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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

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Baker to lead Offaly senior hurlers

Ollie Baker is to manage the Offaly senior hurlers for the coming year and included in his backroom team will be another Clare man, Alan Cunningham from Shannon.This will be Baker’s first appointment as an inter-county senior manager. In recent times, he served as a selector in Clare under Anthony Daly and under Mike McNamara while he was part of the Antrim backroom team last year under Dinny Cahill.Speaking to The Clare Champion this week, the Tullamore-based garda sergeant said he was “looking forward to the challenge. I hope to continue the good work done over the past four years by Joe Dooley.”An outstanding midfielder, he helped Clare to three Munster and two All-Ireland titles in the ’90s when he also played a leading role in helping his club St Joseph’s to Clare, Munster and All-Ireland club titles.Baker confirmed this week that Alan Cunningham from Wolfe Tones will be part of his backroom team. The St Caimin’s Community school teacher …

What a difference a decade makes

St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield stunned Clare football when they beat Doonbeg by a point in the championship quarter-final. That day Colm Mullen showed his big match temperament is still intact when he stroked over the winning point. Five years living and working in the US and Australia hadn’t dulled his love of the club, be it as a footballer or hurler. “I’d often contemplated coming home for a couple of games. That didn’t pan out but I really missed it and it was great to get back into it. I came back into a different club in a lot of ways. The success was gone and we were struggling in both codes. “Having said that, we knew that the talent was there, definitely with the footballers. It was just a matter of getting it out of the squad that was here. It’s great that we have done that and I’m glad to be part of it,” he smiled. Before St Joseph’s …

Another top display expected from O’Dwyer

PLAYERS who are prepared to put their bodies on the line often decide big championship games.One of the greatest compliments ever paid to former Galway hurler, Brendan Lynskey was that he was prepared to put his head where others wouldn’t put their hurley in a bid to win possession.It might be a different code but Peter O’Dwyer is a player in the same mould as Lynskey. A vital block in the closing minutes of the recent Clare Senior Football Championship semi-final illustrates his great work-rate throughout the field and willingness to make the hard tackle when it matters most.Conor McGrath was ready to pull the trigger and split the posts to send Cratloe in front two minutes from the end after beating his marker on the 30m line. However, the South-East Clare dual star hadn’t bargained on the intervention of the Kilmurry Ibrickane midfield general, who smothered the attempted shot. Kilmurry Ibrickane have got used to expecting impressive displays from …

Former coach says St Joseph’s capable of causing a big shock

IN 2006 and for part of 2007, former Kilmurry-Ibrickane player and mentor, Martin Keavey coached the St Joseph’s senior side. Among his backroom team was another Kilmurry-Ibrickane man, CJ Sexton, who is still coaching some of the juvenile players at the club.At the time, Martin was residing in “The Parish” and answered the call when approached to get involved.“They (St Joseph’s) have had a lot of young talent coming through in the past decade in particular. Some of the older fellas, who were playing when I was involved, are still playing and are as good as ever. “With the underage talent that has been coming through, there is huge potential there. If they could win one senior championship they would be around for a while and they are certainly a huge threat,” he said at his home in Quilty.Martin suffered a broken leg in 2007 and this led to him stepping down from his role as coach to the Doora-Barefield …

Dual player with a single mandate

IT is difficult to locate a corner-back who doesn’t think that he would be capable of seamlessly slotting in higher up the field. Critically evaluating their attacking colleagues, from a distance, can lead to corner-backs thinking they could do an offensive job if only their manager would give them a run up front.Now we must be clear and state unequivocally that St Joseph’s Sean Flynn, a recognised defender, made no such claims. Not verbally at least. Yet, when he was shunted from corner-back to centre-forward for St Joseph’s must-win group game against Shannon Gaels, he turned in a superb performance. It was a good day for frustrated corner-backs. Actions speak louder than words. This was a corner-back who knew what he was doing in what should have been an alien role.“It makes a change from spending 60 minutes pulling lads’ jerseys,” is how Flynn contrasts playing centre-forward to corner-back.On the off-chance that a corner-back doesn’t add to his team’s attack, …

