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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

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Casey and Cahill shortlisted for Junior Camogie Player of the Year

Two Clare Camogie stars have been nominated for the PwC GPA Camogie Premier Junior Player of the Year. Kilmaley’s Caoimhe Cahill has been nominated for the gong alongside Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Ellen Casey. The three-player shortlist is completed by Tipperary’s Jean Kelly. Clare claimed the All Ireland Junior Camogie title when they defeated Tipperary in the final 3-7 to 1-9 last month. The victory was significant for Clare as they claimed their first title at this grade since 2008. John Carmody’s charges endured a nervy start, falling to an early six-point deficit but they refused to panic as they gradually reeled in and overtook the Premier County. Cahill netted a crucial goal as Clare produced a stirring comeback on a day when the Kilmaley clubwoman received the Player of the Match award. Cahill also notched three points in her side’s 0-22 to 2-15 win against Armagh in the semi-final. At centre back, Ellen Casey offered a physical presence throughout the campaign for …

Bridgetown’s Moya Ryan will compete in a European Games quarter final after her and doubles partner Joshua Magee won their opening two group games. The Irish pair face the number one seed from France Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue in Poland today (Thursday) to see which outfit will top their group. With two teams progressing from each of the four groups, Ryan and Magee have already done enough to book their quarter final spot. On Monday they defeated the Italian pairing of Gianmarco Bailetti and Martina Cossini 21-14 21-13 as they built up early leads and managed to keep their composure to hold on in both games. The following day the pair produced a scintillating opening game to down Milan Dratva and Katarina Vargova 21-5. The Slovakian pairing were always set to fight back but Ryan and Magee secured another straight sets win as they took game two 21-15. The quarter finals will take place on Friday morning. Should Ryan …

The Clare District Soccer League (CDSL) has been left frustrated by repeated acts of vandalism at Frank Healy Park. The Doora based facility has been repeatedly targeted by vandals for a year. Since last summer, fencing has been destroyed, doors broken and the mail box repeatedly damaged. The acts of vandalism started when a door into a storage area of the dressing rooms was broken in to roughly a year ago. This has led to a progression of incidents which has left those involved in Clare soccer deeply frustrated. On Monday, the CDSL published a statement about the repeated intrusions at the County Grounds when the home dressing room door was severely damaged. The statement by the CDSL notes: “Finally this morning the home dressing room door was discovered to have been broken in. This is simply mindless vandalism as nothing of any significant value is kept in these buildings. They are dressing rooms and a small kitchen, noting more. …

Eoghan Gunning has been named Electric Ireland Minor Hurler of the Year with six Clare hurlers named in the Minor Hurling Team of the Year. Clare produced a memorable run to lift the Irish Press Cup as they became the first side from the county to win both the provincial and All Ireland titles in the same season. Gunning and James Hegarty have been named on the Team of the Year once more after receiving the same honour in 2022 when Clare progressed through to the All Ireland semi final stage. A cornerstone of Clare’s run to glory has been their defensive solidity. Four of the Banner rearguard have been named in the team. Eoghan Gunning, Ronan Keane, Matthew O’Halloran and James Hegarty all received the nod. Michael Collins and Marc O’Brien have been included in the team off the back of their consistent displays this season. Gunning was named Hurler of the Year after a string of top quality …

Clare’s ladies footballers will face Westmeath in the TG4 All Ireland quarter-finals. Wayne Freeman’s charges will enjoy home advantage after finishing top of their four team group. They survived the concession of two late goals against Tyrone to ensure they secured top spot and a home quarter-final. This clash with Westmeath will rekindle memories of the sides’ meeting two years ago at the same stage of the competition. On that occasion the Leinster outfit emerged with a 3-11 to 2-11 win. Goals from Niamh O’Dea and Chloe Towey were not enough for a Clare side that endured a slow start, which proved costly in the finish. Clare trailed by eight points near the conclusion of the half and by six points after 40 minutes, yet they came close to mounting a memorable comeback. They managed to get within a point of a Westmeath side that managed to secure All-Ireland glory that year but two late frees saw the Leinster side …

