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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

Sport

Cooney’s Family Fortunes Coming To The Fore In Clare SHC Final

Eoin Brennan There was never any doubt that Gary Cooney would follow in his father’s footsteps in the famed O’Callaghan’s Mills senior jersey. Along with elder sibling Ciaran, the Cooney brothers have provided a new injection of talent to an already experienced core, just as their father Donal did when embarking on his first county final in Carron in 1986. County decider reverses to Clarecastle (1986), Éire Óg (1990) and Sixmilebridge (1993) could never be solaced by a handful of Clare Cup crowns as despite being perennial contenders, Donal Cooney and Co. were unable to emulate the club heroes of the 1930’s or even stop the ‘Bridge from securing back-to-back crowns for the first time in their history. 27 years on and history repeats itself once more as their near neighbours are looking to retain their title once more against the Mills, with Donal Cooney now a selector and his sons proving instrumental cogs on the team. However, while the …

Derrick Lynch When Mark Killeen started out on his senior football journey with Kilmurry Ibrickane, it was clear that he was destined to end up as key cog in the full-back line. He had plenty advice at the kitchen table at home, with his father Kevin being a corner back of distinction for the club, including being a central figure in their championship success in 1993. When asked how much of the dark arts of defending were passed on to him by his father, Mark is quick to point out the differences in how they approach that role. “The TV replays would not have favoured him too much anyway. He had a different style of football to me. My style would be more trying to be out in front of my man” he laughs. Since his first county final appearance in 2005, Killeen has developed a reputation as one of the best man markers in Clare club football. Understated in …

Derrick Lynch 2020 has been a mixed bag so far for Cathal McInerney, but in a sporting sense he is hoping it culminates with a third Clare senior football title. The secondary school teacher was forced to miss out on the early part of this year’s campaign as a hamstring injury threatened to derail his entire club season. He made his return against Clondegad in the opening playoff round and since then has hit the ground running to rattle off 1-22 in three games to date, including 1-9 in their semi final win over St Breckan’s, and is odds on to claim yet another championship top scorer award. The Limerick based secondary school teacher admits it was a tough road back to fitness but is confident that it is now behind him. “It just came at a terrible time of the year really. At the start of it I thought I would be out for the whole year but it …

Kieran Harvey Clare Minor C Hurling Final: Ennistymon 1-18 Doora Barefield 4-5 There were joyful scenes after the final whistle in Corofin on Sunday where Ennistymon captured their first county minor hurling championship in 37 years. The foundations for the victory were laid down in a dominant first quarter where Ennistymon held a 0-08 to 0-0 lead at the first water break. Good scores by Adam O’Connor, Diarmuid Fahy and Joshua Vaughan along with accurate free taking from MacDara O’Keeffe meant that Ennistymon continued to hold an 8 point lead at the half time break on a scoreline of 0-12 to 0-4. A goal from Eoin Burke gave St Josephs a glimmer of hope early in the second half. However Ennistymon had only conceded 0-3 in their semi-final victory, and their defence was performing very impressively once again in this final. At the second half water break, the scoreline stood at 0-15 to 1-05. The game was then turned on …

U14B Hurling Championship Final: Clarecastle 1-16 Kilmaley 2-11 A strong final quarter saw Clarecastle finally brush off the stubborn challenge of an excellent Kilmaley side to claim the U-14 B Championship honours in sunny Ballyea on Sunday morning. Kilmaley got the dream start with Jamie Healy scoring the first point of the game within the first five minutes with further points from James Murphy, Patrick Clancy and Ben McMahon. Soon after Healy’s second score landed in the back of the Magpies net to establish a lead of 1-4 within the first 10 minutes. Clarecastle soon settled after the 13th minute with points from Paul O’Connell (0-2f), John Sweeney, Harry Doherty and Evan Price. A further 1-3 from Kilmaley gave their side a comfortable six point lead at the break on a score of 2-7 to 0-7. Martin Sweeney got the Magpies off to the perfect start with a goal in the opening minute of the second half. Kilmaley quickly responded …

