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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

Sport

Impressive Eire Óg Off To A Winning Start In Clare SFC

Clare SFC: Eire Óg 2-15 Kilrush 1-6 A dominant second-half from Eire Óg saw them win the battle of the towns as they easily accounted for Kilrush in this Clare SFC opener. Kilrush failed to score for almost half an hour of the contest as Paul Madden’s outfit laid down intentions of their championship ambitions with Gavin Cooney firing 1-9 for the winners. Eire Óg were on top in the early stages as they reeled off 0-4 without reply in answer to Liam Madigan’s opener. A trio from Cooney along with one from Conal O’hAinifein saw them take a deserved lead, with the platform being built on midfield dominance from Ciaran Russell and Darren O’Neill. Kilrush were struggling to win their own kickout early on, but Stephen Ryan’s distribution was much improved in the closing stages of the half. The first big moment of the half came just after the water break when Kilrush punished a loose clearance by Ciaran …

Clare IFC: Kildysart 0-13 Corofin 0-12 A strong closing 20 minutes saw Kildysart fend off a spirited challenge from Corofin in the opening round of the Clare intermediate football championship. In that period, the winners outscored their opponents by 0-9 to 0-3 to move one step closer to another semi-final spot. Corofin saw full-back Brendan Keane leave the field with an injury less than two minutes into the game, but they recovered from that early blow to see the game level at the opening water break. Emmet McMahon opened the scoring from a free but the impressive Robin Mounsey and a textbook Jamie Malone point looped over Robert Eyres’ crossbar to put the North Clare men in front. Diarmuid O’Donnell and Kieran Eyres put Kildysart back into the lead, with Gearoid Cahill firing over a free to see the sides level. The second quarter of the contest was slow to get going with both sides having trouble in finding in …

Derrick Lynch runs the rule over the 12 clubs battling it out for the 2020 Clare SFC title Clondegad Since reaching the 2017 decider, Clondegad have struggled to hit those heights again with a tame quarter-final exit against Miltown coming 12 months later. The 2019 championship is one they will want to forget with heavy defeats against Cratloe and Eire Óg seeing their championship ambitions come to an end. There is a change of management for 2020 as Flan Enright takes over the reins from Mikey Hehir, but his task to guide them back to being championship contenders will not be an easy one. It is understood that county hurling stars Tony Kelly, Niall Deasy and Paul Flanagan are not committing to club football this year and Kelly’s absence in particular will be felt as he provides that creative spark up front. On the credit side, midfield powerhouse Gary Brennan will be available, which is an obvious boost, while the …

Chairman of Clare GAA Joe Cooney is hopeful improvements can be made to the streaming service operated by Clare GAA. It comes after numerous complaints were made on the opening weekend of games which were streamed live by the county board, with several users citing issues with picture quality on the pay-per-view service. Several issues were identified including problems accessing deferred coverage of games, with problems reported in viewing back games which had been paid for but not watched live. Clare are the only county board in Munster not using a professional production company to run their streaming service. The system was announced by Clare GAA last week with a charge of €7.80 for live games while deferred coverage of games was set at a cost of €3.50. Cooney apologised to anyone who encountered problems with the service and said the board would be working to make the necessary improvements. “There have been concerns that the reception was not great …

Kilrush Golf Club Results Men 19 July 2020 AIB Open. 1 Pat J Shannon (14) 40 pts Back 9 2 Michael F Ryan (09) 40 pts 3 Harry Rose (16) 39 pts Back 9 4 Tom Clancy (07) 39 pts Back 9 25 July 2020 President’s Prize (Mr Pat Shannon) 1 Mark Shannon (07) 40 pts Back 9 2 Malcolm McCarthy (12) 40 pts Best Gross: Shane Lillis (02) 37 pts 3 Gerry Duffy (20) 39 pts Back 9 4 Tom Clancy (07) 39 pts Back 9 5 Pat Mulcahy (24) 39 pts 6 Neill Browne (08) 38 pts Cat 1 Thomas Coffey (13) 38 pts Cat 2 David Williams (16) 37 pts Cat 3 Brendan Carrig (31) 36 pts Front 9 Tom Buckley (14) 21 pts Back 9 Robert Kirwan (14) 19 pts Visitor’s Prize: 1 Tim Kileen (8) 37 pts, 2 Bernie Ryan (15) 32 pts Lady’s Prize: 1 Mary Bolton 25 pts, 2 Anne Hogan 24 pts …