The football leagues from division 1 to 5 were finalised at the weekend with league final spots and semi-final spots confirmed. The remaining divisions 6 to 8 have a number of ties left to enact in the coming fortnight. The top team after each league is automatically into the final with second and third playing in a semi-final. The winner of this semi-final except for division 1 is promoted and gains a place in the respective league final. In the future ticketing Cusack Cup St Breckans are in the final for the second year as reigning champions on 11 points. Clondegad on 9 points finished second and will have home advantage against Ennistymon who ended third on 7 points. At the other end of the table it is relegation heartbreak for Doonbeg on 5 points with Corofin on 4 points facing Garry Cup for 2024. It was delight for St Joseph’s Miltown who gained promotion to the Cusack Cup for …

After many times reaching semi-finals and finals Tubber finally won the Kilbeacanty 7s hurling crown in searing heat on Monday in Kilbecanty. Before one of the largest attendances in recent years the Clare side accounted for St Thomas’, Tommie Larkin’s and Beagh. In the semi-final they defeated Craughwell and in the final overcame Tommie Larkin’s 2-12 to 3-6. Team captain Ronan Monahan accepted the cup and was the overwhelming choice as player of the tournament. In the final Tubber scorers were Ronan Monahan (2-2), Blaine Earley (0-4), Ronan Taaffe (0-2), Emmet Quinn, Lorcan O’Grady, Domhnall McMahon, Cathal Droney (0-1) each.

St Joseph’s Tulla……2-11 St Flannans (A-K)…….1-10 Anyone holding ambitions of county minor management in 2026/27 was upgrading their CV at 12.30pm on Friday last following a high-quality final between two even sides that showed admirable fielding skills and increased levels of motivation as the game progressed. The Clare post-primary GAA season ended in stunning sunshine at Cusack Park five short days since 18,000 people hurled every ball and enjoyed a post-game disco. This time it was two sides that will by the end of the decade provide a sizable minority of the Clare senior panel that engaged in this year’s encounter. Noticeable prior to the game was the physical power advantage that existed in favour of the East Clare school. The opening salvo of the game was fired over the bar by St Joseph’s centre back Cian Maxted before the towering presence of Paddy Murphy added a second score with just four minutes played at headquarters. Had the winners lost …

TERRACE tickets for Sunday week’s Munster final went on sale this morning and sold out in less than half an hour. The rematch of last year’s provincial final has sparked huge interest in both Clare and Limerick, particularly after the Banner’s toppling of the All Ireland champions in the round robin phase. Tickets went on sale via Ticketmaster at 12 noon and were also available in certain retail outlets. They were all gone well before 12.30, much to the frustration of many supporters. Stand tickets, the majority of the Gaelic Grounds capacity, are set to be allocated to clubs in the coming days. But, with people not having certainty about receiving those, there was overwhelming demand for the tickets on sale today. Last year’s Munster final saw a similar means of distributing tickets, which also saw many people queuing only to be disappointed.

WHEN last Sunday’s results unexpectedly threw up a Clare-Limerick Munster final it seemed that the logical venue would be Thurles, where last year’s decider took place. However there was some consternation and bemusement in the county on Monday as it appeared likely that the game would go to Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh, a particularly awkward venue for Clare supporters. While home advantage was ceded, there was still a good deal of relief on Tuesday when it was confirmed that the match will be played at the Gaelic Grounds. Speaking about the matter on Wednesday, Clare County Board chairman Kieran Keating explained what had happened. “Thurles was our preference, that’s where we nominated and Limerick nominated Cork. We did our canvassing and so on to the delegates. The game was in Thurles last year and obviously Cork felt they were entitled to their turn. That’s the way we felt the vote was going to go and we consulted with our management …