Clare U-14A Hurling Final: Sixmilebridge 4-10 Inagh-Kilnamona 2-14 (AET) Sixmilebridge edged a dramatic contest with Inagh-Kilnamona on a day when both sides served up hurling of an exception standard. It was clear throughout this contest that there was little to seperate the sides with just one between them at the half-time interval. Inagh-Kilnamona looked to have stolen a march when a strong third quarter saw them open up a six point lead by the final water break but the ‘Bridge battled bravely with Eamon Breen’s goal helping to force the added period. Finn Murphy’s early goal, created by Niall Liddane, helped Sixmilebridge to lead 1-2 to 0-3 at the opening water break with Inagh-Kilnamona playing against the wind. Liddane was influential throughout and forced Inagh-Kilnamona goalkeeper Frankie Roughan into a brilliant save early in the second quarter. The sides traded points before a big moment arrived as Fred Hegarty found the net with a clever finish to put the Combo …

Patrick Hogan (O’Callaghan’s Mills Minor Club Secretary) Clare Minor B Hurling Final: O’Callaghan’s Mills 0-18 Tulla 1-6 O’Callaghan’s Mills/Bodyke captured the U-18B title on Saturday evening by defeating Tulla on a scoreline of 0-18 to 1-6. The amalgamation started very brightly with two well taken scores by Tommy Wiley at wing forward. Seanie Doyle who was very accurate from frees, stretched the lead to 4 before Tulla had their first score through Sean Withycombe. At the opening water break the Mills/Bodyke led by 0-5 to 0-1 . Tulla came out more energized after the break and Dan Withycombe got Tulla back to level terms with a goal. However, this would be as close as they got, as the Mills/Bodyke didn’t panic and out scored their neighbours with fine scores from Seanie Doyle and a sideline cut by Cormac Murphy to go in at half time 0-9 to 1-4 in front. Now playing with the aid of the breeze the almagamation scored …

Minor A Inagh Kilnamona 1-13 Scariff Ogonnelloe 2-13 Scarriff Ogonnelloe made the journey Kilnamona on Wednesday last to play Inagh Kilnamona minors in the final championship game and went away with a win secured in the dying minutes of the game. This was a hard-fought game from start to finish. Scarriff Ogonnelloe had two points on the board before Muireann Daffy put one over for the home team just before the mid-way point of the half minute. Scarriff Ogonnelloe responded with a converted free before the water break. Inagh Kilnamona drew level with points from Sarah Coote and Daffy. The closing minutes of the first half saw Scarriff Ogonnelloe convert a brace of frees with Inagh Kilnamonas Aoibhinn Ryan also converting from placed ball to leave the half time score Scariff Ogonnelloe 0-6 Inagh Kilnamona 0-4. The third quarter was a tight affair with Scarriff Ogonnelloe adding a further five points to their tally whilst the home side added four through Ryan(3) and Cara McInerney. There …

Michael Duggan Clarecastle native, Gearoid O’Loughlin, is a trainer going places. Having spent time honing his skills with such learned men as Jim Bolger, Martin Brassil, Enda Bolger and the Costello clan here in County Clare, the former amateur jockey is currently in-situ at Chris Jones’ Killeen Glebe Estate in County Meath. A pristine 200-acre establishment just outside Dunsghaughlin, Jones’ place combines buying and selling store horses with an ever-expanding training operation. This year, Jones, who used to have most of his string with leading trainer Gordon Elliott, has opted to keep more of his horses at home, where O’Loughlin will oversee their preparation. This arrangement allows the Clare man to keep a few of his own horses too and he was on the mark at Tramore last Thursday where his Whatsyourstatus ran out a facile winner of the Waterford Greenway Beginners’ Chase. The 17/2 shot was originally due to be ridden by Conor McNamara, but he was stood down …

A bonanza weekend of Schoolboys Soccer Cup Finals kicked off on Saturday last with the U-13 Cup Finals. The games were played in fabulous weather and in a very competitive spirit with some great talent on show. The U-13 Division One Cup went to Shannon Hibs as they recorded a 3-1 win over Tulla United in the opening game of the day, while Division Two honours went the way of Lifford AFC with a 3-1 victory over Sporting Ennistymon. The Division Three Cup went to West Clare when St Pat’s AFC got the better of Shannon Town in a dramatic game that went all the way to extra-time. It was the Kilmihil boys who struck for glory as they picked up a 2-1 win. The U-15 finals were the focus on Sunday, where Ennis Town took the top honours in Division One as they beat Burren United 2-0. Newmarket Celtic were crowned Division Two champions after beating Coole FC 1-0. …

Covid-19 restrictions mean that one of the traditional aspects of the biggest days in Clare GAA will not be present in 2020. St Patrick’s Tulla Pipe Band have been an ever present feature on county final day for the traditional pre match parade along with entertaining the crowd across the afternoon. With current restrictions limiting the number of people allowed access to the grounds for this weekend’s deciders, a spokesperson for Clare GAA has confirmed that the decision had to be taken to forego with that tradition in order to ensure as many spectators as possible were allocated tickets for the upcoming games. It means that there now be no pre-match parade before this weekend’s finals.

