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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

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Huge Numbers Changing Colours For CF

Derrick Lynch “A life that touches others goes on forever” When Síle Callinan passed away in March 2017, this mantra was one which brought a form of solace to her wide circle of family and friends. The Cooraclare native lost her battle with CF at 26 years old, and since her passing her legacy has been ingrained in sport and CF campaigning with the establishment of the Síle Callinan Memorial Ladies Football 7’s tournament. Síle’s fiancé Michéal Talty along with the Callinan family have been the driving force behind the hugely popular event, with GAA celebrities like Cora Staunton and Joe Brolly among the names who have visited the tournament since its inception. Covid-19 restrictions meant that the tournament could not be held in its usual format in 2020, but Michéal was determined that the core values of the event could still be maintained, albeit in a much different way. The Change Your Colours for CF initative has seen sporting …

Clare Ladies Football Semi Final Previews The line up for the 2020 Clare Senior Ladies football final will be known this weekend with both last four ties down for decision. Reigning champions Kilmihil take on a Banner Ladies outfit who will be bidding to avenge their final defeat last year, while championship newcomers Cooraclare meet West Clare Gaels. Clare ladies football manager James Murrihy cast his eye over the championship to date and looked ahead to both semi final ties. Cooraclare have made a really positive start to their first year back at senior level in not only beating Doora Barefield but also toppling the champions Kilmihil. The Banner’s group has been quite one sided and they have not really had to come out of second or third gear in overcoming West Clare Gaels and Cúil Gaels. The game between the other two was competitive enough with West Clare Gaels winning by six or seven points. In that side of …

Clare SHC Quarter-Final Preview Eire Óg v Feakle The last available spot in this year’s Clare senior hurling championship semi-finals is the prize on offer this weekend when these two square off in Cusack Park. Both sides carry winning momentum into the game, but the time between Sunday’s showdown and when those victories came is the big difference. Eire Óg were impressive in seeing off last year’s beaten finalists Cratloe a fortnight ago where a powerful closing quarter saw them pull away for a merited six point win. Feakle were equally impressive by the manner in which they saw off the challenge of Clarecastle where Shane McGrath’s 4-10 haul was the highlight of a 5-20 to 2-12 victory. That win came four weeks ago, so managing the gap between games will have been a challenge for the Mike Guilfoyle led outfit. That dynamic will be a factor in the game, and it remains to be seen who it will fall …

It was Groundhog Day in Doora last Sunday. For some if not most within Clare Soccer circles, the repetitive nature associated with seeing Newmarket Celtic lift another Clare Cup has now become monotonous. At this stage it has become an annual pilgrimage that doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. So should Newmarket Celtic offer up apologies? Absolutely not. This is supposed to be an aging Newmarket team, yet they have just put the finishing touches to an unbeaten double consecutively for the last three years. Five players collected their ninth medal in a row with Daithi O Connell claiming his tenth having previously won one with former rivals Rineanna Rovers. The question should be asked in reflection of Sunday is what are Newmarket Celtic are doing that others aren’t? They say nothing lasts forever and this stretch of league and cup wins in particular will have to end soon but who will end it? If Bridge United can …

Clare IHC Semi-Final Preview: Tubber v St Joseph’s Doora Barefield Two sides that have hit the crossbar in their promotion bids over recent years clash here for a spot in the 2020 decider. If this year’s game produces even half as much drama as was witnessed when these two clashed 12 months ago, then it will be titanic battle on Friday evening. The quarter-final stage was where they met in 2019, in a game that produced a total of 9-41 after a dramatic extra-time showdown which St Joseph’s edged 5-20 to 4-21. It came after Tubber had reeled in a nine point deficit down the home straight of normal time, with St Joseph’s eventually coming through in the added period. Both sides have arguably struggled for form early in this year’s championship but Tubber will have the bit between their teeth after racking up 5-14 in their quarter-final win over Sixmilebridge’s second outfit. St Joseph’s have been laboured in a …