FIGHTING on the Katie Taylor undercard tonight, Ennis boxer Paddy Donovan moved to 11-0 with a very impressive TKO against Sam O’Maison. The English fighter came to Dublin with 17 victories and just four defeats, and was potentially the most dangerous opponent Donovan had met. But from the first bell there was only one man in it, Donovan dominating the action, softening his opponent up with some big shots before ending it in the sixth. It was impressive stuff from a focused looking Donovan, as he punished the head and body of O’Maison throughout, winning every round. Generally on the front foot himself, Donovan dealt easily with any O’Maison attacks, showing some neat footwork and elusiveness on the few occasions it was required. While the 3Arena was still far from full, there was plenty of vocal support for the Ennis man, with the noise levels rising every time he applied the pressure. The first stanza saw Donovan set the tone, …

Following a successful inaugural camogie version recently, it’s the turn of the Under 15 hurlers from around the country to compete for the Super 9’s title in Gort GAA today (Tuesday, May 16th) from 10:30am. Hosted by Gort Community School’s transition year students as part of the GAA Future Leaders programme, the 9-a-side format will allow the players to showcase their talent as 16 teams including St Flannan’s College, St Joseph’s Tulla, St Kieran’s Kilkenny, Kilkenny CBS, De La Salle Waterford, St Colman’s Fermoy, Midleton CBS and holders Ardscoil Ris participate in the one-day tournament. The competition is open to the public and will have a carnival atmosphere as along with the on-field action, there are hurling challenges and food stands. Entry is €5 and it will be cash only at the gate. McKeever Sports will sponsor jerseys for the winning school in camogie and hurling, along with jerseys for best players in an All Star team selected from all …

Reamainn UI hOgain Under 15B munster final St Joseph’s Tulla 3-14 – Glanmire Community College 5-7 School’s hurling at its best was witnessed on Wednesday afternoon in Kilmallock as St Joseph’s Tulla engineered one of the great wins of Clare school’s hurling to secure the Munster Under 15 B title. On at least three occasions the Clare school looked on the way out as Glanmire struck for goals with ease. Yet, on each occasion the efforts of Liam Murphy dragged them back into the game and ultimately the championship St Joseph’s were cheering with less than a minute played as Liam Murphy had the ball in the Glanmire net as the Clare school’s tactic of isolating the O Callaghans Mills forward paid dividends throughout. Yet, within three minutes the cheers had turned to groans as Glanmire had a like score from Ryan Dineen to level matters. An interesting side story of the first half was that St Joseph’s showed up …

County Senior A Post-Primary Schools Camogie Championship Final Coláiste Muire 2-14 Scariff Community College 1-9 Coláiste Muire completed another memorable season when holding off chief rivals Scariff Community College for the second successive year to capture the marquee post-primary schools honours in Fr. McNamara Park on Tuesday afternoon. Leading from start to finish, crucial goals at either end of the tie bookended a dominant display led by scorers-in-chief Aisling Costelloe, Evie Scanlon and Elisha Rynne along with Aisling Moroney and Cliodha Queally. Scariff Community College meanwhile never reached the heights of previous performances or perhaps weren’t let by an Ennis side that got off to an ideal start with 1-4 without reply. Clarecastle pair Evie Scanlon (3) and Lauren Cusack began the early surge that was bolstered by an eleventh-minute solo goal through Aisling Costelloe who cut in from the right before rattling the net. Scariff finally got off the mark with an Eimear Rodgers ’45 a minute later but …

Bodyke/ O’Callaghan’s Mills 4-16 Whitegate 0-20 A gem of a final hidden away in division three minor league. A strong start by one side, consolidation by their opponents leading to a storming fightback only for the winners to finish with confidence to seal a win in which the scoreline hides the real story. Whitegate will bemoan the opening 15 minutes and also their inability to strike for a goal in their 20 minutes of second-half dominance. Bodyke/Mills were fortunate that they had a 11 point half time lead to act as a cushion as their hosts battered them in the second half. Celtic Challenge colleagues Michael Bogenberger, Kalum Fahy (Whitegate) went up against Sean Boyce (Bodyke/Mills) but the ace in the pack especially in the first quarter was Liam Murphy who four hours earlier led St Joseph’s Tulla to Munster honours. Sean Boyce hit the target with less than a minute played before Liam Murphy stunned the Whitegate following bagging …

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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 …
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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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