Derrick Lynch Sunday’s Clare ladies football final will be a hugely emotional occasion for the Harvey family as West Clare Gaels make their bid for the senior title. It will mark the first final appearance for Ciara, Shauna, Grainne and Caoimhe since their father Kieran’s passing last year, with the former chairman of Clare LGFA being an ever present figure along with his wife Mary throughout their time with their beloved club. It was Kieran who was on hand 12 months ago to present Kilmihil captain Ellie O’Gorman with the trophy after they dethroned the Banner, with the Querrin native going to his eternal rest less than two months later. Caoimhe, who will captain her side on Sunday, feels that Kieran will be there in spirit to aid their bid for glory. “It will be a very emotional day for us as a family to have that first county final without Dad. He will certainly be shining down on us …

Derrick Lynch As the Banner Ladies embark on their atonement mission this Sunday to reclaim their Clare senior ladies football title, the message from their manager could not be any simpler. JJ O’Dea has been around Gaelic Games for long enough to know what is needed to plan a successful campaign, with the Kilfenora man having plenty success on the field himself, including captaining St Mary’s College to glory way back in 1979. The modern day approach to coaching the game has seen it move towards near professionalism, but the Burren farmer still feels that the fundamentals have not changed. “Football is a very simple game. There are a lot of laptops going around now, but it really is a simple game. You make the blockdowns and you put the ball over the bar” is how JJ breaks down what needs to be done to come through the test that lies ahead. Defeat in the 2019 decider robbed the Shanway …

Derrick Lynch Last weekend’s win over neighbours Smith O’Brien’s saw Scariff finally break their semi-final hoodoo as they atoned for two last four heartbreaks to book their spot in the decider. It did not come easy as they went all the way to extra-time while also having goalkeeper Liam Doyle to thank after his dramatic penalty save from Tommy Reddan in the dying embers of the game. For Scariff boss Mark McKenna, the result was about much more than just local bragging rights as they finally broke through that glass ceiling to reach the showpiece event. “We have been trying to get here for a long time now and we have been beaten in two semi-finals. This was our third one and it was one that we really targetted to win and get to the final. We have achieved what we set out to do and we are delighted to have done it because it is a great position to …

Derrick Lynch It has been a positive hurling year for Domhnall McMahon so far, even if part of it was lost to the Covid-19 lockdown. 2020 saw the Tubber man making his senior debut for Brian Lohan’s Clare as he played his part in Clare’s National League run. That progress was brought to a sudden halt with the outbreak of the virus, but since the resumption of sporting activity, McMahon has continued his strong form to play a key role in helping Tubber to a third Clare intermediate hurling final in the last four years. McMahon, a final year business student in Athlone IT, admits even getting back on to the field was a bonus but they are now ready to make the most of the opportunity that lies ahead. “It is was unexpected for everyone this year I think given all that has gone on over the last few months but we are just happy to be back in …

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Banner brilliance dominates hurling All-Star nominations

Clare’s epic 2024 season that saw them capture the Liam MacCarthy Cup for the first time since 2013 and the Allianz League title for the first time since 2016 sees them deservingly dominate the list of PwC Hurling All-Stars nominees announced this morning. The Banner braves are the standout contingent in the list of 45 names and have 14 players nominated across all areas of the field. In addition, star forward Shane O’Donnell is nominated for PwC GAA/GPA Hurler of the Year where he is joined by Cork’s midfield dynamo Darragh Fitzgibbon and Limerick’s defensive rock Kyle Hayes. The PwC GAA/GPA Young Hurler of the Year nominees are Clare’s Adam Hogan, Cork’s Eoin Downey and Limerick’s Cathal O’Neill. There are eight counties represented in total. The breakdown is Clare 14, Cork 10, Limerick nine, Kilkenny four, with Waterford, Wexford, Dublin and Antrim having two representatives each. Goalkeepers: Patrick Collins (Cork), Nickie Quaid (Limerick) and Eibhear Quilligan (Clare). Defenders: Adam Hogan …
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Tones just shade 12 goal thriller
Can the real Inagh-Kilnamona please stand up?
Group of Death comes alive
Intermediate predictability dashed by compelling Group 4