Morey’s goal proves crucial for the ’Bridge

Sixmilebridge 1-17 Cratloe 1-13 IN what was, arguably, the most entertaining game in the 2011 Clare Senior Hurling Championship to date, Sixmilebridge maintained the upperhand on neighbours and great rivals Cratloe when the sides clashed in the first of the semi-finals at Cusack Park on Saturday evening.An injury-time goal at the end of the opening half had a huge bearing on the outcome. Cratloe had the better of matters in the second quarter and they were four points in front when the ’Bridge struck a vital blow.Following a great interception by team captain, Barry Duggan, Cratloe looked to have the danger cleared but lost possession and Declan Morey blasted the ball to the net. The Cratloe men were still in front but as they made their way to the dressing room they were clearly rattled, whereas their neighbours were upbeat.In the second half the winners appeared to play with more confidence and once they took the lead, Cratloe were never …

Champions too much for Kilmaley

Crusheen 2-15 Kilmaley 0-13 GOALS from Fergus Kennedy and Jamie Fitzgibbon early in the second half gave Crusheen control at Cusack Park on Sunday.The title-holders went to the break with a three-point lead but this was reduced to two in the first minute of the second half. Two minutes later, the champions put down a marker with their first goal. Pat Vaughan found Cian Dillon with a line ball and the centre-back’s delivery was collected by Gerry O’Grady, who passed to Fergus Kennedy and he found the net.Kilmaley hit back with a point but were dealt another blow when, in the seventh minute, Jamie Fitzgibbon had their second goal and again team captain Gerry O’Grady provided the pass. When David Forde added a point, the winners were eight points clear and Kilmaley were clearly in trouble.A powerful performance from Cian Dillon at centre-back laid the foundations for Crusheen’s win. He stood out in a defence that dominated, something that is …

Ruan hurlers always in control

Ruan 3-10 Corofin 2-6 Ruan will play Éire Óg in the final of the Intermediate Hurling Championship following this comfortable win over neighbours, Corofin, at Shannon on Sunday evening.Considered a little fortunate to have earned a second chance, there was no disputing their superiority on this occasion. A dream start saw them race into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead after just eight minutes and by the mid-point of the half they were 1-3 to 0-2 ahead. A Corofin goal from Kevin Heagney eleven minutes from the break suggested that Corofin were about to launch a rally but three unanswered points for Ruan left them 1-6 to 1-3 in front at half-time when the score was 1-6 to 1-3.Lively corner-forward Brendan Lyons had the winners in front after just 20 seconds and John Punch and Colin Donoghue quickly added like scores. Indeed, Donoghue’s performance in this tie was one of the main reason’s for Ruan’s victory. He contributed 1-3 from play …

Inagh-Kilnamona steal a draw at last minute

Inagh-Kilnamona 1-17 Clonlara 3-11 Leading by five points with just a few minutes remaining at Clarecastle on Sunday, Inagh-Kilnamona looked to be on their way to the Clare Champion Cup final.A storming finish by Clonlara left the mid-Clare side having to come from behind for Ger Arthur to score the equaliser in injury time.In difficult conditions, the teams produced some good hurling and while each will point to missed chances, a draw was a fair outcome.John Conlon had the game’s first score but Inagh-Kilnamona hit back with three unanswered points through the Arthur brothers before Conlon struck again.At the mid-point of the half, Conlon won possession from a Tomás O’Donovan delivery and he turned quickly and blasted to the net. As half-time approached, the sides were level at 0-8 to 1-5 but Inagh-Kilnamona finished strongly and Conor Tierney struck for a goal to help them to a 1-9 to 0-5 lead at the break.Points were swapped twice early in the …

Injury-time penalty heartbreak for St Flannan’s

Rochestown, Cork 2-10 St Flannan’s 1-12 ST Flannan’s College suffered a heartbreaking one-point defeat in the opening round of the Corn Uí Mhuirí (Munster Colleges Senior Football Championship) at Charleville on Wednesday.Making their defeat all the more disappointing is the fact they lined out without two of their leading players, Tony Kelly and Jack Browne from Ballyea, who were withdrawn from the team by their club ahead of Saturday’s minor hurling semi-final in which Ballyea will play Clarecastle.Two other members of the Ballyea minor team, Tadhg Lynch who, like Kelly, plays his club football with Clondegad and Martin O’Leary, who plays football with Kilmihil with whom Browne also plays football, choose not to obey the club directive and played with the college team in this outing. It is understood the instruction to the players came from the Ballyea minor management team.Early points from captain, Conor Cleary and Barry Lynch helped Flannan’s to a 0-4 to 0-1 lead but Rochestown hit …

