Sport

Ennis RFC Girls Claim Munster Conference Title

A polished performance from Ennis saw them claim the Munster Girls U18 Conference A title with a well deserved victory over their Tipperary opponents on a 28-13 scoreline. It comes just two years after girls rugby was introduced by the club, with a number of the panel also catching the eye of the Munster Development Squad coaches in the past 12 months. The Clare side were always in control of the game at Irish Independent Park, and raced into a 14-0 lead midway through the opening half with two brilliant tries from the impressive Chisom Ugwueru. Both tries came after good work at the breakdown by the Ennis pack, as they pressured their opponents into conceding possession, before Ugwueru pounced on the loose balls to dance clear under the posts. Ennis full-back Aoibhin Donnelly was in good form from the tee and landed both conversions to leave her side well in control as the half-time whistle loomed. Credit to Carrick-on-Suir …

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Clare Set For Rebel Backlash In Cusack Park

Clare and Cork go head to head in round three of the National Football League Division Two in Cusack Park this Sunday at 2pm. Both sides come into the game having picked up one point from their opening two games, with the Rebels drawing against Fermanagh in Enniskillen before losing out to Kildare in Pairc ui Chaiomh. Kilmurry Ibrickane’s Keelan Sexton will be central once more to the Clare challenge as they look to build on last weekend’s draw against Armagh, but he says being without his club-mate Dermot Coughlan is a huge blow. “You hate seeing injuries like that happen and it is such a pity that it had to happen to him. He’s just after coming in to the panel and it’s only his second league game. He’s an outstanding player and it was awful to see it happen. I know Dermot very well and I have no doubt that once he gets on the mend, he will …

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Clare Look To Build On Positive Start To LGFA National League

Clare travel to Wexford this Sunday as they bid to pick up more vital points in their Ladies National Football League Division Two campaign. A storming first-half performance almost saw the Banner off to the perfect start against Kerry last weekend, before a late rally from the Kingdom saw them take a share of the spoils. Clare management and players have made no secret of their ambition to reach the semi-finals of this year’s league, and a point against one of the favourites to win the title outright will do their chances no harm at all. Clare boss James Murrihy admits while they are delighted to have picked up their first point, it’s a bittersweet feeling that it wasn’t more. “On one hand we gained a point but on the other you could say that we lost two. The overriding feeling is that we would have asked the girl for work-rate and to have a good attitude heading into the …

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St Anne’s In Search Of Munster Hurling Glory

It is a busy time for the students of St Anne’s Community College in Killaloe. Mock exams start this week as the big build up to June gathers pace, and there’s the small matter of a Munster Colleges Hurling final to be dealt with too. If second-level schools are the mould in which the character of future generations are formed, then the students in Killaloe are in safe hands. Not only are they juggling academic and sporting commitments, but for four of them, a trip to Missionvale in South Africa to volunteer their time and services is also on the horizon. Two of the those students, Dylan McMahon and James Power, are due to fly out on Saturday February 16th, which was the original date of their Munster Colleges Final against Borrisokane. After some negotiations between the two schools, it was agreed to bring the game forward by a week that both players wouldn’t have to miss out on one …

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Ennis girls Munster final to be live streamed on clarechampion.ie

A huge weekend lies in store for Ennis Rugby Club, as their U18 Girls side go in search of Munster glory. They make the trip to Irish Independent Park in Cork to face Carrick on Suir in the Munster Club League final. The game kicks off at 2.30pm and will be live streamed on clarechampion.ie What makes it all the more remarkable is that it comes just a year after the girls section of Ennis RFC was revived, and they now stand on the brink of provincial silverware.   Their coach is John Colleran, and he says it has been a brilliant journey so far. “We started last year with two teams, we fielded U-16 and U-18 sides and a got a huge response. We had no idea how popular and successful it was going to be. We had upwards of 80 girls who turned up to play and from that, we planned out the year. We didn’t play in …

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New York GAA Pay Tribute To Clare’s Pat Scanlan

