Ballincourty in Cusack Park last November. “That one against Ballincourty was a bit of a fluke,” the UL student joked. Sunday didn’t represent his debut for the senior footballers, as Collins played in the 2012 McGrath Cup, while he represented the county at U-21 level for three years. Prior to that, he played county football at every level, from U-14 to minor. Playing both codes for Clare represents a major challenge. However, Podge, whose brother Seán worked hard …

A VERITABLE glow of satisfaction exuded from Clare coach, Paudie Kissane as he spoke outside the Clare dressing room in Dungarvan. An All-Ireland winner with Cork in 2010, the now retired wing-back has played on the biggest stages available to a Gaelic footballer but last Sunday, it was clear what an opening win in Waterford meant to him. “The first half was a bit mixed and for the first 10 minutes of the second half, we were under a bit of pressure. They were coming forward but we didn’t panic and we forced them to make mistakes and caught them on the break and got some good scores,” was Kissane’s analysis of Clare’s seven-point win. Clare started with U-21s Martin O’Leary and Jamie Malone in the full-forward line. Kissane made it clear that age or experience aren’t something that he dwells on. “If you want to see what a guy is made of and try to give him a chance …

THE Clare senior football team to play Leitrim in Cusack Park on Sunday at 2pm is the same team that was named to start against Waterford last Sunday. Kilmurry Ibrickane’s Enda Coughlan couldn’t line out in Dungarvan, due to a back injury, but is expected to be fit for Sunday. However, there are doubts over Kevin Hartnett, who picked up an injury in training this week and David Tubridy (hamstring). If they cannot start, it is likely that Stephen Collins and Michael O’Shea may start against the Connacht county. There is also a doubt over the match venue. Friday night’s likely storm may mean that the game could be moved to Miltown Malbay. The team named to start is: Pierce Deloughrey (Cratloe); Dean Ryan (Éire Óg), Kevin Hartnett (Meelick), Martin McMahon (Kilmurry Ibrickane); Óige Murphy (Cratloe), Enda Coughlan (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Shane Hickey (Kilmurry Ibrickane); Gary Brennan (Clondegad), Cathal O’Connor (Coolmeen); Shane Brennan (Clondegad), Shane McGrath (Thomas Davis), Seán Collins (Cratloe); Martin O’Leary (Kilmihil), David Tubridy …

CLARE full-back Kevin Hartnett has a couple of short-term aims. The Meelick man, who returned from the US at Christmas, is very keen that Clare pick up a home win against Leitrim on Sunday. However, he is equally focused on trying to secure employment as soon as he can. Although he has a Bachelor’s degree in fitness from Tralee IT, Hartnett isn’t fussy about what he works at. Before he resumes the job search though, Hartnett is concentrating on this weekend’s league opponents. “Leitrim is the next stepping stone. It was great to get the result against Waterford but you always have to be moving forward. Leitrim on Sunday is all we’re focusing on now. We’re not worried about what’s coming after that or what has happened before. It’s about how we attack Sunday. They had a good win against Antrim. We know they’re going to be good and we just have to prepare ourselves right, give a good whack …

Jonathan Clancy has called time on his inter-county career.

by Seamus Hayes Clarecastle’s Jonathan Clancy has called time on his inter-county hurling career. A member of the squad since 2005 when he was included by the then manager, Anthony Daly, the midfielder was retained by subsequent managers, Tony Considine, Mike McNamara, Ger O’Loughlin and Fitzgerald. He is the second member of the All-Ireland winning squad to retire from inter-county hurling. Fergal Lynch from Clooney-Quin, who is now part of the backroom team, having been appointed by manager Davy Fitzgerald as a forwards’ coach, announced his retirement the week after the All-Ireland final. That success last September was “the highlight” of Clancy’s eight-year inter-county career he told The Clare Champion this week. “Prior to that, there wasn’t much silverware but I wouldn’t change anything. They were great times but very tough, particularly when one was trying to work also,” Clancy added, confirming that he will continue to play with his club. Clancy played two years with the Clare minors and …

NEXT Thursday, Limerick Institute of Technology will honour Davy Fitzgerald by making him one of the first five people to receive an honorary fellowship from the college. The Clare manager and four others will be honoured at a ceremony that will be held at the Limerick College of Art and Design. On the night, his citation will be read by Sean Kelly, past president of the GAA and now serving as an MEP. Davy has been associated with LIT for a number of years and was over their Fitzgibbon Cup winning sides of 2005 and 2007. He is still over the LIT side and they will be in action again on Tuesday.

