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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

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Miltown Hoping To Make The Most Of Home Comforts In Munster SFC Club Quarter-Final

After putting Clare senior football titles back to back for the first time in 116 years, St Joseph’s Miltown begin their quest for successive Munster final appearances this Sunday. David O’Brien’s charges welcome newly crowned Waterford champions Rathgormack to Hennessey Park in Miltown for a provincial quarter-final, with the Deise outfit having captured their first county title in 20 years with victory over Ballinacourty three weeks ago. Miltown captured their 15th title with victory over Kilmurry Ibrickane in a dramatic replay and O’Brien admits the effort involved on both days took its toll. “It has been good and there has been a great buzz around the place. We more or less took the week off after it because there were a lot of tired bodies and probably more so tired minds after what was effectively three weeks of a county final as it turned out. Lads were just wrecked and there was just that huge relief at the final whistle …

St Breckan’s will look to turn a good year for their club into a better one when they venture into Limerick to take on intermediate champions Galtee Gaels this Saturday in the Gaelic Grounds. While St Breckan’s were ran mightily close by Kildysart in the Clare decider, they weren’t made to sweat nearly as much as their Limerick counterparts who endured a replay as well as a very tough game second time round before eventually seeing off Gerald Griffins by 1-11 to 0-12. While manager Donie Garrihy is pleased with his squad’s response since their county final victory, he knows his side will need to be at their best to see off a battle-hardened Galtee Gaels. “Unless we bring our A game to the Gaelic Grounds, we will be coming home beaten. They’re a strong side. They love their football; they were senior recently like us. They have stated on their GAA club Facebook page that they’re taking this tournament …

To say Broadford enjoyed their intermediate championship success would be an understatement. The club had been knocking on the door in recent years and the players themselves always felt they were of the standard. They now have a chance to take on the Cork champions for a place in the Munster intermediate final and prove their worth once more. Feakle came desperately close to bringing the championship home to Clare last year and Broadford will believe they can go one better. Manager Tom Howard says his side are really looking forward to a tough challenge. “It’s a great thing to look forward to for sure. We had a great week’s celebration [after the county final] but after that fellas put their head down and trained very hard. We’re excited to compare ourselves to the best from Cork, and if we’re successful then you’re into a Munster final. “We went back training the Saturday after the county final, and while there …

Scariff-Ogonnelloe have had leaders in every line of the field during their run to Saturday’s Munster club final, but there is no doubt that their centre-back Ciara Doyle has been one of the main driving forces. She is still one of the younger members of the squad, but her performances for club and county leave little doubt that age is just a number as she carries herself with the confidence and composure of a seasoned veteran. Being a Doyle from that neck of the woods, she admits a future in camogie was always written in the stars. “I was no sooner born than Dad had a hurley stuck in my hand so it was always going to be camogie for me. I remember when I was younger he trained the boys teams and had me going out playing with them too and I loved it. It developed further then with the schools teams and getting called onto county panels and …

If Scariff-Ogonnelloe are to mark the latest high point in a whirlwind season by winning the Munster senior title this weekend, then their captain will be central to that challenge. After leading her side to their maiden top flight championship title already in 2019, county star Mairead Scanlan is now firmly focused on the challenge of Tipperary’s Drom-Inch when they clash in Cappamore on Saturday. Much has been rightly made of the progress the club has made since gaining promotion to the top tier. Memories of their semi-final defeats in 2017 and 2018 were wiped clear when the McMahon Cup was finally annexed this year, and another composed display against Newcastlewest in the Munster semi-final saw them through to the provincial decider. The captain admits while it has not always been plain sailing for the club, they are eager to take the next historic step. “It has been a great journey so far this year and it all started back …

After all the turbulence and all the uncertainty and controversy surrounding the appointment of a new Clare senior hurling manager, the white smoke eventually made its way into the Clareabbey sky last week as Brian Lohan was officially ratified by club delegates. It brought an end to a needlessly protracted saga that saw player statements, managerial withdrawals and a general air of chaos that simmered close to boiling point on more than one occasion. There is no point going back over old ground but the process that unfolded from the time of Clare’s championship exit until Lohan’s name was rubber stamped was simply not good enough. The matter should have been put to bed long before the last day in October and there has been widespread and justified criticism about how the board went about their business in that time. Donal Moloney referenced the uncertainty in the process as being a key factor in his decision to withdraw, while Louis …

On this week’s podcast: We pay tribute to the late Kieran Harvey after his untimely passing, we look back on Sixmilebridge’s Munster club loss to Ballygunner and reflect on the happenings of the last week as Brian Lohan takes over as Clare hurling manager. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/708254521?secret_token=s-J5AL9″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Clare Minor A Football Final: Ennistymon 3-6 Corofin 0-5 It was retribution and local bragging rights that Ennistymon went in search of in Doonbeg, and they left with both after a strong second-half performance saw them crowned champions. The last two years have seen the North Clare magpies pipped at the post in the decider, but leaders emerged all over the field to ensure the Paddy Hennessey cup would be making its way to the famed market town on Saturday evening. Leaders were required on an afternoon where weather conditions were far from ideal, with a strong swirling wind blowing away from the scoreboard end being accompanied by heavy misty rain. It meant handling conditions were difficult while kicking was akin to a lottery. Both sides were stacked full of county minor stars in both codes, but the conditions combined with the nerves which accompany any major final were evident early on as the opening quarter of the contest passed …

