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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

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Clare owners dominate Galway with two doubles

CORGRIGG Harry was the first of a total of 11 Clare-owned winners at the Galway Greyhound Stadium over the weekend. Into the bargain, Ballyea-based trainer, John Browne sent out two winners at the same venue on Thursday night and Quin trainer, Frank Browne repeated that effort with another double on Saturday night.Declan Browne, Ennis, also a member of the Cree family who have the Burnpark prefix, started the ball rolling on Thursday night with the Kieran Browne-trained Corgrigg Harry. In the first race of the night, an A8 graded 525, the son of Catunda Harry-Rathmeehan Angel, bred by John Browne, came away smartly from trap three to set up a two-length lead at the opening bend, where there was bunching among the outside runners. The winner extended his lead to six lengths down the back but nearer home he was begining to give ground to Glenfort Dusk. However, he held out to beat Brigid D’Arcy’s black bitch by one and …

Clare ladies head for Clonmel

A number of ladies teams from Clare clubs will be in Clonmel this Saturday for the Munster ladies team finals.Dromoland, Shannon and Lahinch have teams competing for provincial honours.Lahinch will be the first into action, taking on East Cork in the Junior Cup final at 10am.In the intermediate final, Shannon will take on Thurles at 10.50am. Dromoland have two teams in finals with the minor team playing Templemore at 11.40am and the Challenge cup team taking on East Cork at 12.30pm.Each team comprises five players playing in singles and at least three must win for the team to progress to the national finals that will take place in September. Holmpatrick CupLahinch, having won the Clare final of the Holmpatrick Cup at Woodstock in July, have reached the final hurdle in their “race to St Andrews” at Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort on Sunday. Harry Eakins (14) and Ger Dunworth (6) contest the Munster final, where they will have stern …

High-scoring ’Bridge too much for Tulla

Sixmilebridge 4-25 Tulla 2-13 In a high scoring senior hurling championship tie at Cusack Park on Tuesday evening, Sixmilebridge proved too lively for Tulla and easily extended their unbeaten run in this year’s campaign. It was by far their best performance of the season and has pushed them near the top again in the list of favourites for the title.From the start they took a grip on the game and had put down a marker in the fifth minute by which time they were four points clear. In the next 20 minutes Tulla enjoyed their best spell of the evening and with six minutes to go to the break just a point separated the teams with the ’Bridge ahead 0-8 to 0-7.Just as they had started the half at a blistering pace, outscoring their opponents by six points to one, they completed the half in similar fashion and again outscored their neighbours by the same margin to lead at the …

Doonbeg to host senior ladies’ semis

Doonbeg will host a double header of ladies senior football semi-finals on Saturday evening. In the opening game Banner take on Kilmihil at 5.15pm. It will be a repeat of the 2009 county final and could be the game of the championship so far. Last September Banner reached the final where they came away second best to West Clare Gaels. Kilmihil will take confidence from the fact that they won their first senior title last October capturing the division league title, beating Saturday’s opponents. The teams were due to meet in round one but Banner opted not to participate. Instead they took part in a Munster 7s competition the previous day. Since then Banner defeated Cooraclare (3-17 to 1-6), Liscannor (4-10 to 2-8) and West Clare Gaels (3-20 to 1-9). They had nine players on the Clare senior panel this year, while Kilmihil had two. Kilmihil recorded wins over Cooraclare (6-13 to 3-9) and Liscannor (2-8 to 0-5), while West …

Fitness seals the win for Clare

Clare 2-18 Galway 2-9 Clare’s chances of winning a place in the All-Ireland intermediate hurling final didn’t look good when they found themselves two goals in arrears after just a minute and a half of play in their semi-final with Galway at Cusack Park in Ennis on Saturday evening. However, a strong second-half showing by the fitter home side saw them turnthe tables on their neighbours and progress to play Kilkenny in the final on August 27.A switch in the full-back line early in the second half, which saw Mark Earley move to the edge of the square with Patrick Kelly going to the corner, benefited both players and the team enormously.Clare’s full-back line had been in all sorts of trouble in the opening half with Kelly and Alan Brigdale struggling to find the form they had shown in the earlier rounds. Once the switch was made, the team grew in confidence with the half-backs and midfielders also stepping up …