Clare Premier Division Newmarket Celtic have all but secured this season’s league title after two crucial games over the past week. Bridge United A 0-4 Newmarket Celtic A After victory in the shortest game in Clare soccer history, Newmarket followed this up with a comfortable victory over near neighbours Bridge United to move another step closer to defending their title. It was a routine win in the end for Mark O’Malley’s charges with the hugely experienced David McCarthy getting on the scoresheet twice. Kieran Mahony was also on target while Clare senior footballer Kevin Harnett rounded off the scoring to maintain Newmarket’s unbeaten league run. Shannon Hibs A 0-8 Newmarket Celtic A A dominant showing from the champions elect saw them rout Shannon Hibs to move eight points clear at the top of the table with just four games left in the season. Kieran Mahony followed up his goal against Bridge United by registering a hat-trick, while David McCarthy added …

Clare Junior A and Junior B Hurling Round Up There were a number of games down for decision in the Clare Junior A hurling championship, where Ennistymon were one of the two first teams in action. The North Clare outfit registered an impressive victory as they overcame Eire Óg by 1-12 to 1-5, thanks in part to 0-9 from Dara McInerney, with all bar two of those scores coming from frees. A Cathal McDonagh penalty led to their goal, while Ryan Barry (2) and Liam Devitt also chipped in on the scoring. The other first string in action came out on the wrong side of the result as Ogonnelloe went down to O’Callaghan’s Mills by 2-16 to 1-15 with Dave McGrath and Cathal Lenihan getting the goals for the winners. Last year’s beaten finalists Kilmaley got their campaign off to the perfect start with a hard fought 1-14 to 1-13 win over Clooney-Quin, while a strong display from Tomas Gavin …

Sixmilebridge 2-33 Inagh-Kilnamona 4-19 (AET) The final intermediate game of the weekend proved to be the most dramatic as these two second string sides shared 6-52 between them over a brilliant 80 minutes of hurling. In the opening 60 minutes, it proved to be the quintessential game of two halves with Inagh-Kilnamona racking up 2-14 before the break, and Sixmilebridge doing likewise in the second period. When the half-time whistle sounded, Inagh-Kilnamona led by 2-14 to 0-7 with both first half goals from Damien O’Halloran along with Barry Keating’s frees putting them in the ascendency. This Sixmilebridge side were unlucky not to reach the last four 12 months ago, only losing out to eventual champions Broadford after a penalty shootout in their quarter-final tie. It means that their last two championship games have gone to extra-time, and this time it was a storming second half fightback that forced the added period. That fight back was sparked by goals from Christy …

Senior Championship Shannon Camogie: Newmarket on Fergus 1-18 St Josephs 0-8 The 2020 Senior Camogie Championship for Newmarket on Fergus and 2019 Intermediate Champions St Josephs got underway in Shannon camogie pitch on Saturday evening, with the experienced Blues overcoming St. Josephs on a scoreline 1-18 to 0-8. Áine O’Brien and Hannah Meaney exchanged points in the opening ten minutes, before O’Brien pointed three frees midway through the half. The Blues added four points from Carol O’Leary, Bríd Enright and Áine O’ Brien (2) before O’Leary goaled to the corner of St. Josephs net from a high dropping ball to the square from a Laura McMahon free in the 25th minute to go 1-9 to 0-2 ahead. A minute later, Muirne Ní Chonaill pointed before Caoimhe Lally tagged on a point for Newmarket on Fergus. Hannah Meaney had the final say of the half with a pointed free to leave the scoreline 1-10 to 0-4 at the break. St. Josephs opened …

Clare SHC Round One: Ballyea 0-16 Crusheen 0-14 Ballyea saw off a stiff challenge from Crusheen to get their 2020 Clare SHC campaign off to a winning start. The sides were level on four different occasions in the opening period but Crusheen were by far the most wasteful with 11 wides before the half-time whistle having had the wind behind them. Both teams were operating with a spare man at the back as Cian Dillon and Jack Browne were revelling in the space. Breffni Horner and Cillein Mullins worked hard up front for Crusheen while Niall Deasy and Morgan Garry were also causing plenty problems in the Ballyea full-forward line. Tony Kelly was as central as ever with four first half points, but it was the score just before the waterbreak from out on the sideline that won the prize for most spectacular. They led 0-5 to 0-3 at that point, but a trio unanswered on the resumption sent Crusheen …