End to Banner Ladies’ Munster campaign

Sliabh Luachra (Kerry) 4-15 Banner Ladies 0-11 The writing was on the wall for Banner Ladies at half time when they trailed the Kerry champions by seven points in this Munster Senior B Championship final in Askeaton last Saturday. Sliabh Luachra had defeated Ballymacarby of Waterford in the semi-final and with players the calibre of Aoife Lyons, Lorraine Scanlon, Aisling Leonard, Elaine O’Connor, Margaret O’Donoghue and Mary O’Keeffe in their starting line-up, they were always going to be difficult to beat. On Monday of this week Leonard, Scanlon and O’Donoghue were named as All-Star nominees.The Castleisland-Scaraglin outfit scored 3-13 from play over the hour and got the opening score courtesy of a Leanne Mangan point. Banner replied with points from Naomi Carroll and a Niamh O’Dea long-range free but this turned out to be the only time in the match that the Clare club held the lead. Midfielder Lorraine Scanlon and corner-forward Mary O’Keeffe, with a point apiece, equalised before …

Magpies storm into final

Clarecastle 2-14 Clooney-Quin1-8 A contribution of 1-9 from Eamonn Callinan helped Clarecastle advance to the Senior B Hurling Championship final when they overcame the challenge of a disappointing Clooney-Quin outfit at Sixmilebridge on Saturday. An early goal from Conor O’Gorman sent the Magpies on their way and they led 1-2 to 0-0 after six minutes. Clooney-Quin never really recovered from this early set-back as the Magpies held the lead for the rest of the tie.Five points separated the sides at half time, 1-9 to 0-7, and Clooney-Quin hopes of getting back into the contest were dealt a blow at the beginning of the second half when Callinan pounced for his side’s second major.The winners were 1-6 to 0-2 in front at the end of the opening quarter and while the losers hit the next three points, they never looked like they would get through for the goal desperately needed to get back into contention.When the next goal came it was …

Hehir goal decisive as Gaels win title

Shannon Gaels 1-7 Kilrush 0-8 Following an exciting, tense Senior B Football Final replay in Cooraclare on Sunday, Shannon Gaels ended their season on a positive note, capturing their first adult title since 2005. Nigel Hehir scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half when he finished a move involving John Paul O’Neill and Shane Tubridy. That score put the winners ahead for the first time, 1-1 to 0-3. Kilrush had made an excellent start and raced into a 0-3 to 0-0 lead, playing into the car park end in Cooraclare. Young full-forward Eoin Tarrant and Ruaidhrí O’Connor (0-2) put over the early Kilrush scores. Michael Coughlan put over Shannon Gaels’ first score from a free as the Gaels began to win more ball in the midfield area. Ten minutes before half-time, Kilrush introduced Donal O’Sullivan for Martin Griffin. However, the Gaels stretched their advantage as the interval approached with John Paul O’Neill from play and …

No surprise for Davy as Clare draw Déise in Munster semis

New Clare senior hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald (pictured) wasn’t surprised when last Thursday’s draw for the 2012 Munster Senior Hurling Championship pitted Clare against Waterford in the semi-final.“In the lead-up to the draw, I felt that it was going to be the pairing. I have had great times with them in recent years but that’s over now and I will be doing all in my power to help Clare win next summer,” he told the Clare Champion at the weekend. Fitzgerald recently stepped down having served almost four years as Waterford boss during which time he led them to the provincial title.Clare and Waterford will clash in the semi-final with Cork getting a bye into the other semi-final where they await the winners of the Limerick v Tipperary first-round tie.In football, Clare also received a bye into the semi-final and here they will meet the winners of the first round game between Waterford and Limerick. A Clare v Limerick game …

Second title in five years for Ennistymon

Ennistymon 2-13 Kilmihil 1-7 Leading 2-10 to 0-1 at half-time, everybody in Miltown at last Saturday’s minor A final knew the Hennessy Cup was definitely heading back to Ennistymon for the first time since 2007. The only small detail to be ironed out was how much would they win by.Bearing in mind the magnitude of the half-time deficit, Kilmihil must be credited for showing sufficient pride and resolve to outscore Ennistymon 1-6 to 0-3 in the second half. They could have completely capitulated had they been less inclined to ignore the scoreline. Instead, they threw their best shot at Ennistymon and showed why they reached the final in the first place. That said, Ennistymon played excellent football in the opening half and simply had too many lively forwards for Kilmihil to cope with. Both Ennistymon corner-forwards, James McConigley and Barry Keating knew exactly what they were doing movement-wise and they contributed 1-4 between them. Joey Rouine was the best …

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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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