Sports

Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

Sport

Sexton Expecting Tough Test In Dr Hyde Park

THE mood in Colm Collins’ camp will be buoyant this week after an excellent, hard-fought victory over Kildare last weekend. Every bit of positivity will be needed come Sunday as the Banner make the journey to Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon to take on Anthony Cunningham’s charges. Clare fought back from three-point deficits twice during their clash with the Lilywhites, while the Rossies have twice forfeited six-point leads in their first two games and sit bottom of Division Two with just one point. Keelan Sexton led Clare’s attack against Kildare, slotting 0-4 and making the GAA.ie team of the week. Sexton knows Clare are going to have to replicate their form from last weekend if they are to have any chance against Roscommon. “You’d love to be going up there playing them after they had two wins in the bag, as opposed to the position they’re in now. They’re a quality side and were six points up in two games …

Clare GAA has been asked to consider donating a defibrillator at Kilkee beach in memory of one the county’s former football coaches. Limerick native Dave Weldrick passed away aged 71 after getting into difficult swimming at the West Clare resort last August. Former football board chairman and Naomh Eoin delegate Gabriel Keating officially proposed a vote for sympathy for Mr Weldrick’s family at this week’s county board meeting, and outlined that he had been a great visitor to the peninsula and Kilkee in particular. He stated that during Mr Weldrick’s time with the Clare footballers, they achieved promotion to Division Three of the National League, and were unlucky not to make it as far as Division Two. He stated that fundraising efforts were underway locally in Kilkee to purchase more defibrillators, and detailed that Mr Weldrick may well have been saved if a defibrillator was located near to where the incident occurred. He asked that the Finance Committee of Clare …

St Senan’s Kilkee will link up with their peninsula neighbours for the 2020 Clare Senior Football championship. Secretary of Clare GAA Pat Fitzgerald informed delegates at this week’s meeting that correspondence had been received from the St Senan’s club of their intention to join with Naomh Eoin and O’Curry’s in their senior amalgamation. The letter stated that it was a natural progression at the clubs were already joined at underage, and also confirmed that they will continue to field on their own at the lower grade. The 2005 Munster club finalists were relegated to the Junior A championship in a playoff against Naomh Eoin last year. No management has yet been confirmed for the West Clare outfit, with the outgoing backroom team of Joe Garry, Dermot Galvin and Johnnie Daly not continuing in that role. Meanwhile, East Clare neighbours Feakle and Killanena could become the first new amalgamation in the Clare Senior Hurling championship. It comes after the Killanena club …

Clare are preparing for a road trip in the quarter finals of the Inter-League Youths Cup. It’s after they lost 3-2 to Galway in their group tie in a wet and windy Frank Healy Park with that result seeing the Tribesmen go through as group winners. It was a game played in difficult conditions for both sides throughout, with the home side taking a 1-0 lead at the break. That lead goal arrived inside the opening 10 minutes when an own goal saw Clare go in front. The second half began in a frantic manner, with Galway levelling proceedings at 1-1. As Storm Ciara continued her path across the county, it was Storm Devanney who popped up on the hour mark to put Clare back in front. Galway continued to apply pressure, and it paid with 15 minutes to go as they struck for the leveller once more. They hit the front for the first time in the contest just …

Newmarket Celtic And Avenue United Set For Six Minute Clare Premier Division Showdown

The shortest game of the Clare Premier Division season, and perhaps Clare league history, will be played this weekend with the outcome of its six minute duration having a huge bearing on the destination of this year’s title. Newmarket Celtic and Avenue United will meet at McDonough Park on Sunday morning at 10.30am for the completion of a tie which was originally played last September. The home side were leading 2-1 with the game in the 90th minute, but a serious injury to an Avenue United player resulted in the game being abandoned by referee Shane Hayes. An ambulance was called to attend to the injured player, which arrived shortly after the game had been abandoned. Rule 52 of the Clare District Soccer League states: “In the case of abandoned or unfinished fixtures the Executive Committee shall investigate the circumstances, and shall have the power to order a replay, play the unexpired time in two equal periods, or award the …