Liscannor still in title hunt

Liscannor 1-9 Lissycasey 1-8 In what was the most keenly contested tie of round two of the senior championship, Liscannor picked up an invaluable win. The result means their destiny is largely in their own hands. If Liscannor beat Doonbeg on the weekend of September 3 they could qualify, although if Ennistymon defeat Lissycasey, three teams would be tied on four points. Scoring difference would then apply. Lissycasey must now overcome Ennistymon and hope that Doonbeg beat Liscannor to have a chance of escaping the group. Having lost their opening games, Liscannor and Lissycasey needed to win last Saturday in Quilty equally as badly. The hour of football featured some excellent points, a soft Lissycasey goal, good free taking and talk of whether Brian Considine should have been sent off on a double yellow card. Deploying Alan Flaherty and Johnny Considine, both of whom have considerable presence, in the full-forward line, Liscannor went the direct route from the off. Come …

All too easy for Kilmurry-Ibrickane

Kilmurry-Ibrickane 1-14 Kilrush 0-7 Kilmurry Ibrickane cruised to a ten-point win over Kilrush in Doonbeg last Saturday. Without having to unduly extend themselves, Kilmurry qualified for the quarter-final before their third group game against Wolfe Tones, who are also through. Kilrush are left to fight it out with Kilmihil to decide who finishes third and fourth. The latter will have to endure a relegation semi-final. Kilrush were competitive until the third minute of first half injury time, when Johnny Daly palmed a Paul O’Connor pass to Tony Burke’s net. The move started at the far end of the pitch with a Shane Hickey line ball and the goal helped Kilmurry into a 1-8 to 0-4 interval lead and virtually assured Kilmurry a comfortable win, with half an hour left to play. Kilrush adopted a defensive strategy for much of the opening half inviting Kilmurry on to them. Peter O’Dwyer set the tone though after just 15 seconds when he fisted …

Merited victory for Wolfe Tones

Wolfe Tones 1-8 Kilmihil 0-7 A blistering start when playing against a strong wind, which yielded the game’s only goal in the third minute, laid the foundations for Wolfe Tones’ merited victory over Kilmihil in their round two tie played at Lissycasey on Saturday. While Kilmihil battled back to be on level terms at half-time, they were always fighting an uphill battle and any chance they might have had of getting something from the game disappeared when they were reduced to 14 men eight minutes from time when Mark O’Connell picked up his second yellow card and had to leave the action.Having lost their opening-round game to Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Kilmihil knew going into Saturday’s game that anything other than a win would put them out of the title race. They could hardly have asked for a worse start than to concede a goal as early as the third minute and from here on they were always struggling. Wolfe Tones dominated the …

Determined Gaels score win

Shannon Gaels 0-9 St Joseph’s 0-6 As Miltown headed to the dressing room at half-time at Kilmihil on Sunday, their followers were, understandably, confident about the outcome. Miltown had just played against a stiff breeze and had managed to match their opponents on the scoreboard. With the assistance of the strong wind to come, the odds were very much in their favour.Knowing defeat would almost certainly put them out of the championship, the Gaels returned in a more determined mood and three unanswered points in the opening seven minutes put down a marker.Then they were dealt a huge blow when experienced midfielder Noel Kennedy was shown a straight red card following a tackle on Enda O’Gorman. Again, the advantage seemed to be with Miltown, who now had an extra man as well as wind advantage but despite their numerical disadvantage, Shannon Gaels refused to let go of the grip they had just taken on the tie and they went on …

Goals help Doonbeg to victory

Doonbeg 3-7 Ennistymon 1-9 Although they scored just a single point during the first 20 minutes of the second half, Doonbeg picked up both points in Quilty last Saturday evening. They now sit top of the group on four points, while Ennistymon, Cooraclare and Liscannor are on two apiece. Ennistymon were competitive but never seriously threatened winning a game that was played on a top class surface in Quilty. Missing Joe Blake and David Downes due to injury, Doonbeg centre-back Paraic Aherne went to Australia earlier this week, which will further test the depth of the champion’s panel. Seán McConigley’s eighth minute goal, following a Joe Dowling delivery, suggested that Ennistymon might put it up to the Magpies. To an extent they did but a Frank O’Dea goal two minutes later, thanks to a David Tubridy layoff and a Colm Dillon goal ten minutes before the interval, helped Doonbeg to a 2-5 to 1-4 half time lead. Michael Hoey was …