Inagh-Kilnamona captain Clare Hehir gave an impressive display for her club en route to booking a final spot in a titanic extra-time battle against Kilmaley on Saturday evening. Hehir was elated after the victory and admitted the Kilmaley goals really rocked them to their core. “We are absolutely delighted. We knew it was going to be really tough. Obviously, them being our neighbours, there is that great rivalry there, but they also came through their group very well. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy and the result showed that. They shocked us in the first few minutes with the goal and we were kind of clinging on for most of the game, trying to launch a comeback. It took us 60 minutes just to draw level and 20 more to pull ahead,” Hehir said. While their backs were against wall as they trailed by five points with roughly 20 minutes to go, Hehir said the Combo never panicked. …

Newmarket manager Brian Enright said his side had to fight extremely hard to book their spot in the final of the Clare Senior Camogie Championship with a win over Scariff-Ogonnelloe. Enright admitted it looked like the tie was slipping away from his side as the minutes ticked on but was proud that his players ground out a result. “We have huge respect for our opponents. They beat us well in the final last year so we were under no illusions as to how tough it would be. We knew we would have to bring our A game and we did. They really had to fight and grind it out and find something in the final few minutes. “I thought it was slipping away from us, but our attitude was that we had to acquit ourselves well today and there is no questioning their character. Thankfully, we got over the line.” Lorraine Bible’s goal in the 54th minute turned the game …

Derrick Lynch It was a weekend to remember for Ennis Track Club at the National Athletics Championships with Clare men taking both gold and silver in the final of the 3000m steeplechase. Rory Chesser continued his outstanding record in the event as he captured a seventh national title to take first place in a time of 9.39.62. The victory was made all the sweeter as his clubmate and debutante Mark Hanrahan powered home to take the silver medal. Hanrahan, who is still in the Junior age category, came home in second spot with a time of 10.04.78. Chesser was understandably in buoyant mood after the race and outlined while he felt his time could have been better, he was just glad to be taking the silverware back to the county. “The plan was to do 10k this year and move on to half marathon in a couple of weeks but training has not been going well. It is nice to …

Clare Minor A Hurling Quarter Finals Clooney-Quin 2-14 Clarecastle 0-19 An early goal blitz ultimatley proved crucial as Clooney-Quin edged out Clarecastle in this entertaining tussle in Gurteen. It was a dramatic start and a dramatic finish, with Dylan Cunningham’s late free eventually settling the contest. Clarecastle had a chance to send the game to extra-time but Cian Galvin saw his free drop just wide of the posts in the dying moments. Clooney-Quin struck for a brace of goals inside the opening quarter through Cunningham and John Conneally to lead 2-5 to 0-4 at the opening water break, and it was that strong start which would give them the cushion to eventually see out the win. Colm Cassidy and Cunningham were in fine scoring form for the winners, who built a 2-14 to 0-11 lead by half-time. Clarecastle regrouped well in the third quarter to cut that gap to four, and Conor Halpins’s trio of points in the final period …

Miltown moved within one more win of the Clare SFC semi finals with a routine victory over Cooraclare in this playoff tie. The champions were dominant throughout, and no one moreso than Cormac Murray with the county star firing 2-4 from play in an eye-catching showing. His goals came either side of the half time break, with the game played mostly in driving rain in Kilmihil. Miltown led 0-5 to 0-2 at the opening water break, firing the last four scores of the quarter having briefly trailed. The downpour led to a scrappy second quarter, with Murray’s goal and an Eoin Cleary point being the only scores as they built a 1-6 to 0-2 interval lead. A quickfire 1-1 from Murray after the restart quelled any hopes of a contest breaking out as a disappointing Cooraclare struggled for space in a resolute Miltown defence. Jack Morrisey put some semblance of respectability on the scoreline with 1-2 at the end of …

