Sports

Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

Sport

Collins Links Up With Clare Football Squad

Podge Collins has linked up with the Clare Senior Football panel for the coming campaign. The Clare Champion understands that the Cratloe man was invited on to the panel in the wake of the news that he was no longer part of the hurling squad for 2020. Collins was a key part of Cratloe’s march to the 2020 Clare SFC final with his goal in their last four tie with St Breckans being one of the highlights of the campaign. It’s the latest boost for the squad following the news that Gary Brennan, Jamie Malone and Aaron Fitzgerald are also back with the panel. Meanwhile it still remains to be seen when Clare’s 2020 season will commence after Fermanagh GAA announced they were ceasing all activity for two weeks in the wake of an outbreak of Covid-19. The Ulster side were due to face Clare on Sunday week in the penultimate round of the National Football league Division Two. No …

The Clare Athletics cross country championships took place in Clarecastle GAA grounds on Sunday last, with the event run under strict guidelines and a very successful day was had by all. U8 Girls: 1: Una McMahon (St John’s); 2: Orlaith O’Rourke (Fergus); 3: Leah Robertson (St John’s). Teams: 1: Ennis Track (45 points); 2: St Cronan’s (53 points); St Mary’s (71 points). U8 Boys: 1: Riain Duignan (St Cronan’s); 2: Sean Hick (Fergus); 3: Sean Hassett (St Cronan’s). Teams: 1: St Cronan’s (16 points); 2: Ennis Track (43 points). U10 Girls: 1: Nicole Griffin (Fergus); 2: Caoimhe McMahon (Fergus); 3: Aoibhin Daly (St Cronan’s). Teams: 1: Fergus (28 points); 2: Ennis Track (47 points); 3: (47 points). U10 Boys: 1: Jonah Quinn (St Cronan’s); 2: Daniel McNamara (Fergus); 3: Max Garvey (St Cronan’s). Teams: 1: St Cronan’s (18 points); 2: Ennis Track (30 points); 3: Fergus (70 points). U12 Girls: 1: Faye Mannion (Ennis Track); 2: Millie Watts (Ennis Track); …

Minor Championship Minor A Semi Final Scariff Ogonnelloe 3-11 Kilkishen/Bodyke 3-09 The final score of this tight match between neighbouring parishes again confirmed that there is very little between all four teams at the top of the minor championship. Scariff Ogonnelloe got the opening two points after which Kilkishen bodyke struck back with a goal and a point. Kilkishen Bodyke put the Scariff Ogonnelloe backs under serious pressure for a sustained period of time with Aoife Ryan and Leah Minogue looking dangerous but were thwarted in their efforts by the Scariff Ogonnelloe backs. After the water break both teams traded points after which scariff Ogonnelloe found their rhythm and scored a goal and five points without reply, to leave the score at 1-8 to 1-3 at half time. The second half began at lightning quick pace straight from the throw in with a worked goal from Kilkishen Bodyke. The play settled with hard battles being fought all over the pitch but …

Derrick Lynch In a year when uncertainty reigned, it was a familiar sight that unfolded at the end of the Clare senior football championship as Kilmurry Ibrickane hoisted Jack Daly aloft in Cusack Park before making the journey over the Hand hill. Before any assessment of the year as a whole is made, the first task is to praise those who worked diligently to ensure that for a few weeks at least, the constant barrage of Covid case numbers could be forgotten about for a few hours on a weekend afternoon. When lockdown arrived into our lives in March, the gaping void in people’s lives where sport used to be left everyone yearning for even the chance to watch an U-10 training session to get their sporting fix. It was also going to be a risk in bringing people back ino the live sport setting, and those who were handed the responsibility of ensuring it all passed off without incident …

