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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

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Defeat For Clare In Senior Hurling Challenge As Lohan Reign Begins

Senior Hurling Challenge: Galway 4-16 Clare 0-21 The Brian Lohan era might not have gotten off to a winning start, but on a cold December day the first encouraging shoots of optimism were certainly there to be seen. Indeed in the opening five minutes, the die-hards who turned out were already commenting on the direct approach being taken by Clare. Puck-outs were sent long down the wings, defensive clearances hit the danger zones as soon as possible, while the first and only short Banner puck-out of the day did not materialise until the 55th minute. New faces in the form of Paidí Fitzpatrick, Keith Whyte, Domhnall McMahon, Stiofán McMahon and Oisín Donnellan were given their first chance to impress the new management, while the likes of David Reidy, Colin Guilfoyle and Eoin Quirke made welcome returns to the senior panel. It was as of much interest to those watching on from a Clare perspective to keep an eye on positional …

Brian Lohan’s first outing as Clare senior hurling manager comes this weekend when they take on Galway in a challenge game in Ballinderreen on Saturday afternoon. The two-time All-Ireland winning defender was officially ratified at the October meeting of Clare GAA for an initial two-year term with a third season on offer pending a review. It ended months of speculation as to the future of the Clare senior hurling management with a turbulent process eventually coming to a conclusion with the four-time All-Star’s appointment. Early season training is now well underway, with a large training panel being cut down for the upcoming Munster league and National league. There are two outings for the new set-up in the next week, with Saturday’s clash with Galway being followed on Sunday December 15 with a showdown against All-Ireland champions Tipperary in Nenagh for the opening round of the Munster league. Lohan spoke to The Clare Champion to reflect on his first few weeks …

Anyone who knows Donie Garrihy knows that he wears his heart on his sleeve, and that was never more evident than in the aftermath of Sunday’s Munster final loss. He had just seen his team battled bravely against all kinds of adversity and come up short in a game they will feel was one that got away. It was a cruel finish to a positive year and he was not hiding the emotion of the occasion. “We kept our integrity for the whole game and asked lots of questions of Templenoe. We had a great chance for a goal early in the second half and it would have been game on had we scored that. We could have been up at half time too and we gave them some chances for scores and didn’t score ours. We weren’t razor sharp today and that cost us in the second half. We asked plenty questions of them but I liked the way …

An Ennis derby and a Shannon Town inter-club clash are the pick of the ties after the draws were made for this season’s Banner Carpets and Flooring Clare Cup. It will be an all-town affair in the second round when Avenue United take on Ennis Town at Roslevan, while there will be more than just bragging rights on the line when Shannon Town A meet Shannon Town C. There are five opening round ties where Newmarket Celtic A begin the defence of their title against Hermitage B, Bridge United A meet near neighbours Kilkishen Celtic and Kilrush Rangers face Shannon Hibs B. Elsewhere Tulla United host Lifford and Manus Celtic B meet Ennis Dons. The second round is: Bridge Utd A or Kilkishen Celtic v Kildysart Celtic; Turnpike Rovers v Shannon Town B; Cloughleigh Celtic v Newmarket Celtic A or Hermitage B; Avenue Utd A v Ennis Town; Shannon Hibs A v Manus Celtic B or Ennis Dons; Moher Celtic …

Clare is guaranteed to have a representative in the last four of this years Harty Cup. It’s after the two Banner schools in the competition were drawn to square off in the quarter finals as St Flannans take on St Joseph’s Tulla. The Ennis side topped their group with three wins from three, while a dramatic last minute point was enough to see St Joseph’s through in their final group game as they clinched a draw. Those games are set for Wednesday January 8th with details TBC. St Flannans also have a Corn Ui Mhuiri quarter final too look forward to where they’ll face St Brendans of Killarney.