Intermediate predictability dashed by compelling Group 4

Intermediate Hurling Championship Round 3, Group 1 Clarecastle v Smith O’Brien’s at Páirc Micheál Uí hEithir Cratloe, Saturday 5pm, (Andy McMahon, Cratloe) They’ve met regularly in the Clare Cup and even the Magpies’ second string have battled Smith O’Brien’s but at adult championship level, this appears to be the first time that their flagship sides have clashed. It would potentially have been a heavyweight showdown if the Killaloe-Bridgetown side were at their 2021 or ’22 levels while it will still be a battle, the loss of key players to emigration for Smith O’Brien’s should mean that Clarecastle possess the better balance to shade matters and top the group. Verdict: Clarecastle Ruan v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield at Crusheen, Saturday 5pm, (Jim Hickey, Cratloe) It’s only three years ago since St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield’s first team raided for five goals to floor Ruan in the intermediate semi-final. However, it’s a strong sign of the Parish that while their first team is now operating …

Clooney or not Clooney, that is the question

On initial viewing, the race for the Fr. Murray Memorial Cup (intermediate camogie) appears fairly straight-forward. After all, with all three semi-finalists from 2023 (Tulla, Whitegate and Éire Óg) and senior demotee Clooney-Quin split evenly between the two groups, the business end overtly looks clear-cut. Clooney-Quin’s senior experience along with negotiating their way to intermediate glory as recently as 2021 makes them the stand-out candidates, with Tulla currently ranking a close second having contested back-to-back intermediate finals, three if you include the replay in 2022 against eventual champions Clarecastle/Ballyea. They won’t want to see another mid-Clare side join them in the second tier but for Tulla, it’s all about learning from their previous deciders and leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of reaching the promised land of senior. Whitegate were beaten finalists to Clooney-Quin in 2021 and actually meet them first this Thursday evening at 7pm, in what is potentially a Group A decider in Clooney and the same …

Clare camogie power base is still in the East

Current kingpins Truagh-Clonlara and Scariff-Ogonnelloe may have switched roles last October after the latter’s two year reign but having clashed in the last three finals, they will be overwhelming favourites to do so once more come October 19th. It’s up to the chasing pack to alter that perceived narrative as with only the finalists seeded for this year’s race for the McMahon Cup, the groups initially appear a bit lopsided. After all, with three of last year’s semi-finalists (Scariff-Ogonnelloe, Inagh-Kilnamona and Feakle-Killanena) pooled in Group B, the fact that there are two business end berths means that one major contender has to fall at the group stages. Scariff-Ogonnelloe’s vast experience of three titles in the last five seasons makes them the forerunners to maintain their perfect group record as since bounding back to senior level in 2017, they have progressed to the penultimate stage at a minimum. That’s a seven year record that no other senior side in the county …

Doora/Barefield hit the ’Bricks for six

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 6-10 Kilmurry Ibrickane 2-13 Senior Ladies’ Football Championship Group A Round 1 It took free kicks to finally separate these sides in the Division 1 League decider but this time it was six timely goals that ensured revenge for St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield but also a major opening boost to what is unquestionably the group of death in this year’s senior ladies football championship in Gurteen on Sunday afternoon. Such a heartbreaking means of losing a final seemed to be channelled into Sunday’s display for the Parish who were never behind at any stage despite facing into the strong conditions in the opening period. Decisive first half goals through Roisin Fowley, Lyndsay Clarke and Aoibhinn McMahon kept wind-assisted Kilmurry Ibrickane at arm’s length in the opening period, with Chloe Moloney inevitably leading the charge with seven points in what was a compelling tussle with fellow county senior Siofra Ní Chonaill at 3-5 to 0-9 by the break The …

‘There was hurling in Clonbony before there was hurling in Sixmilebridge’

When Limerick referee Johnny Murphy blew his full time whistle at the end of what was arguably the greatest All-Ireland final of all time there was naturally a huge outpouring of emotion the length and breath of this beautiful County. For the people, especially the hurling fraternity, in places like Ennistymon, Clonbony and Kilkee there was also an overwhelming sense of pride as Miltown’s Conor Cleary and Ennistymon’s Cathal Malone walked the steps of the Hogan Stand. Heroes forever more to every Clare person, be they man woman or child, these two great warriors are now the proud owners of a coveted Celtic Cross medal and their achievements will no doubt inspire a whole new generation of children to pick up a hurley and dream of following in their footsteps. Sport has always been part of the DNA of the Banner and hurling has always had a massive following all over the County. In recent weeks the John Hynes Memorial …