Strong finish from Clondegad

Clondegad 3-10O’Currys 1-7Clondegad moved closer to a place in the semi-finals of the intermediate football championship when they overcame the challenge of O’Curry’s at Doonbeg on Sunday.While their victory was merited, a nine-point margin didn’t appear likely as the game moved inside the last 10 minutes. With nine minutes remaining, the sides were deadlocked at 1-7 each but the Ballynacally based outfit scored 2-3 in the remaining time.There was disappointment for the winners, however, as they lost Brian Carrigg with a serious shoulder injury that may rule him out for the rest of the season. Carrig had just recently returned from Australia.In a match which made history by being the first intermediate championship fixture to be broadcast live on Radio Corca Baiscinn, O’Curry’s had marginally the better of the first half exchanges and, helped by a goal from Damian Carmody, they led at the break, 1-4 to 0-4.The winners had the opening two points from Paudge McMahon and Gary Brennan …

Clonlara edge closer to play-offs

CLONLARA go into this Sunday’s meeting with South-East Clare neighbours Smith O’Brien’s in the knowledge that a win will see them safely into the quarter-finals.While they are unbeaten in the group stage to date, they haven’t been overly impressive but their performances haven’t been helped by the absence of a number of key players due to injury. They again go into this week’s tie with Domhnaill O’Donovan, Darach Honan and Cillian Fennessy all ruled out with long-term injuries.Smith O’Brien’s haven’t delivered on the promise they showed a few years back and they have had to battle against relegation in recent seasons. They are heading for another relegation battle this year unless they can get a result from their remaining games, against Clonlara and St Joseph’s.Clonlara will carry the favourites’ tag into this week’s game, which will be played at Cusack Park. In Cormac and Tomás O’Donovan, John Conlon, Nicky and Ger O’Connell, John Moloney and the Nihills they have experienced …

Victory a must for Cratloe

IN what is their last game in the league section of this year’s competition (they have a bye in the final round), Cratloe must beat Inagh-Kilnamona this Sunday to remain in the race.They lost their opening game to Tubber and while they bounced back with wins over Scariff and Whitegate, progress to the play-offs depends on the result at Cusack Park.While Inagh-Kilnamona have maximum points from their two games to date, they will want to continue on a winning run. Victory on Sunday will see them through to the quarter-finals, whereas defeat will leave them needing to beat Tubber in their last game to progress.Neither Inagh-Kilnamona or Cratloe were particularly impressive in their third-round wins over Scariff and Whitegate respectively. Both always looked likely winners but they were made to fight all the way to the final whistle.The Ken Ralph-trained Inagh-Kilnamona are still in the running for the senior double. They recently played a draw with Crusheen in a play-off …

Senior title race begins

Eight teams start their campaign to win the senior camogie title next weekend. There are two groups of four, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the cup semi-final while third and fourth-placed teams will play in the Glenorma Shield semi-finals. Newmarket are the reigning county camogie champions and will be endeavouring to win back-to-back titles. Also in their group are Sixmilebridge, Clooney/Quin and last year’s intermediate champions, Corofin. In the other group, Kilkishen, Wolfe Tones, Kilmaley and the combined intermediate sides Scariff/Ogonnelloe will do battle. In recent years, it has been Newmarket and Kilmaley who have battled it out on county final day and these two clubs raised the bar in senior camogie to a new level. However, Scariff/Ogonnelloe, a young ambitious Sixmilebridge side, along with the ever-improving Kilkishen and Clooney/Quin will all want to cause an upset in the 2011 campaign. Wolfe Tones have been steadily rebuilding over the last few years and will be …

Juniors ready for action

Nine clubs will compete in this year’s Junior Camogie Championship. The competition will be run similar to the senior and intermediate competitions, with two groups; the two in each group progressing to the cup semi-finals. The third and fourth-placed teams will progress to the Hamilton Shield semi-finals. Both league finalists, Crusheen and Feakle, are in Group 1 along with Kilmaley, Killanena and Tulla. In Group 2 are Éire Óg, Ballyea and the second string teams from Kilkishen and Sixmilebridge. Crusheen, who lost out in last year’s final, will be hoping to go that extra step and add to the junior league title picked up in March. However, they will face competition from Feakle, who will be looking to avenge their defeat in that league final. Éire Óg, Tulla and Kilkishen played in the Munster Summer Leagues and all will have gained valuable experience from playing teams from outside of Clare. Group 1Crusheen v KilmaleyKilmaley probably would prefer anyone but the …

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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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