A battling St Breckan’s went down fighting as they lost out to Templenoe by 0-14 to 0-5 in the Munster Club IFC Final. The loss of key men to red and black cards at crucial stages saw an already tough challenge become almost impossible but the North Clare side can be proud of their showing in 2019. The Clare champions trailed 0-5 to 0-3 at the break and could count themselves unlucky to be in arrears. A savage defensive effort kept the pathway to Tristan O’Callaghan’s goal blocked with Daniel Carey playing the free role with aplomb. Templenoe were forced into shooting from distance and racked up five first half wides, with St Breckan’s guilty of four, including three frees. It was St Breckan’s in front by 0-2 to 0-1 after the opening ten minutes, but they lost Maccon Byrne to a questionable black card midway through the half. Four in a row for the Kerry outfit put them 0-5 …

2019 is a summer that St Breckan’s captain Alan Sweeney is not likely to forget for some time to come. The same could be said for anyone with a sporting inclination in North Clare with St Breckan’s claiming intermediate football honours while Michael Cusack’s finally broke their final hoodoo by clinching the junior title. All that happened after what was arguably the most significant sporting event to ever hit the county as Lahinch Golf Club played host to the 2019 Irish Open. For Sweeney, it was a monumental moment for him and the rest of the green-keeping crew in Lahinch as they worked tirelessly to ensure the famed links was in pristine condition for the world’s top golfing stars to take on. There was plenty to juggle as his commitments to the course and to the Clare senior football panel meant a hectic time was in store. It also meant that on the Sunday of the Irish Open, he was …

Reaching a Munster final was not something that was on Donie Garrihy’s radar when he answered the call from his beloved St Breckan’s this year. The North Clare men will hope to top off a fairytale 2019 when they meet Templenoe in Sunday’s intermediate provincial club showpiece in Mallow. Garrihy says while they had targets to hit, being at this stage of the championship was never in the conversation. “Our initial goals were to hold our own in the Cusack Cup and to win the intermediate championship. We didn’t ever really push it too much on the players in relation to the championship because that would put them under pressure and I wanted to keep that away from them. I had heard all about the talent within the group but there is that old saying that hard work will beat talent when talent doesn’t work but if you have the two of them, you have a great chance. Hard work …

If St Breckan’s are going to upset the apple cart on Sunday afternoon and take down Templenoe, then midfield dynamo Dale Masterson is going to play a key role in that task. The county man has been in sparking form all year as he formed a potent partnership with the bustling Liam Tierney that has seen the North Clare men on the brink of provincial glory. He is looking forward to another huge occasion for the club. “It is going to be massive and everyone can’t wait for it. We have had two weeks of a build up to it but with the U-21’s losing out last Sunday, we are hoping that they can bottle up that hurt and turn it into a positive now this weekend so that they can dust themselves down and go again. You can be sure that Donie is not preparing us to go down there just to make up the numbers. The minute he …

Recently retired Clare hurling legend Niall Gilligan has thrown his hat in the ring for an immediate return to GAA action, but not on the field. The Sixmilebridge clubman has been nominated to contest the election for the position of Munster Council delegate at Clare GAA’s annual convention on December 12. Inagh-Kilnamona’s PJ Kelly and Naomh Eoin clubman Kieran Keating are the two outgoing delegates, with Kelly having completed his five year team meaning he will have to stand aside. Keating, who resides in Sixmilebridge, was elected to the position in 2015 meaning he is eligible for one further year in the role. There will be competition other than Niall Gilligan, with former treasurer of Clare GAA and St Joseph’s Doora Barefield clubman Bernard Keating also in the running along with current vice-treasurer, Eire Óg’s Tony Brohan. Ger Hickey of Feakle and John Fawl of Ennistymon are also nominated for the position with two to be selected on the night. …

Clare U-21B Football Final Preview: Kildysart v Wolfe Tones You would be excused for thinking you have a case of déjà-vu with this one as the rivals square off for a third time in 12 months at this stage of the championship. It took a replay to separate them last year after a fiery draw on the first day out which saw Kildysart’s key man, Emmet McMahon, red-carded which ruled him out the replay. It would prove to be a fatal blow as the Shannon men swept to victory by 5-7 to 1-13. Kildysart have mixed the tough with the flair en route to this decider, as they edged past neighbours Clondegad by the minimum before easing past the Banner in their last four tie. They have been scoring well, notching 0-18 against Clondegad before putting up 0-14 against the Banner in a game played in difficult conditions at the start of the month. The long layoff between games will …