Miltown Malbay 0-12 Kilmurry Ibrickane 0-8 ST JOSEPH’S Miltown Malbay rattled off five scores without reply to come from behind and claim their second senior title in as many seasons. It was a fast start to the game with an Eoin Cleary free getting proceedings underway while Aidan McCarthy got the Bricks off the mark as he curled a fine point over the bar from the left-hand side. It appeared Kilmurry had added a goal seconds later when Michael O’Dwyer finished to the net but referee Fergal Gray had sounded his whistle in the build-up and he called play back for a free to Miltown Malbay. Kilmurry Ibrickane took the lead in the 12th minute with a Keelan Sexton free from 25m out but a minute later, late inclusion Graham Kelly fired over a gorgeous point from 30m out to level it at 0-2 each. Sexton was having a big say in proceedings and his free followed by a beauty …

Brian Lohan looks set to be appointed as the new Clare senior hurling manager after Louis Mulqueen announced he was withdrawing from the race. The pair were the only two nominated following the invitation of expressions of interest in the role over the last two weeks. Mulqueen was also in the hunt during the initial process, but informed the board on Wednesday that he was not continuing his candidacy. It leaves Lohan as the only remaining candidate and it is expected he will be proposed for ratification at a board meeting next week.

St Joseph’s Miltown 0-9 Kilmurry Ibrickane 0-9 A LAST gasp 45m free converted by goalkeeper Ian McInerney was enough to send the Clare Senior Football championship final to a replay next weekend. It was a tense finish to a close game but on the balance of play; it was a fair result. It was a first half with few talking points as the teams took their time settling into the game, and Keelan Sexton was the only player to score in the first ten minutes with two frees. Ian McInerney was called into action early when Kieran Malone broke through and received a pass, his shot was low but McInerney was equal to it and the danger was averted. Eoin Cleary got Miltown up and running in the 11th minute from a placed ball, and the next score in the game was ten minutes later when Keelan Sexton took his tally to three. A few moments earlier, Keith King had …

Clare SFC Final Preview: KIB v Miltown Derrick Lynch This really is a game that will be decided by the absolute minimum, if it even is decided at all. It is the final that people have been willing to come to pass ever since Miltown got their hands on Jack Daly after a 25 year wait back in 2015. Since then, the derby to beat all derbies has been on the cards twice only to be thwarted at the semi-final stage, but now it is all systems go for what should be one of the most memorable Clare senior football finals for many years. There are so many sides stories of who is married into where and what families have had to ignore group chats over the last fortnight, but when you strip all that away, you are left with two outstanding football teams who will undoubtedly serve up a titanic battle between the four white lines. If you were …

Much of the talk in the build-up to Sunday’s Clare senior football final has centred around the various familial connections that exist between Kilmurry Ibrickane and Miltown. While all that is going on, Kilmurry captain Keith King is happy to sit back and observe, safe in the knowledge that he does not have to worry about that particular element of the occasion. “There are no connections with Miltown in my immediate family that I know of so I think I am nearly one of the only ones that does not have any to worry about any of that side of things ahead of it so I am in the clear. Everyone has been waiting for this game for the last three or four years. Players want it, supporters want it and I think it will make for a great game. Any final is a great one to win but being captain and that element of the rivalry and how well …

Everyone will tell you that reaching a county final with your club is a very special moment, but for Miltown’s Seanie Malone the 2019 showpiece will be that little bit sweeter. The former county man is back on the starting 15 after enduring a nightmare 12 months that saw him miss out on Miltown’s march to the Munster club football final. A knee injury saw him sidelined until his sides win over Ennistymon in the decider, and while he did see action in the closing stages of that game, it proved to be a costly few minutes. “Last year was pretty horrific. I got back from injury for the final and came on toward the end but ended up breaking a bone in my foot which ruled me out of the Munster campaign. I got back this year for the last of the group games and I had a few issues with injuries at the start of the year with …

Miltown manager David O’Brien is not entertaining any talks of his own house being one of the divided ones ahead of Sunday’s Clare senior football final. His mother is originally from the parish of Kilmurry Ibrickane but he is confident as to where the loyalties will lie come Sunday afternoon. “It is pretty much hoping that Miltown will pull it off and I think we have converted my mother a long time ago” he laughed. “I think the fact that there are so many connections on both sides that everyone is a little bit on eggshells and trying to avoid talking about it at the moment. The hype is there and it is always going to be there because you have good sides who are really well supported and they just happen to be beside each other with massive connections between the two groups of players. All that will create a great environment on the day and it will be …

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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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