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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

Sport

Ultimate aim for Ennis/Kilrush RFC is to play in the All Ireland league

Ennis/Kilrush women’s rugby club have only been in existence for two years. Their growth and progress has been nothing short of sensational with huge success. This year alone they won the Division 1 league and Munster Cup. Beaten in the All Ireland semi-final by a solitary try against eventual winners Tullow has only whetted their appetite and as a club there’s fierce determination to make it to the All Ireland League. Coach Gareth O’Hanlon is so proud of all involved and wants to encourage any girls who might want to take up rugby to come and join the club. “It’s truly been a remarkable journey. To think we’re only two years in existence and to be the standout team in the entire competition is amazing.” Ennis/Kilrush rugby club like to play an attractive brand of attacking rugby and scored a remarkable 65 tries in seventeen matches this year, something coach O’Hanlon is immensely proud of. “When we as a management …

DAVID Ryan is the BUI Celtic super lightweight champion after a night of huge drama in Dublin. His title fight with Tony McGlynn was a real epic, but even its drama was overshadowed by the events that followed the final bell. While referee Emile Tiedt appeared to be raising Ryan’s hand, Tony McGlynn was announced as the winner on a scoreline of 78-73, to the consternation of the Ryan supporters in the crowd. However that announcement was a mistake, due to a very unfortunate breakdown in communication, and it was later confirmed that Ryan is the new champion. Clare fight fans will naturally be delighted that Ryan was the winner, and he did deserve the victory, but one would have to have huge sympathy for McGlynn who was thrown from elation into despair. From the first bell this was a completely absorbing fight, and the two fighters setting an electric pace from the outset. McGlynn started well and probably took …

Under 18B Hurling League Final Feakle-Killanena 3-17 Scariff-Ogonnelloe 2-12 There’s no room for sentiment in a derby as Feakle-Killanena re-emphasised when emphatically halting Scariff-Ogonnelloe’s bid for a three-in-a-row of Minor B League crowns in Feakle on Wednesday evening. Despite both sides having six players to the age, Feakle-Killenana had a distinct physical advantage with dominant centre-back Aaron Moloney ruling the rearguard while twin towers Patrick Daly (1-8) and captain Owen McGann (1-5) were wrecking balls to Scariff-Ogonnelloe’s retention hopes. Twins Daragh and Stephen Clancy and goalkeeper Daragh Moloney were others to shine for the hosts who led from start to finish in a commanding display that fully exacting revenge from their earlier group meeting. In truth, Scariff-Ogonnelloe, save for a final quarter two goal salvo, never reached anywhere near the heights of previous displays or finals as misplaced passes and aimless distribution ensured that they were always chasing their neighbours. And yet, there was no shortage of goal chances at …

Munster Minor B ladies football final Clare 3-7 – Tipperary 1-6 Whilst the eyes of the county were 30 miles further down the N20 to leeside for a tiny parcel of GAA followers Mallow GAA complex was the centrepoint of their sporting existence last Sunday and success too was the end result as a stronger Clare side overcame Tipperary. In the near future a west of Ireland semi final will take centre stage against Connacht opposition for a place in the Al- Ireland decider. Following on 24 after the U14 side won Munster C honours and the U16s also successful there was a need for the minor side to maintain a high level of consistency at representative level. Intended or not the Clare girls had the start one can dream of in a final as Aine McNamara blasted the ball past Sarah Smith in the Tipperary goal with just 30 seconds gone in the game. This was a huge boost …

Munster Under 14 ladies C football final Clare 2-18 – Limerick 2-12 Clare’s second Under 14 ladies football side took the laurels in Mallow on Saturday afternoon with a six-point win that was far from comfortable despite the impression one may derive from the final scoreline. Irrespective of the scoreline or results the level of football training, preparation and games allied to a strong school’s competition at this age group within the county does suggest that the coming seasons will offer a strong level of playing staff for Clare underage development squads. It was a surprise of some delight for those involved with the Under 14 squads that this team was to the fore at their level. It was Limerick who struck first courtesy of Ellie May Kelly before the game’s top scorer Ailish McNamara kicked (1-1) in two minutes to allow Clare to seize the lead. Limerick did not hold back and responded with (1-2) in the 6th minute …