THE Waterford Crystal hurling final between Clare, the holders, and Tipperary, scheduled for O’Garney Park in Sixmilebridge this Friday night, has been switched to The Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. The game will throw-in at 7.30pm. In the light of recent rainfall and projected weather forecasts, concern had been expressed of the game proceeding at O’Garney Park. Clare had already played two games in the tournament, against Limerick and UCC at the Sixmilebridge venue, and Munster Council were monitoring the situation throughout the week. However, on Thursday a decision was taken by Munster Council to transfer the game to The Gaelic Grounds. This will be the third year in succession that Clare and Tipperary will have contested the final, and the record stands at one victory apiece.

Clare have been drawn away in the semi-final of the Oscar Traynor inte-league competition. They will play the winners of the quarter final involving the Kerry and District League and the United Churches League, a game that is scheduled for Sunday, February 23. In the other semi-final Inisowen from Donegal, last year’s beaten finalists, await the winners of the game between Kilkenny and holders AUL. No date has been set for the semi-finals but it’s expected that Clare will be in action in early March. According to Clare manager Liam Murphy, “Any of the teams that are left in the race will be difficult to beat. We wanted to avoid a trip to Inisowen and that materialised”. While he agreed, “On paper the other side of the draw looks particularly tough but we are going to be facing either a strong Dublin side (United Churches) or a well organised and strong Kerry side. We will have an …

Clare 3-9 Waterford 1-10 TWO second half goals, put away by substitute Michael O’Shea and centre-forward Shane McGrath, helped Clare to an excellent opening win in the 2014 division 4 NFL. Playing into a stiff breeze in Dungarvan, Clare led 1-5 to 0-6 at half time. Kilmihil’s Martin O’Leary, making his senior inter-county debut, scored the first half goal for the winners, while Gary Brennan and Cathal O’Connor dominated the Waterford kick out. Full forward David Tubridy pointed twice from play while McGrath and Shane Brennan put over a point each in the opening half. Waterford upped their game considerably in the opening minutes of the second half but the introductions of O’Shea and hurling All-Star Podge Collins helped to settle Clare. In fact it was Collins who kicked Clare’s opening point of the second half, a superb left footed effort. From that moment on Clare regained control with the goals securing the points. Waterford’s goal, scored by Paul Whyte, …

By Seamus Hayes THERE are three debutants on the Clare senior football team for Sunday’s opening game in division 4 of the Allianz league when they play Waterford at Fraher Field in Dungarvan. Goalkeeper Pierce DeLoughrey (Cratloe) and corner forwards Martin O’Leary (Kilmihil) and Jamie Malone (Corofin) have been named in a team, which also includes six players who were not part of last year’s panel for a variety of reasons. The six survivors from last year’s panel are Martin McMahon and Enda Coughlan, from Kilmurry Ibrickane; Gary Brennan (Clondegad), who is the team captain, Cathal O’Connor (Coolmeen), Shane McGrath (Thomas Davis, Dublin) and David Tubridy (Doonbeg). Dual player Sean Collins has been named at wing forward and the expectation is that his brother, Podge, also a member of the senior hurling squad, will be on the bench. Ruled out due to injury are goalkeeper Joe Hayes, defender Shane McNeilis and forwards Alan Clohessy and Rory Donnelly. The team is: Pierce …

THIS weekend’s National Coursing meeting at Clonmel is expected to attract a big Clare contingent. Noticeable for the 2014 meeting is the amount of qualifiers that have changed hands, among them being Blueview Barney, a Derby runner and Turbo Julie in the Oaks, both now trained by Clareman Pat Curtin. The Derby runner is now known as Roquefort Barney (Murtys Gang-Foxhall Rio) and is owned by the Windfarm syndicate of Pat Curtin, Michael Eustace, Ennis, and Galway men Gerry Hughes and Jonathan Newell. Bred by Damian McHugh, the Kilcreevin-Ballymoate qualifier is drawn in the third quarter and comes up against the Borrisoleigh qualifier, Cuban Ando, in the first round. The name of Wheres Cranny (Murtys Blaze- Rock Music) went into the Derby draw in Clonmel on Sunday night and he came out of the hat in the second quarter against the Edenderry qualifier Central Investor, owned by Brendan Duffy, Derry. However, because of a toe injury a big doubt hangs over …

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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
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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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