Kildysart are a club well acquainted with finals. In the last three years, they have contested three intermediate finals, and an U-21 final. What they aren’t well acquainted with, though, is success. Manager Jacko Cleary says the club need to shake off the losing ways and he believes the current, talented group of U-21s are the group that can break the hoodoo. “It’s good to back there. It’s basically the same team as last year bar one big player; Rory McMahon. We’re pulling from a panel of just 17 players. In our first game this year our ‘keeper had to play wing forward as one of our players was out injured. Two minutes into the game, he broke his collarbone so that ruled him out for the season. We may not have many players but what we have are some very good players. “Six of our U-21s started for our intermediates in the county final and one came on. That’s …

Wolfe Tones will be hoping to keep the wagon rolling this weekend when they square off once more with Kildysart in the Clare U-21B football final. The Shannon men mounted a rousing comeback to beat a strong Miltown side in an extra-time thriller last Saturday to reach back to back finals where they will defend their title. Selector Frank Casey feels it is a great achievement to reach this stage once more. “We are delighted to be back into the final again this year and it is the same pairing again. We set out at the start of this year with a very young panel. We only have two or three lads that will be overage next year and we started the semi-final against Miltown with six minors on the field so it is a real positive from our point of view to be back in the final again. From last year’s team, we lost four so that shows how …

Should Shannon Gaels-Kilmihil upset the odds and defeat St Breckan’s this Sunday, it would be a massive moment for both clubs, according to manager Paul Reidy. Shannon Gaels-Kilmihil recorded an impressive 14-point win over Naomh Eoin-O’Curry’s in their quarter-final clash before they defeated Kilmurry Ibrickane 2-10 to 1-10 in the semi-final. This set up the clash with St Breckan’s in Cusack Park this Sunday to decide who will rule the U-21 roost. While form isn’t in question, Reidy is wary of what Breckan’s bring to the table. He also stressed how important this year has been for his squad’s development. “We do have a good bit of work done as we haven’t played in two and a half weeks but we’re very lucky that the vast majority of our team, either played with Kilmihil senior or Shannon Gaels intermediate this year. They have played football at a high level all year and that has really stood to us. “When we …

2019 has already been a year to remember for St Breckan’s. The Clare intermediate title was annexed at the first time of asking and there is a Munster club final on the horizon too. It’s been a similar success story at underage level, as they reached the Minor B final before narrowly losing out to Cooraclare while this Sunday will see them compete for U-21A honours. Club stalwart Neil Hawes will be patrolling the line in Cusack Park and he’s hoping they can capitalise on the momentum gathered in recent times. “It has been a great few weeks for the club and we are really looking forward to another big game on Sunday. You have to take every game on its own merits and we will be hoping to put in another big performance and see where that will take us. I know people say that it is going on late in the year but it is still a really …

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Tones just shade 12 goal thriller

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

Intermediate predictability dashed by compelling Group 4

Intermediate Hurling Championship Round 3, Group 1 Clarecastle v Smith O’Brien’s at Páirc Micheál Uí hEithir Cratloe, Saturday 5pm, (Andy McMahon, Cratloe) They’ve met regularly in the Clare Cup and even the Magpies’ second string have battled Smith O’Brien’s but at adult championship level, this appears to be the first time that their flagship sides have clashed. It would potentially have been a heavyweight showdown if the Killaloe-Bridgetown side were at their 2021 or ’22 levels while it will still be a battle, the loss of key players to emigration for Smith O’Brien’s should mean that Clarecastle possess the better balance to shade matters and top the group. Verdict: Clarecastle Ruan v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield at Crusheen, Saturday 5pm, (Jim Hickey, Cratloe) It’s only three years ago since St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield’s first team raided for five goals to floor Ruan in the intermediate semi-final. However, it’s a strong sign of the Parish that while their first team is now operating …