Clare Senior C ladies football post primary final St John Bosco CC Kildysart 5-10 – St Michael’s Kilmihil 2-5 A harvest of medals for St John Bosco in springtime as the Senior C schools title joins the First year A title annexed less than a month ago. For St Michael’s Kilmihil it was somewhat of a below par performance when one considers that the sides drew in the Munster championship earlier in the season. There was no such drama in Frure, Lissycasey as the Estuary school buoyed by their ability to score goal when needed. A number of girls from both sides were in county action the previous two weeks at minor and under 16 level. The shooting ability of the winners forwards proved the difference in the end. Hazel Conway delivered well from first half free hitting three successful efforts. Kate Lees was instrumental in creating the foundation for the St John Bosco CC win with two first half …

Under 18C league final Crusheen/Tubber 1-11 – Parteen/Meelick 1-8 The first of many finals in Clare GAA for 2024 took place in Meelick on Tuesday evening as the home side hosted Crusheen/Tubber in the U18 C league final. The winners operated Osgar Dunford and Sean Hanrahan effectively as a two-man full forward line initially but moved Dunford out as the game matured. Roan Ketelaar was missing the game for the North Clare side which led to Oisin McNamara rerouting to the full back line. Parteen/Meelick will be a strong threat in the minor hurling championship when it reverts to Under 17 later in the season. The game started with Parteen/Meelick hitting the net after three minutes as Luke Tobin raced clear and set up by full forward Mike Cahill and he gave Oscar Brigdale no chance. Sean Hanrahan hit back with a free before Osgar Dunford had the only Crusheen/Tubber goal after 10 minutes. Dylan O’ Connell and Hanrahan traded …

Celtic Challenge round 3 Clare 3-15 – Limerick 2-14 If mid term reports were applicable to Underage development squads it would be a case of “all going well as we prepare for the exam” for the celtic challenge panel. Three game and three wins. Second half goals required to sneak past Cork, a strong first half against Galway and a consistent scoring performance in both halves to repel a late Limerick showing send’s Damian Powers boys into a home quarter final on Saturday week. How good were the group opponents will be known when the quarter final is half over. Averaging just over 20 points a game may need to improve as standards and opponents rise in ability and pressure. Sixmilebridge on Saturday lunchtime housed the local derby that was deferred due to inclement weather a month ago. Consistency from Cillian Murphy has been central to the Clare wins to date and by the 10th minute had three points registered …

Clare Ladies’ Football Post-Primary A final St Joseph’s Spanish Point 2-9 – Coláiste Muire 1-7 From one bus to another, from Mallow to Cusack Park for many of the girls in action Monday lunchtime. The Munster B minor final Sunday afternoon to Clare schools senior A final, the only difference was team mates became rivals once more when wearing the school kit. The close on 40 girls who saw action on Monday are without question some of the busiest GAA players in the county representing both codes at minor plus U-16 as well as for school and county in 2024. Tired legs for all involved began to tell in the latter stages but indeed a physical encounter ended with success for St Joseph’s who also captured honours at provincial level. Kayla Talty Darcy struck for a 5th minute goal for the opening score as she raced through to give the perfect start for the West Clare outfit. Ria Meaney responded …

Munster Under 15B post primary schools hurling final St Joseph’s Tulla 1-17 – CBC, Cork 3-7 “Two in a row” was chanted loud and proud by St Joseph’s Tulla following a thrilling Under 15B Munster final recently. Since emerging just over half a dozen years winning Munster Senior B honours St Joseph’s Secondary School, Tulla ironically defeating CBC in that final have stayed at the top table regularly contesting finals in B grade and famously winning the 2022 Harty Cup. St Joseph’s were back in a well-appointed Banteer GAA grounds on an astro pitch that was minimum size with the two 65’s meeting in the centre on Wednesday last attempting to retain the Under 15B title. CBC were the prematch favourites, but the Clare school started in some style with scores from Morgan Culloo and James O’Donnell. The intense tackling ability of the Cork school kept them in the game upsetting time and time again the movement of St Joseph’s …

Clare Post Primary first year A ladies football final St John Bosco Community College 5-13 Coláiste Mhuire 2-6 It was very much a case in Lees Road on Tuesday morning witnessing a possible new force emerging in post primary ladies football with the Fergus Rovers powered St John Bosco proving too strong for Coláiste Mhuire in the A first year final. Backing up the strong Fergus Rovers influence are girls from Kildysart and Cuil Gaels to ensure as they progress up the age level they will be strong in upcoming competitions. Coláiste Mhuire were under no illusions of the task in hand especially when Aoibhin Keane, daughter of former Clare star Ger had (1-1) in the Coláiste net with less than two minutes played. Coláiste Mhuire responded via Darcy Ryan but it was a rare distraction for the Ennis College as St John Bosco came back with a flood of scores to dominate the first half as Leah Griffin kicked …