Defeat might have been Clare’s lot for a second week running, but looking beyond the scoreline, the Banner will be quietly content with the curve of their progression. It was an admittedly disappointing performance in the opening round against Armagh, but with only a six day turnaround and an arduous journey to Clones, Clare showed huge battling qualities in taking the game to the closing quarter. As the clock hit the 45th minute just one point separated the sides, with Grainne Nolan’s 36th minute goal seeing Clare only in arrears by 0-12 to 1-8. Monaghan, a side with considerable senior experience, would outscore their visitors by 2-3 to 0-2 in the closing stages, but it was a game that Clare can take a huge amount of positives from according to manager James Murrihy. “We have shown improvement from game one to game two which is probably what the league is all about. We were disappointed with the performance on the …

It is one thing to earn your first start for Ireland in the Six Nations. It is another thing to be awarded Player of the Match for such a sterling performance in that first start. This is the Sunday Edel McMahon had last week as Ireland secured their first win in the Six Nations after a tough 2019, with an 18-14 victory over Scotland. On Monday, she was back at home in London, recuperating and readying her body and mind for a tough Welsh challenge in Donnybrook this Sunday. “I really wasn’t expecting to get Player of the Match, to be honest. I was really looking forward to the game as it was going to be my first start in a Six Nations game in the number seven jersey which has a big history in this team. Claire Molloy wore this jersey before me, and I always looked up to her. It was a big day for me to wear …

Derrick Lynch Clare GAA clubs have decided that penalties will only be used to decide championship games when a replay finishes level after extra-time. A robust debate this week at the reconvened structures meeting, which lasted over an hour, saw clubs express their views as to how games should be decided if they finish deadlocked. The debate arose after concerns were outlined from the Master Fixtures Committee that under the current structures, it may not be possible to finish the club championships in Clare on time to meet the provincial deadlines. Committee member and Kilrush Shamrocks clubman Colm Browne outlined that an alternative needed to be found if those dates were to be met. He told delegates that the overwhelming feeling from the initial structures meeting was that no championship games should be played in April, and that the Master Fixtures committee had drafted the 2020 plan in accordance with that sentiment. Chairman Joe Cooney express his view that if …

The draws for the first Clare GAA championship of 2020 have been made with the pairings now known for the opening rounds of the U-21 hurling championships. In the A championship, Kilmaley begin the defence of their title with a mouthwatering showdown against Clarecastle. The winners of that game will face either Clonlara or St Joseph’s Doora Barefield in the last four. Inagh-Kilnamona have been drawn straight into the semi-finals, and they will take on the winners of Sixmilebridge v Tulla. The opening round pairings in the U-21 B championship are: Eire Óg v Clooney-Quin; Corofin-Ruan v Crusheen-Tubber; Scariff-Ogonnelloe v O’Callaghan’s Mills; Inagh-Kilnamona (2) v Bodyke; Wolfe Tones v Ballyea. The quarter-final draws are: Cratloe v Eire Óg or Clooney-Quin; Broadford v Wolfe Tones or Ballyea; Newmarket v Corofin-Ruan or Crusheen-Tubber; Scariff-Ogonnelloe or O’Callaghan’s Mills v Inagh-Kilnamona (2) or Bodyke. In the U-21 C championship, Banner meet Smith O’Brien’s in the opening round with the winners facing Ennistymon in the …

Clare Local Soccer Round Up

Clare Soccer Round Up Banner Carpets and Flooring Clare Cup Round 1 Bridge Utd A 1-0 Kilkishen Celtic As expected, this was a game that saw Premier Division Bridge United pushed all the way by their near neighbours, with the East Clare side plying their trade in the second division of the league. Cup ties rarely pay any heed to league standings, and while Bridge United came out on the right side of the result, they were certainly not handed anything easy. The all important goal was courtesy of Jordan Downes with his first half header as the Bridge squeezed through and into the second round. Lifford A 3-4 Tulla Utd Both these sides might be struggling for league form, but they served up a high scoring encounter in this opening round cup tie. It was the visitors to Cassidy Park who started well with the wind at their backs, and raced into a 2-0 lead by the half-time whistle. …