Clooney or not Clooney, that is the question

On initial viewing, the race for the Fr. Murray Memorial Cup (intermediate camogie) appears fairly straight-forward. After all, with all three semi-finalists from 2023 (Tulla, Whitegate and Éire Óg) and senior demotee Clooney-Quin split evenly between the two groups, the business end overtly looks clear-cut. Clooney-Quin’s senior experience along with negotiating their way to intermediate glory as recently as 2021 makes them the stand-out candidates, with Tulla currently ranking a close second having contested back-to-back intermediate finals, three if you include the replay in 2022 against eventual champions Clarecastle/Ballyea. They won’t want to see another mid-Clare side join them in the second tier but for Tulla, it’s all about learning from their previous deciders and leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of reaching the promised land of senior. Whitegate were beaten finalists to Clooney-Quin in 2021 and actually meet them first this Thursday evening at 7pm, in what is potentially a Group A decider in Clooney and the same …

Clare camogie power base is still in the East

Current kingpins Truagh-Clonlara and Scariff-Ogonnelloe may have switched roles last October after the latter’s two year reign but having clashed in the last three finals, they will be overwhelming favourites to do so once more come October 19th. It’s up to the chasing pack to alter that perceived narrative as with only the finalists seeded for this year’s race for the McMahon Cup, the groups initially appear a bit lopsided. After all, with three of last year’s semi-finalists (Scariff-Ogonnelloe, Inagh-Kilnamona and Feakle-Killanena) pooled in Group B, the fact that there are two business end berths means that one major contender has to fall at the group stages. Scariff-Ogonnelloe’s vast experience of three titles in the last five seasons makes them the forerunners to maintain their perfect group record as since bounding back to senior level in 2017, they have progressed to the penultimate stage at a minimum. That’s a seven year record that no other senior side in the county …

Doora/Barefield hit the ’Bricks for six

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 6-10 Kilmurry Ibrickane 2-13 Senior Ladies’ Football Championship Group A Round 1 It took free kicks to finally separate these sides in the Division 1 League decider but this time it was six timely goals that ensured revenge for St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield but also a major opening boost to what is unquestionably the group of death in this year’s senior ladies football championship in Gurteen on Sunday afternoon. Such a heartbreaking means of losing a final seemed to be channelled into Sunday’s display for the Parish who were never behind at any stage despite facing into the strong conditions in the opening period. Decisive first half goals through Roisin Fowley, Lyndsay Clarke and Aoibhinn McMahon kept wind-assisted Kilmurry Ibrickane at arm’s length in the opening period, with Chloe Moloney inevitably leading the charge with seven points in what was a compelling tussle with fellow county senior Siofra Ní Chonaill at 3-5 to 0-9 by the break The …

‘There was hurling in Clonbony before there was hurling in Sixmilebridge’

When Limerick referee Johnny Murphy blew his full time whistle at the end of what was arguably the greatest All-Ireland final of all time there was naturally a huge outpouring of emotion the length and breath of this beautiful County. For the people, especially the hurling fraternity, in places like Ennistymon, Clonbony and Kilkee there was also an overwhelming sense of pride as Miltown’s Conor Cleary and Ennistymon’s Cathal Malone walked the steps of the Hogan Stand. Heroes forever more to every Clare person, be they man woman or child, these two great warriors are now the proud owners of a coveted Celtic Cross medal and their achievements will no doubt inspire a whole new generation of children to pick up a hurley and dream of following in their footsteps. Sport has always been part of the DNA of the Banner and hurling has always had a massive following all over the County. In recent weeks the John Hynes Memorial …

The rocky road to recovery

The resilience shown by Clare hurlers Ryan Taylor and Tony Kelly to battle back from serious injuries has been lauded by team physiotherapist for the last three years, Shane Malone. While Shane has attended All-Ireland homecomings in his native Kerry following All-Ireland successes, he described last week’s welcome for the Liam McCarthy Cup in Clare as “incredible”. He will never forget the hundreds of Clare hurling supporters who lined the streets and rural roads to welcome the team home, which was a real “eye opener”. “The enthusiasm and love for Brian Lohan and the team is quite different from my previous experiences. I was very impressed by the volume of support out there for the Clare team. It shows the high esteem they are held within the county. “The response from Clare fans all year has been unbelievable. There is a great connection between Brian Lohan and the county and people respond when they like what they see. “The way …