Feakle 0-21 Whitegate 0-16 Feakle kickstarted their 2020 senior club championship with a deserved victory over rivals Whitegate in Sixmilebridge this afternoon. Shane McGrath was the star of the show for Feakle, bagging 0-11 (0-6f, 0-2 ’65), in a game that took 30 minutes to get going. McGrath punished Whitegate’s indiscipline in the first half with six points to give Feakle a 0-9 to 0-5 lead at the break. The first half was a messy, physical affair with melees and handbags, but not much quality hurling. The slick conditions meant a lot of possession went astray as the two sides tried to come to terms with the flow of championship hurling once again. Gary Guilfoyle and Eoin Tuohy landed classy points from play for Feakle while scores where harder to come by for Whitegate, who largely relied on frees from Paul Burke and Michael Hynes to keep them in the game. Whitegate came with a renewed enthusiasm and the wind …

Clare SHC Round 1: Cratloe 3-15 Kilmaley 2-11 Cratloe maintained their Indian sign over Kilmaley with a third consecutive championship victory over the same opponent in recent years. As with previous encounters, it went to the wire before a Shane Neville goal at the death finally settled an entertaining contest. A run of 2-6 without reply either side of the first half water break was the platform for Cratloe to take a 2-8 to 1-4 lead at half-time. Conor McGrath, Diarmuid Ryan, Rian Considine and Liam Markham were doing most to orchestrate the damage but that was aided by a Kilmaley side that looked all at sea at times. There was little shape to how they set up in the middle third meaning any decent supply to the inside line was non existent while Cratloe’s ability to break at pace was going unhampered. Cratloe hit the front when Podge Collins was adjudged to have been fouled in the square after …

O’Callaghan’s Mills earned East Clare bragging rights as they edged a tight tussle with neighbours Broadford in the opening round of the Clare SHC. A dominant third quarter proved the ultimate difference as the Mills outscored their opponents 1-5 to 0-3 in that period, with Sean Cotter’s goal after 38 minutes eventually turning the tide of the contest in favour of the winners. There was drama even before Niall Malone’s opening whistle, as Broadford were forced into wearing their jerseys inside out due to a colour clash between the two kits. The Broadford wides tally went well into double figures which is an area Jimmy Browne and his backroom team will mark for improvement before their next outing, but there were encouraging signs in defeat for the new boys to senior level. By the time the first half water break was called, it was welcomed by all as a hectic opening quarter had Broadford 0-8 to 1-4 in front, with …

Clare SHC R1: Sixmilebridge 0-17 Eire Óg 0-12 Sixmilebridge got the defence of their Clare SHC title off to a winning start after battling past Eire Óg in the opening round of this year’s championship. Tim Crowe’s outfit were forced to play majority of the second period with 14 men after the dismissal on a straight red card of Alan Mulready but experience told as they saw out the victory. Alex Morey was the scorer in chief as he accounted for 0-13 of his sides tally with all bar one coming from placed balls, while Seadna Morey’s man marking job on county team mate Shane O’Donnell was a telling factor. Missed chances for Eire Óg were a telling factor too, as Danny Russell struggled at times from frees while they were also without the dynamic David Reidy. Two goal chances in the second quarter of the contest also went astray with two late Russell frees from close range failed to …

The first round of the Clare senior hurling championship will feature eight games this weekend. Derrick Lynch previews the action. O’Callaghans Mills v Broadford A mouthwatering East Clare derby with the men from Broadford finally at the promised land of senior hurling. That will carry momentum with it, while the Mills are coming off the back of a disappointing 2019. Form goes out the window in these games, but the greater senior experience of the Mills should see them through. Verdict: O’Callaghan’s Mills Clonlara v Newmarket Two sides who will see this game as one that is there to be won, and two sides who will desperately want to hit the ground running. Clonlara are without John Conlon and his loss will be immense. Newmarket may hold the edge in the physicality stakes, but a greater scoring threat for Clonlara might just see them through. Verdict: Clonlara Crusheen v Ballyea This game provided one of the results of the year …

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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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