The line up for this year’s Clare senior camogie decider will be decided this weekend with a brilliant double header of semi-final action in store at Fr McNamara Park. Joint Clare junior camogie manager Ann-Marie McGann looks ahead to what will be two high quality games in the race for the McMahon Cup. Scariff-Ogonnelloe v Newmarket-On-Fergus Like true champions, Scariff-Ogonnelloe have weathered the storm they have faced since losing to Inagh-Kilnamona in the earlier rounds, and they deserve to now be back into the semi-finals. They have proven they have the ability to dig deep when it is needed and this game will be no different. There is a real sense that this game will won by sheer determination and grit and who will hold their nerve. Things can go against you in games so it could well boil down to which team is able to keep their shape and stick to the plan if something goes against them. Newmarket …

Bórd na nÓg Iomant are pleading with clubs in Clare to abide by Covid-19 guidelines in order to ensure that underage championships are completed on time. The U-14 and minor competitions are currently underway but games are being played effectively behind closed doors due to Government guidelines. Clarification has been issued that one parent per child are permitted to attend games along with a maximum of 40 people per club to include a panel of 24, team mentors, club officials and stewards. In a statement to clubs, the underage board outlined that “we understand and are fully thankful that most clubs have done their best to adhere to the guidelines to date, we are aware that some clubs have not and especially in allowing an open gate policy for underage games. This cannot be allowed to happen again under the current restrictions”. It also stated that unless all clubs comply there will be no option but to suspend fixtures while …

Clare Ladies Senior Football Championship: Cooraclare 1-9 Doora Barefield 1-6 Last year’s intermediate champions Cooraclare sealed their spot in this year’s senior semi-finals with a hard fought win over Doora Barefield on Monday evening. The Sky Blues made sure of their passage straight to the last four as group winners with a second consecutive victory in another composed showing. Keeva Corry’s first half goal proved the defining score of the game as the West Clare outfit built up a 1-4 to 0-3 interval lead. The opening quarter was keenly contested with the home side having a number of missed chances before Keeva Corry got them off the mark. Chloe Towey was prominent throughout the contest in the Doora Barefield attack, and she pointed either side of a good effort from Nicola Keating. Aisling Morrissey found the range to end the first quarter as Cooraclare led 0-3 to 0-2 at the opening water break. The second quarter was a cagey affair, …

Intermediate Championship Tulla 4-05 Eire Og 4-14 A strong first half performance secured an intermediate semi-final place for Éire Óg when they made the short journey to Tulla on Saturday evening. The townies raced into a 6 point lead with five of their forwards raising white flags before Tulla halved the lead with a well struck goal just before the water break. Éire Óg worked hard to regain the momentum in the second quarter and outscored their hosts by 3-05 to 1-02, leaving the half time score at 3-11 to 2-02. Tulla defended well in the second half and pointed after two minutes of play. An Amy Russell point restored Éire Ógs 12-point lead, while her sister Jodie stretched the lead to 15 with a superb goal. Tulla dominated the final quarter, scoring 2 goals and two points, but the comeback was too late and the final score of Éire Óg 4-14 to Tulla 4-05 means the end of the …

Clare SHC: Eire Óg 1-18 Cratloe 0-15 1-11 from Danny Russell helped Eire Óg through to the Clare SHC quarter-finals as the Townies set up a last eight showdown with Feakle. With 38 minutes on the clock, Cratloe led by 0-14 to 0-8, but from here to the final whistle, they mustered just one further score as Matthew Shannon’s side dominated the closing stages. The comeback was sparked by Danny Russell’s opportunist 40th minute goal as he whipped on a breaking ball in the square to flash the ball past Gearoid Ryan and sparked a period where Eire Og outscored last year’s beaten finalists by 1-10 to 0-1 in a 12 point turnaround. The return of David Reidy to the midfield engine room was a boost for Eire Óg while Russell’s movement up front caused problems throughout. Cratloe also lost full-back Mikey Hawes to a leg injury early in the game and his absence from the defence in the closing …

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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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