Clare 0-18 Wexford 0-15 CLARE made it two from two in the national hurling league with a resilient win over Wexford in a blustery Wexford Park today. Clare had to do it the hard way as John Conlon was shown the line with 27 minutes gone for a blow to the head of Kevin Foley. Clare built a 0-12 to 0-4 lead by half-time but knew they had a metaphorical and literal storm to weather in the second half. Clare built that aforementioned lead through seven Tony Kelly frees and the Ballyea man was by far the best player on the field, for the second week running. Ryan Taylor and David Fitzgerald were also on form and bagged two points apiece in the first half. When Wexford came out for the second half, they had a spring in their step and launched a major comeback. This was spearheaded by Rory and Jack O’Connor as well as Paudie Foley with long …

Derrick Lynch There will be no Clare club championship games played in April once more this year. The draft master fixtures plan for 2020 is to be discussed at next Tuesday’s county board meeting with the document being sent to clubs this week. It proposes that the first round of the senior football championship be played on the weekend of August 1, with the senior hurling championship getting underway the following week. These dates are dependent on the progress of the county teams, and will likely be reviewed closer to the time if needed. The proposed dates for this year’s county finals are October 18 (football) and October 25 (hurling). The provincial club quarter-finals are set to take place on November 8. The first championship due to get underway is the Clare U-21 hurling championship with that set to start on the weekend of March 7, while it also proposed for games in this championship to be played on St …

Derrick Lynch The 2020 intercounty season for Clare camogie gets underway this Sunday when they travel to St Brendan’s Park in Birr to take on Offaly in the opening round of the National Camogie League. It is a second year in charge for manager Ger O’Connell, with the make-up of his starting 15 likely to be much changed from their last outing in the 2019 championship. All Star Chloe Morey is not available for the coming season, while the Scariff-Ogonnelloe contingent will not be immediately involved after their run to the All-Ireland club semi-final last weekend. A number of other experienced players are also understood to be opting out for the coming year, but the Clonlara man is confident the younger members of the panel will step up to the place. “We have a really successful underage section that has been coming through in the last few years and getting to two All-Ireland finals in three years was a massive …

Clare Soccer Round Up Munster Junior Cup It was a disappointing weekend for Clare teams in Munster Junior Cup action as three more Banner sides bowed out of the provincial competition at the fourth round stage. Shannon Town 2-2 Dungarvan Utd (AET) – Dungarvan won 16-15 on penalties It will be of little comfort to Shannon Town that they were involved in something of a historic tie as they came out on the wrong side of a dramatic showdown. Penalty shootouts are always dramatic affairs, but this one surpassed all expectations with no less than 40 spot kicks being needed to finally separate two evenly matched sides. It was a cruel ending for Shannon Town who had shown great heart to respond from conceding a goal in extra-time to find another leveller which forced the game to the shootout. The sides were deadlocked at 1-1 after the opening 45 minutes with Colin Scanlan on target for the Shannon side. Both …

Clare 1-27 Carlow 0-14 CLARE opened their Allianz National Hurling League account with a wide-margin victory over Carlow in front of 2,283 in Cusack Park this afternoon. The Banner flew out of the traps and an early Shane O’Donnell goal was the catalyst for Clare’s success, and they eased their way to two points. Tony Kelly was the star of the show with 0-12 (0-7f) to kick-start Brian Lohan’s reign in the league in the perfect way. The game got off to a flyer in Cusack Park with five scores in the first two minutes, with Shane O’Donnell bagging an early goal thanks to great creative play from Ian Galvin to tee him up. Martin Kavanagh registered six of Carlow’s nine first half points and he as well as, John Michael and Chris Nolan slotted over early scores. Tony Kelly, Ian Galvin and David Reidy tormented Carlow with their speed in the middle third and Kelly landed five in the …

Page 28 of 409« First...10 20 «26 272829 30 »40 50 60...Last »

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 …
Read More »
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 …

Sport

Recent Posts