The rocky road to recovery

The resilience shown by Clare hurlers Ryan Taylor and Tony Kelly to battle back from serious injuries has been lauded by team physiotherapist for the last three years, Shane Malone. While Shane has attended All-Ireland homecomings in his native Kerry following All-Ireland successes, he described last week’s welcome for the Liam McCarthy Cup in Clare as “incredible”. He will never forget the hundreds of Clare hurling supporters who lined the streets and rural roads to welcome the team home, which was a real “eye opener”. “The enthusiasm and love for Brian Lohan and the team is quite different from my previous experiences. I was very impressed by the volume of support out there for the Clare team. It shows the high esteem they are held within the county. “The response from Clare fans all year has been unbelievable. There is a great connection between Brian Lohan and the county and people respond when they like what they see. “The way …

‘A special day and a special win’ – Diarmuid Ryan

The relief; the jubilation on the field when it was all over; the calm and satisfaction afterwards as Clare left Croke Park secure in the knowledge that they’d be back in a few weeks time. These were the winning moods and personas displayed among the players as they went on their way after the glass ceiling of this All-Ireland semi-final stage had finally been cracked. A first All-Ireland semi-final win over Kilkenny since 1997 and only a second championship win over Kilkenny ever; a day of atonement for the most recent semi-final defeats against Kilkenny; an All-Ireland final day out to look forward to on July 21. “It’s a special feeling for sure,” said Diarmuid Ryan. “A special day and a special win but we’re going to knuckle down for two weeks and the All-Ireland final.” As he spoke the reset had already taken place – the hoopla had died down, with Ryan and the rest of the players being …

‘We grabbed it with both hands’ – Tony Kelly

It’s a measure of the standards that Tony Kelly has set in his 13 years as a senior inter-county hurler and of his star quality that despite being subdued for the first 45 minutes of the All-Ireland semi-final that he still ended up as one of the game’s most influential players. Doing the maths tells this story – no Clare player ended up with more than him from play as he top-scored jointly with David Reidy who had a huge game in the 61 minutes of game time that he got. And for the Ballyea colossus, who has slipped into the veteran classes almost unnoticed, his three-point burst down the long home straight of this All-Ireland was a crucial part of the power-play that ultimately swamped Kilkenny and left them shellshocked at the end. And you could say that this comeback was really kickstarted by Kelly, with his opening point being the first response to the Billy Ryan goal, which …

Dominant display drives Blues to record 26th Clare Cup title

Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-19 Inagh-Kilnamona 1-11 The victor wasn’t a surprise but the manner of Newmarket-on-Fergus’ 26th Clare Cup title certainly proved to be as the roll of honour leaders had a rather bloodless final triumph in Clarecastle on Friday evening. Bridging a six year gap to their last Clare Cup crown, it was an utterly commanding display when first responding to the hammerblow of an early goaled Inagh-Kilnamona penalty to outscore them by 1-7 to 0-1 in the second quarter and carve out a match-winning 1-11 to 1-04 interval cushion. Indeed, it wouldn’t have flattered the Blues had the half-time chasm been doubled as amidst their second quarter siege, James Carrig’s side passed up four glorious goal chances in as many minutes just before the recess. Niall O’Connor was outstanding at the back, Peter Power was equally influential at the other end while Stephen Casey was also hugely effectual when switched to shadow Inagh-Kilnamona’s talisman Fred Hegarty. This was an impressive …

Kearns’ golden goal secures Division 3 Hurling League title for the Parish

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 2-14 O’Callaghan’s Mills 0-17 It really doesn’t matter if you lead early in a match or are chasing the game for lengthy spells but what does matter though is who is ahead when it counts the most and that’s at the final whistle. On Sunday morning out in Tulla the men from the Parish epitomised resilience and got their just rewards for never surrendering when grabbing the lead for the only time in the sixtieth minute to practically steal a cracking league final that was played in a hugely sporting manner. It was two second strings but nobody who was in Dr.Daly Park would have guessed that as these two played out a superbly contested battle that ebbed and flowed throughout with the result in doubt right up until referee Pat Healy’s full time whistle. Level on six occasions it took a late late Conor Kearns goal to decide the destination of league honours. One could only …