‘A special day and a special win’ – Diarmuid Ryan

The relief; the jubilation on the field when it was all over; the calm and satisfaction afterwards as Clare left Croke Park secure in the knowledge that they’d be back in a few weeks time. These were the winning moods and personas displayed among the players as they went on their way after the glass ceiling of this All-Ireland semi-final stage had finally been cracked. A first All-Ireland semi-final win over Kilkenny since 1997 and only a second championship win over Kilkenny ever; a day of atonement for the most recent semi-final defeats against Kilkenny; an All-Ireland final day out to look forward to on July 21. “It’s a special feeling for sure,” said Diarmuid Ryan. “A special day and a special win but we’re going to knuckle down for two weeks and the All-Ireland final.” As he spoke the reset had already taken place – the hoopla had died down, with Ryan and the rest of the players being …

‘We grabbed it with both hands’ – Tony Kelly

It’s a measure of the standards that Tony Kelly has set in his 13 years as a senior inter-county hurler and of his star quality that despite being subdued for the first 45 minutes of the All-Ireland semi-final that he still ended up as one of the game’s most influential players. Doing the maths tells this story – no Clare player ended up with more than him from play as he top-scored jointly with David Reidy who had a huge game in the 61 minutes of game time that he got. And for the Ballyea colossus, who has slipped into the veteran classes almost unnoticed, his three-point burst down the long home straight of this All-Ireland was a crucial part of the power-play that ultimately swamped Kilkenny and left them shellshocked at the end. And you could say that this comeback was really kickstarted by Kelly, with his opening point being the first response to the Billy Ryan goal, which …

Dominant display drives Blues to record 26th Clare Cup title

Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-19 Inagh-Kilnamona 1-11 The victor wasn’t a surprise but the manner of Newmarket-on-Fergus’ 26th Clare Cup title certainly proved to be as the roll of honour leaders had a rather bloodless final triumph in Clarecastle on Friday evening. Bridging a six year gap to their last Clare Cup crown, it was an utterly commanding display when first responding to the hammerblow of an early goaled Inagh-Kilnamona penalty to outscore them by 1-7 to 0-1 in the second quarter and carve out a match-winning 1-11 to 1-04 interval cushion. Indeed, it wouldn’t have flattered the Blues had the half-time chasm been doubled as amidst their second quarter siege, James Carrig’s side passed up four glorious goal chances in as many minutes just before the recess. Niall O’Connor was outstanding at the back, Peter Power was equally influential at the other end while Stephen Casey was also hugely effectual when switched to shadow Inagh-Kilnamona’s talisman Fred Hegarty. This was an impressive …

Kearns’ golden goal secures Division 3 Hurling League title for the Parish

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 2-14 O’Callaghan’s Mills 0-17 It really doesn’t matter if you lead early in a match or are chasing the game for lengthy spells but what does matter though is who is ahead when it counts the most and that’s at the final whistle. On Sunday morning out in Tulla the men from the Parish epitomised resilience and got their just rewards for never surrendering when grabbing the lead for the only time in the sixtieth minute to practically steal a cracking league final that was played in a hugely sporting manner. It was two second strings but nobody who was in Dr.Daly Park would have guessed that as these two played out a superbly contested battle that ebbed and flowed throughout with the result in doubt right up until referee Pat Healy’s full time whistle. Level on six occasions it took a late late Conor Kearns goal to decide the destination of league honours. One could only …