Munster post primary U-15B hurling semi-final St Joseph’s Tulla 8-13 Colaiste Colm, Ballincollig 3-21 (After Extra time) Eleven goals and 34 points in a schools game suggests a memorable battle and indeed it was as St Joseph’s required a barrage of goals to stay in contention against capable opponents from Ballincollig before two extra time goals sealed the return to the final for 2024 St Joseph’s Tulla managed by Kilmaley’s Darragh McMahon are the reigning champions of this grade and next Wednesday will attempt a rare two in a row at this grade when the Clare school face CBC, Cork who are in many hurling follower’s opinions the favourites for the crown. The game was on just three minutes and both sides had struck for goal with Hugh Vaughan and the very impressive Bobby Power on the mark for their respective sides. Colaiste Colm who had the strong wind at their backs threatened to overrun the Clare school in the …

Munster U-16A ladies football Clare 2-7 – Kerry 2-6 “We did It” screamed Martin Keavey as the Clare U-16 manager and a lot of the support staff thought they were one point in arrears when Aoibheann Ryan scored what was actually the winning free three minutes into injury time. The shock of the surprise and then the celebrations hit the players in the UL astropitch recently. An honest appraisal of this game would be to confirm that Clare were not lucky winners they were deserved winners. Playing against the strong wind in the first-half that waned when Clare would have hoped for its assistance in the second-half, it was Kerry who struck first for a converted penalty by Jessie Lynch after just two minutes. Soon after Caoimhe McDonnell saw a speculative effort come off the post before Naoise O’Donoghue added the first Kerry score. The Clare defence were tremendous in the tackle only for at times the Clare half-forwards and …

Division 3 football round up Goal hungry Cusacks stroll past Killimer Michael Cusacks 4-13 – Killimer 0-10 A 160km round trip for the Junior A champions as Killimer four days following an opening round defeat at the hands of senior champions Cratloe was not recommended for the Junior A champions as Michael Cusack’s, fresh from a good win over Banner in round 1 were lying in wait for the estuary side. It was a trip that they will attempt to consign to the never to be mentioned again department as Michael Cusack’s were simply too good for their opponents from the first to last kick of the ball. Sean McNamara who along with younger sibling Oisin were a thorn in the Killimer side all afternoon and Sean had the ball in the Killimer net after 15 seconds. Aidan Forde, Joey Droney added points before Oisin McNamara set up the stylish Domhnall McMahon for the winners second goal after 6 minutes. …

Munster Under 16A camogie semi-final Cork 5-13 – Clare 0-3 Father McNamara park on Sunday was a welcome hunting ground for Cork Under 16 camogie sides. Following their B squad edging past Clare it was the turn of their premier squad to take on Clare at A grade. In the end it turned out to be a sobering experience for the Clare side who struggled to compete with the striking and pace of the Cork side especially when they introduced more than capable replacements in the second half that delivered scores and renewed threats to an already overstretched Clare side. Anthony O’Regan, the Cork manager never saw his side in real danger in this contest as Clara Murphy was the scorer-in-chief from frees as Murphy and Eanna Duff opened the scoring before full forward Holly Fitzpatrick got on the end of a long ball and confusion in the Clare square for the first Cork score. Emily Carmody who was the …

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Sports

Tones just shade 12 goal thriller

Minor C Camogie Championship Final Wolfe Tones 6-13 Parteen-Meelick 6-10 Wolfe Tones definitely earned their Minor C Camogie Championship breakthrough, having been tested to their optimum by a never-say-die Parteen-Meelick in what was a truly memorable decider in Fr. McNamara on Wednesday evening, Sharing twelve goals equally, supporters were not only afraid to take their eyes off it but even fearful of blinking in case they missed a goal. It was a compelling end-to-end contest that proved a superb advertisement for Clare Camogie as the standard on offer far exceeded expectations as both sides left everything out on the field in pursuit of some much-needed silverware. And yet considering the final scoreline, it’s perhaps difficult to believe that there were no goals at all until additional time in the first half. Indeed, injury-time in general appeared to ignite something special in these sides as seven of the twelve goals were scored in those added minutes, five of which arrived amidst …
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Can the real Inagh-Kilnamona please stand up?
Group of Death comes alive
Intermediate predictability dashed by compelling Group 4
Blues complete unprecedented clean sweep of underage honours

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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