Éire Óg go to town on the ’Bridge

Éire Óg 3-20 Sixmilebridge 2-14 There’s always a certain level of respect between clubs but sometimes there’s also a level of contempt that is evident for all to see. On Sunday evening this Division 2 final was practically over by the end of the opening quarter. The townies who would have genuine Canon Hamilton ambitions were going through the motions and without much exertion had eased to an eight point lead. Fast forward to the final minutes and after battling throughout the Bridge’s second team who will compete in the Intermediate Championship to their credit only trailed by nine. Gerry O’Connor’s charges are in complete and utter control with several tap over point opportunities but rather than take them they continually try to engineer another green flag to inflict more pain on their opponents. I suppose a series of high profile clashes between the clubs in recent years will have that effect and they did eventually get their third major in …

Clare set for Wexican stand-off

The distinctive stench of turpentine has permeated around the county in the last two weeks as slates have been cleaned and canvases blanked ahead of Clare’s senior hurling championship resumption in Thurles this Saturday. Following the heartbreak of a third consecutive Munster Final reverse to trophy hoovers Limerick at the same venue last time out, picking up the pieces has never been more important as they look to regather self-belief, confidence and momentum once more in the All-Ireland series. While earning the unwanted record of being only the second team ever to lose three Munster deciders to the same opposition was harrowing enough, the despondency surrounding the below-par performance made it arguably the most disappointing of all three provincial final clashes. After all, Brian Lohan’s side had exceeded all expectations to push Limerick all the way to extra-time in a Munster Final for the ages in 2022 while the Banner subsequently almost took down the champions in their own home …

Promotion the main prize for semi-final winners

Adult Football League Semi-Finals (Winner on the day) Cusack Cup Semi-Final Lissycasey v St Joseph’s Miltown at Lissycasey, Friday 7.30pm (Jim Hickey, Cratloe) Considering the seesaw form of these sides in recent seasons, it’s hard to believe that only three years ago, Miltown were Cusack Cup and Lissycasey were Garry Cup champions. All because both have been in the second tier since and are now vying for a pre-championship boost of attempting to dethrone holders Ennistymon in the final. Lissycasey were subsequently beaten finalists to Corofin in 2022, the same season that Miltown dropped to the second tier. However, having secured a first Garry Cup crown in 18 years twelve months ago, it would be a major jolt to qualify for the Cusack Cup decider once more. Meanwhile it’s 17 years since Lissycasey last contested and won their sole Cusack Cup title, a major carrot in itself this Friday evening as they look to make home advantage count. The sides …

Ballyea in a league of their Eoin after powerful finish

Under 18A Hurling League Final Ballyea 1-20 Sixmilebridge 1-11 A devastating finish saw Ballyea complete a remarkable 13 point second half turnaround to snatch their first ever Under 18A League title on the away soil of O’Garney Park in Sixmilebridge on Wednesday evening. Having led for the previous 30 minutes, the ‘Bridge seemed set for victory themselves when accentuating their 0-8 to 0-7 half-time edge with a goal after only 25 seconds of the restart as good play from Stephen Gavin was finished to the bottom right corner by Donal O’Leary. However, it was if subconsciously the home side assumed that the job was done as they would be sorely second best for the remainder as the defiant visitors outscored them by 1-13 to 0-03 in the final 30 minutes. Eoin Kennedy found his range from frees while the talismanic Eoin O’Connor provided the real spark to ignite Ballyea’s challenge when fielding a Dillon Killoughery delivery to cut in from …

900 million fans shows the popularity of volleyball

Volleyball is one of the most popular sports there is with over 900 million fans worldwide. That fanbase is growing all the time and the sport consistently ranks in the top five of the most watched global sports. At the end of the month Ireland will head to San Marino for the CEV SCA (European Volleyball Small Countries Association) Championship where they will face Scotland, Malta, Northern Ireland and hosts San Marino in the group stages. The Banner County have had huge success in the sport with the Senior and Junior All Ireland titles residing in the county courtesy of the Coláiste Muire and the Munster Thunder clubs. The strength of the sport in Clare can be highlighted by the fact that four Banner players will represent Ireland in the tournament. Amy O’Sullivan, Catriona Ní Riordan, TJ Sweeney and Maria Jones will all proudly don the green jersey in Serraville from May 30th to June 2nd. Three of the girls …

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