Clare native Pat Scanlan was honoured by the Gaelic Athletic Association of Greater New York at their annual dinner dance last weekend. The Lissycasey man was the invited guest of honour, as New York GAA paid tribute for his many years of service. Pat was an active member of his native club in his youth, and represented the maroon and white at all levels underage, and was part of the Lissycasey panel that captured the Clare Junior football title in 1982. Having spent some time on holidays in New York in the late 70’s, Pat decided to make the move stateside in 1984, and was elected manager of the local Clare side four years later. He switched to managing the Longford team in the early 1990’s, before taking up the reins once more with Clare in 1997. He served three terms as chairman of the Junior Football Division, but perhaps his biggest moment for New York GAA came when he …

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McMahon Looking To Drive St Anne’s To Munster Glory

Dylan McMahon is no stranger to operating at the top level when it comes to hurling. The Clonlara man was one of the keystones for the Clare minor hurlers in 2018, with some hugely impressive performances in the half-back line as the Banner got within touching distance of a Munster Final. He will line out in a provincial decider this weekend when he will be vice-captain of St Anne’s Community College as they bid for glory in the Munster Senior C decider. Dylan admits it is an exciting time for all involved. “It’s great for everyone involved with the squad to have reached this stage. We have been training so hard all year, so to get to the final is a huge boost. We have a few lads who are in their last year in the school  and will be sitting their Leaving Cert in June before moving on, so to win something like this would be a great way …

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This Sporting Life

Where would we be in sport without hype? The Oxford English dictionary describes hype as being ‘extravagant or intensive publicity or promotion’. Who are we to argue with the good people in Oxford? The reason I bring this up is that over the weekend, the online response to people (yours truly included) who dared to ask were the Irish rugby team being unjustifiably hyped up was incredible. Social media tends to be a dark place at the best of times, but you would think that those asking the question had just insulted the last 10 generations of their respondents. A particular favourite of mine was someone telling me to “stick to talking to Tony Kelly because you know nothing about rugby”. Don’t you just love Twitter? Let’s look at the facts though. Ireland were beaten, and let’s be honest, well beaten by England in their home turf at the Aviva Stadium. It was a result that few saw coming, but …

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Colaiste Muire Ennis complete Munster title double

Colaiste Muire Ennis withstood a late fightback from Castletroy Community College before claiming the Munster Colleges Ladies Football D title on a 2-11 to 3-5 scoreline. The Clare side saw a 12-point second-half lead whittled down to just two as the full-time whistle loomed, before a pointed free from player of the match Emma O’Donoghue sealed the win. Coláiste made a blistering start to the game as they raced into a 2-7 to 0-0 lead, with O’Donoghue notching 2-2, including a well-struck penalty and a fine finish from play. Both wing-forwards helped themselves to a brace of points, with Sarah McCann and team captain Niamh McDonagh on target with well-taken scores. Castletroy had two opportunities to score from penalties in the opening half but saw both efforts saved by Coláiste goalkeeper Nouriatou Tchadjobo. They did eventually find the net just before half-time, when Caitlin Bonfil produced a tidy finish and they followed this up with a point soon after but …

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Clare v Cork NHL Clash Switched To Pairc Ui Rinn

The GAA has confirmed that Clare’s National Hurling league clash with Cork will now be played in Pairc ui Rinn. It comes as a statement has been released condemning the surface at Pairc ui Chaoimh, labelling it as unacceptable. The statement in full from the GAA reads: The playing surface at Páirc Uí Chaoimh for last weekend’s Allianz Leagues games was unacceptable. The heavy pitch-side traffic, associated with the construction works for the new stadium build, has had a detrimental effect on the pitch. As was evident yesterday, in winter conditions, the surface is likely to cut up badly. However, as weather improves the grass roots will develop and playability will improve dramatically. The stadium team have engaged the Sports Turf Research Institute, who are international pitch specialists, to advise on the best way forward. Their preliminary results suggest a pitch replacement, later this year, will be required. In the short term, we will continue to use best endeavours to …

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Clare repel late Kilkenny charge for narrow win