Eoin Brennan The filtration system may have altered but the cream always rises to the top as Sixmilebridge clearly demonstrated on Sunday. Rewind the clock back ten weeks earlier and after an unprecedented lockdown, supporters were predominantly locked out amidst the condensed championship series that while short on preparation and lead-in time, certainly wasn’t diminished in terms of standard or intensity. Regardless of the lack of any form guide however, there’s no substitute for experience as Sixmilebridge and Kilmurry Ibrickane re-emphasised. Despite differing developmental approaches, the crucial common denominators of collective steel, trust and understanding were abundant throughout their perfect runs to the ultimate honours in Clare GAA. Kilmurry Ibrickane’s continual process of rejuvenation over the past two decades is unparalleled in the county to maintain their social distance over the chasing pack. Whereas for the ‘Bridge, it has been more about maximising the golden generation that finally ended the club’s most arid recent decade (2003-2012) with a return to …

Derrick Lynch Keelan Sexton is now the holder of three Clare senior football medals since he burst on to the scene midway through the last decade. The Dublin based trainee solicitor capped off a memorable year with a man of the match performance as Kilmurry Ibrickane captured a first Clare senior football title since 2017 with a three point win over Cratloe. The county star was once more a leading light in the Bricks attack as he landed five crucial scores to see them over a stern test. A controversial third quarter square ball decision which ruled out Conal O’Hanlon’s batted effort was a big talking point in the game, and came at a time when Cratloe looked to be edging their way back into the game. Sexton admits the coolness his side showed under sustained late pressure was a testament to the winning know-how throughout the squad. “In fairness to Cratloe they threw everything at us and just kept …

Derrick Lynch The echos of the final whistle around an empty Cusack Park had barely dissipated when Sixmilebridge manager Tim Crowe was already looking to what might come next. Victory over O’Callaghan’s Mills saw them claim a 15th Clare senior hurling title, but as ever, Crowe, who has led his club to consecutive titles for only the second time in their history, was not content to stand still. Always an innovator, the former PE teacher, who was one of the first in the country to take up that profession, is urging the provincial council to ensure that there will be Munster club action to round off the 2020 season. He feels there is time in the spring to accommodate the competition and says any impact that may have on inter-county action is worth it to crown provincial champions. “I feel it is important to keep the tradition of Munster club. I think there is no reason why it cannot be …

Derrick Lynch It was a weekend to remember for all at Spanish Point Golf Club and for the Hogan family in particular as the club claimed the Pierce Purcell Shield in dramatic fashion. Less than 24 hours after his brother Michael had lifted Jack Daly as the captain of the Kilmurry Ibrickane side crowned Clare senior football champions, Patrick Hogan sank the winning putt at the sixth sudden death hole to clinch the win over Kenmare along with playing partner Sean McMahon. The tie was scheduled to be finished the previous day, but an epic battle saw the pairings deadlocked as darkness fell, with the tournament director deciding to call a halt to proceedings until Sunday afternoon The opening hole on Sunday was halved but it was Hogan who came up trumps to give Spanish Point their first win in the competition since 2014. They will now go on to All Ireland finals at the end of October in Donegal …

Eoin Brennan What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? It’s a paradox that scientists can’t decipher but we’re about to find out in the hurling equivalent at least when neighbours Sixmilebridge and O’Callaghan’s Mills clash for the Canon Hamilton on Sunday. Sixmilebridge represent the immovable object that have maximised their golden generation to remain the team to beat each year after four crowns in seven years. Breaking that biennial pattern has proven difficult in title defences but they will be determined to make this golden opportunity count as back-to-back triumphs would ensure their status as Sixmilebridge’s greatest ever team. Their county final record has also been exemplary since the water polo final with Crusheen in 2011 as four subsequent deciders have yielded as many wins. Clooney-Quin came closest to shredding that pattern in 2017 when almost pulling off the perfect coup before ultimately losing that element of surprise for the replay. However, that aggressive pace-forcing exercise is …

Derrick Lynch There is no doubting where Martin Conlon’s loyalties will lie for Sunday’s Clare senior hurling final as the Sixmilebridge man forms part of Tim Crowe’s backroom team when they go in search of consecutive titles for the first time in almost 30 years. There are usually no secrets between neighbours in derbies like this but Conlon will have a unique insight into the opposition having spent three years involved with O’Callaghan’s Mills under the stewardship of Pat Loughnane. It was a time of progress in the East Clare club, with their championship hopes only ended in 2017 and 2018 by Ballyea. That work hit a stumbling block last year as they contested the relegation final but a renewed effort has now seen them set up a repeat of the 1993 decider. Conlon, who was part of the last Sixmilebridge squad to win titles back to back in that 1993 showdown, is not placing too much importance on his …