Éire Óg go to town on the ’Bridge

Éire Óg 3-20 Sixmilebridge 2-14 There’s always a certain level of respect between clubs but sometimes there’s also a level of contempt that is evident for all to see. On Sunday evening this Division 2 final was practically over by the end of the opening quarter. The townies who would have genuine Canon Hamilton ambitions were going through the motions and without much exertion had eased to an eight point lead. Fast forward to the final minutes and after battling throughout the Bridge’s second team who will compete in the Intermediate Championship to their credit only trailed by nine. Gerry O’Connor’s charges are in complete and utter control with several tap over point opportunities but rather than take them they continually try to engineer another green flag to inflict more pain on their opponents. I suppose a series of high profile clashes between the clubs in recent years will have that effect and they did eventually get their third major in …

Clare set for Wexican stand-off

The distinctive stench of turpentine has permeated around the county in the last two weeks as slates have been cleaned and canvases blanked ahead of Clare’s senior hurling championship resumption in Thurles this Saturday. Following the heartbreak of a third consecutive Munster Final reverse to trophy hoovers Limerick at the same venue last time out, picking up the pieces has never been more important as they look to regather self-belief, confidence and momentum once more in the All-Ireland series. While earning the unwanted record of being only the second team ever to lose three Munster deciders to the same opposition was harrowing enough, the despondency surrounding the below-par performance made it arguably the most disappointing of all three provincial final clashes. After all, Brian Lohan’s side had exceeded all expectations to push Limerick all the way to extra-time in a Munster Final for the ages in 2022 while the Banner subsequently almost took down the champions in their own home …

Promotion the main prize for semi-final winners

Adult Football League Semi-Finals (Winner on the day) Cusack Cup Semi-Final Lissycasey v St Joseph’s Miltown at Lissycasey, Friday 7.30pm (Jim Hickey, Cratloe) Considering the seesaw form of these sides in recent seasons, it’s hard to believe that only three years ago, Miltown were Cusack Cup and Lissycasey were Garry Cup champions. All because both have been in the second tier since and are now vying for a pre-championship boost of attempting to dethrone holders Ennistymon in the final. Lissycasey were subsequently beaten finalists to Corofin in 2022, the same season that Miltown dropped to the second tier. However, having secured a first Garry Cup crown in 18 years twelve months ago, it would be a major jolt to qualify for the Cusack Cup decider once more. Meanwhile it’s 17 years since Lissycasey last contested and won their sole Cusack Cup title, a major carrot in itself this Friday evening as they look to make home advantage count. The sides …

Ballyea in a league of their Eoin after powerful finish

Under 18A Hurling League Final Ballyea 1-20 Sixmilebridge 1-11 A devastating finish saw Ballyea complete a remarkable 13 point second half turnaround to snatch their first ever Under 18A League title on the away soil of O’Garney Park in Sixmilebridge on Wednesday evening. Having led for the previous 30 minutes, the ‘Bridge seemed set for victory themselves when accentuating their 0-8 to 0-7 half-time edge with a goal after only 25 seconds of the restart as good play from Stephen Gavin was finished to the bottom right corner by Donal O’Leary. However, it was if subconsciously the home side assumed that the job was done as they would be sorely second best for the remainder as the defiant visitors outscored them by 1-13 to 0-03 in the final 30 minutes. Eoin Kennedy found his range from frees while the talismanic Eoin O’Connor provided the real spark to ignite Ballyea’s challenge when fielding a Dillon Killoughery delivery to cut in from …

900 million fans shows the popularity of volleyball

Volleyball is one of the most popular sports there is with over 900 million fans worldwide. That fanbase is growing all the time and the sport consistently ranks in the top five of the most watched global sports. At the end of the month Ireland will head to San Marino for the CEV SCA (European Volleyball Small Countries Association) Championship where they will face Scotland, Malta, Northern Ireland and hosts San Marino in the group stages. The Banner County have had huge success in the sport with the Senior and Junior All Ireland titles residing in the county courtesy of the Coláiste Muire and the Munster Thunder clubs. The strength of the sport in Clare can be highlighted by the fact that four Banner players will represent Ireland in the tournament. Amy O’Sullivan, Catriona Ní Riordan, TJ Sweeney and Maria Jones will all proudly don the green jersey in Serraville from May 30th to June 2nd. Three of the girls …

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