Eoghan Moloney CLARE ran out 2-20 to 1-22 winners over Kilkenny in their Division One National League clash in Cusack Park this afternoon. Goals from John Conlon and Podge Collins were the difference in an encounter where Clare were dominant for long periods but a goal from Kevin Kelly from a free with the last puck of the game ensured the minimum would separate the teams. Kevin Kelly opened the scoring with a free after 45 seconds before Colm Galvin got a fine point from play to level it up straight after. Kelly added a second free a minute later. Cleary started well, winning two battles and a free early. Clare started quickly but had four wides in first five minutes so did not make their early influence felt. Colin Guilfoyle soon set matters straight with a fine catch and point to open his account. Kelly soon added another free as Clare leaked too many scoreable frees in the first …

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Late Tubridy goal seals dramatic draw

David Tubridy’s late goal saw Clare snatch an unlikely draw from this National Football League clash with Armagh in Newry. The Doonbeg man arrowed a dangerous ball across the square in injury time, and it found it’s way to the net see the full-time score finish Clare 2-10 Armagh 1-13. The game was barely 20 seconds old when Dermot Coughlan suffered a serious leg injury which led to the Kilmurry Ibrickane youngster being stretchered from the field. When the action got back underway after a 12 minute stoppage, it was Armagh who struck first through Niall Grimley as he finished off a sweeping team move. Gordon Kelly found himself in space near the Armagh goal just moments later after being sent clear by Kieran Malone, and his shot had to be tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Blaine Hughes. Pierce DeLoughery was called into action twice in quick succession and the Cratloe man answered with two brilliant saves from Stefan …

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Murrihy Confident Clare LGFA Are Ready To Challenge In 2019

James Murrihy is facing into his second year as manager of the Clare Ladies Footballers. His first season in charge saw Clare retain their status in Division Two of the National League, but their championship season came to an end at the quarter-final stage at the hands of Meath. The new campaign gets underway this Sunday against Kerry, but Clare have a few injury concerns ahead of that game, most notably to star attacker Niamh O’Dea who is struggling to be fit after suffering a hamstring injury. Murrihy is confident they’re ready for what’s in store. “It’s probably the toughest start we could have asked for with Kerry first up. They would look at themselves as being in the top 5 teams in the country. From our own point of view, we have to be happy with what we have done since we started back in November. The girls have prepared really well and put in a massive effort so …

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Banner Bidding To Bounce Back In National Football League

Two crucial league points are on offer when Clare make the trip to Newry this Sunday to face Armagh in the second game of their Allianz National Football League Division Two campaign. The Banner make the trip over the border after an encouraging performance against Donegal last weekend, while the Orchard men left Newbridge with a share of the spoils against Kildare. The venue for this game has created plenty talking points, with Armagh being forced to give up home advantage in the Athletic Grounds after breaching a training ban. Former All-Ireland winner with the Ulster men Oisín McConville feels they will be aggrieved at how the sanction was imposed. “The thing about Armagh is that they do tend to play really well in the Athletic Grounds, they’re comfortable there in their own surroundings, but at the same time, Newry isn’t particularly out of the way. The reason why Armagh are so annoyed about it is because the same punishment …

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Harvey Hopeful Of Positive 2019 For Clare LGFA

At just 19 years old, you could be forgiven for thinking that Caoimhe Harvey is only finding her feet at inter-county level. The young West Clare Gaels woman is nearly moving toward the veteran stage though, as she enters a fourth season being involved at adult level. She’s no stranger to success either at both club and county level, and was a key member of the Clare minor side who won the All Ireland B title in 2017, along with several underage and adult titles with West Clare Gaels. She is joined once more on the Clare panel by her sisters Grainne and Ciara, with Ciara handed the vice-captain role along with Niamh O’Dea. Caoimhe admits everyone in the squad is looking forward to getting the campaign underway. “We started training at the end of November and then found out we had Kerry in the first round. No matter what team takes on Kerry, it’s going to be a tough …

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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

Recent Posts

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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‘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 …

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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 …

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‘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 …

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‘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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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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