Eoin Brennan The words never directly came out of his mouth but there was definitely a clear sense that Bryan Donnellan’s return for a 19th season at senior level for O’Callaghan’s Mills was overtly motivated by their brush with relegation at the backend of 2019. As the captain, the 38 year old felt an extra responsibility to prove to even themselves that their spiral into the danger zone was merely an aberration. And how glad he and indeed O’Callaghan’s Mills are that their experienced core remained committed to the cause as far from the anxiety of an impending demotion showdown, the Fireballs are now on the cusp of a first county final in 27 years. “I think the championship in Clare, while I like the format of it, is not forgiving at all. This year obviously we knew that there was no relegation so that helped. Last year after back-to-back defeats to Clonlara and Newmarket, your championship year was over …

Derrick Lynch Since Kilmurry Ibrickane kick-started the most successful spell in the clubs history by winning the 2002 Clare senior football championship, Michael Hogan has been an almost ever present feature. That was his debut year as the then 18-year-old marked his first appearance on the senior team by helping the Bricks to bridge a 9 year gap with victory over Liscannor in the decider. It would prove to be the first of 18 senior football campaigns for the Quilty native in a remarkable career which will culminate in him leading his side out for Sunday’s showdown with Cratloe in Cusack Park. He also went on to be part of the Kilmurry team who became the first Clare club to contest the All-Ireland senior club football final in 2010 as they lost out to St Gall’s on the showpiece day in Croke Park. There was a year in 2012 when travel in Australia was the priority but the call of …

Derrick Lynch If Sixmilebridge are to prevail in Sunday’s Clare senior hurling final, Seadna Morey will be a key figure in their bid to put titles back to back. The county star has been a central cog in their success over recent years as he provides a constant attacking launchpad in the middle third. He has also been an ever present on the county squad since his breakthrough in the early part of the last decade saw him being part of the All-Ireland winning panel in 2013, while also being a key man in Clare’s U-21 dominance in that period. He says finding the balance between club and county panels can often be a difficult task, and feels the format in 2020 of having uninterrupted club action is something that should be maintained for the coming years. “I really have enjoyed the club scene this year. In other years we would have been focused on the county and only been …

Ahead of Sunday’s Clare SFC final, former Clare U-21 manager and Clare FM analyst Joe Garry runs the rule over Kilmurry Ibrickane and Cratloe and assesses how each side will approach a mouth watering tie. And then, there were two. After 16 championship games, played at six venues , two memorable semi-finals, all played under the dark shadow of Covid, the two best club sides in Clare will contest this weekend’s final. I was one of the fortunate few that got to witness both semi-final contests. A total of 7-60 over the two games, (6-38 from play) made for terrific entertainment but will have given both Aidan Moloney and Colm Collins plenty food for thought. I can’t see scoring chances being as flaithiúilach this weekend. Both camps know that the concession of 3-11 or indeed 1-15 will, in all likelihood, derail any thoughts of housing Jack for the winter. It’s easy to surmise that Marty McMahon’s return, after suspension, to …

Derrick Lynch One of the reasons that Cratloe are back into the Clare senior football final has been the form of midfielder Diarmuid Ryan. The underage county star and current senior hurling panelist has played a key role in their march to the decider, with his two late goals against Clondegad crucial in kickstarting their backdoor journey. The Mary Immaculate student teacher feels the manner in which they have bounced back from an opening round loss to Lissycasey has been a real positive. “In some ways it was a blessing because it really focused the minds and I felt we really upped our performance after that, particularly against the likes of Miltown where we finished really well. We are not really known at times for finishing games strong and even the last day with five minutes to go we were still struggling but it was only when Podge got that goal that we settled down. We know the next day …

Page 14 of 409« First...10 «12 131415 16 »20 30 40...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