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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

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Brave Effort From St Flannan’s In Corn ui Mhuiri Quarter Final Defeat

PS Chorca Dhuibhne 1-5 St Flannan’s 1-3 St Flannan’s suffered a heart-breaking defeat in this Corn ui Mhuiri (Munster A Colleges Football) quarter-final on Wednesday afternoon. The Ennis side were two points clear heading into injury time, when a long ball into the heart of their defence bounced in the square. PCD corner-forward Ruairi Ó Beaglaoich managed to reach highest to tap the ball over the line and send his side into the last four. It was cruel on a St Flannan’s side who fought bravely throughout with a massive defensive effort stifling the holders attack for large periods. The Kerry side had the elements at their backs in the first half, and opened the scoring with a point through Cillian Falvey. St Flannan’s pounced for their goal just minutes later, when Cian McDonough picked out Darren O’Brien with a brilliant cross-field pass. The Eire Óg man made no mistake with a low finish across the keeper to send his …

St Flannan’s are preparing to take on the defending champions in the quarter-final of the Corn Uí Mhuirí on Wednesday afternoon. The Ennis side will take on Kerry outfit Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, with the Dingle-based side managed by former Kingdom boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice. It is a busy time for their Corn Uí Mhuirí manager and PE teacher Gary Brennan. The Clare senior football captain is preparing for the opening round of the National Football League against Donegal, but said while his free time is limited, it is an enjoyable time of year. “This date has been a target for us since we qualified in late November. Earlier in the year, it was harder to get lads together because they were tied up with their clubs but we have them since that. They’ve put in a huge effort to get themselves in right shape for the game and we are confident they are ready.” St Flannan’s had comfortable wins over High …

Munster GAA has confirmed the dates for the 2019 Bord Gais Energy Munster GAA Hurling Under 20 Championship and the 2019 EirGrid GAA Football Under 20 Munster Championship. These games will take place in July 2019 to accommodate players sitting the Leaving Cert exams in June or 3rd Level College exams in May. Clare will be in action in the U20 Hurling Championship semi-final on Wednesday July 10th when they will travel to take on the winners of the Cork v Limerick quarter-final. The Banner will also be on the road in the U20 Football Championship, as they take on Waterford in the quarter-final on Tuesday July 2nd. Should they come through that tie, they’ll face Cork at a Clare venue in the last four. It has also been confirmed that the curtain raisers for the Munster Senior Football Championship Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals will be games in the TG4 Munster Ladies Football Senior and Intermediate Championship. This will see each …

A strong second half display proved crucial as Clare beat Tipperary by 4-19 to 1-18 in the Munster Hurling League Final. A brilliant 35 metre sideline cut from Jason Forde in front of the Mackey Stand opened the first half scoring before Colin Guilfoyle showed great strength to shrug off Padraic Maher and finish over his shoulder to level proceedings. The Premier then hit four unanswered points with Seamus Callanan on target twice from placed balls while there were good scores from play through Forde and Alan Flynn to leave Liam Sheedy’s side 0-5 to 0-1 clear after the opening 15 minutes. Cathal McInerney reacted quickest after a long ball from Aidan McCarthy was misjudged by the Tipperary defence and the Cratloe man made no mistake from close range to hammer home. The impressive Diarmuid Ryan then finished a point that was all of his own making, before Tony Kelly began a sweeping move involving Michael O’Neill and McInerney. McInerney …

Newmarket Celtic are bidding to move one step closer to the FAI Junior Cup title this weekend. Liam Murphy takes his charges to Cooke Park in Tipperary on Sunday for a sixth round tie with the home side St Michael’s, with the Clare champions holding the upperhand in this rivalry in recent times. It is the third time in quick succession that these sides have met, with Newmarket coming through on both previous occasions after a penalty shootout. They warmed up for Sunday’s tie with an emphatic 7-0 win over Bridge United in the Munster Junior Cup last weekend and Irish junior international Eoin Hayes feels the squad are in a good place ahead of the trip to Tipp. “It was a good win and really helped us tune up for St Michael’s. We got lads out onto the pitch because we know St Michael’s will offer a very different test, so it was important to get game time because …

If there was an award for ‘Resurgent Team of the Year’, Kilmaley would be wide margin winners for 2018. Relegated from senior in 2016, they cruised to intermediate success in 2017 and pushed Cratloe to the brink in the 2018 senior semi-final, narrowly losing out by a point. One of the key players through their fall and resurrection has been Mikey O’Neill. The 26-year-old primary school teacher is now getting his reward for such endeavours by being granted consecutive starts on the Clare senior team against Cork and Waterford. While O’Neill did not score, he was influential, causing havoc at every turn and was effective when dropped back towards the middle of the park in the second half of the Waterford game. O’Neill admits he thought he had scored a goal, only for Waterford ’keeper Billy Nolan to make a stunning acrobatic save to tip the shot away at the last minute. “I thought he was way further out than …

Gordon Kelly’s goal proved the difference between the sides as Clare clinched a three point win over Cork in the McGrath Cup final. The veteran defender saw his long range effort find its way to the top right corner in the eighth minute of the contest as it dipped wickedly under Chris Kelly’s crossbar. Cork started brightest and a fine score with the outside of the left boot from Cian Kiely was the opening score of the game with the Rebels facing the conditions in the first period. Kelly then struck for his goal, and this was swiftly followed by a good long distance free from Cathal O’Connor to leave Clare 1-1 to 0-1 in front after 12 minutes. Both sides were struggling with conditions as a heavy mist spread in from the Atlantic, but it was Cork who landed the next two scores, with Stephen Sherlock pointing twice from frees to leave just the minimum between them heading towards …

The first competitive game of the 2019 campaign for the Clare senior footballers saw youth given it’s fling with great reward for Colm Collins and his management team. Jayme O’Sullivan, Dermot Coughlan and Dale Masterson were all impressive in what were their first competitive starts, while Gearoid Cahill, Danny Griffin and Niall Ellis were introduced for their maiden competitive action and looked at home in an inter-county setting. While the performance must be viewed in the context of what was a very poor Waterford side, it is worth noting that Clare notched up 1-17 which is no bad return. Mixed into that is the fact that the scoring burden was shared among 12 different players, with 1-13 of that tally coming from play. One of the major talking points in the lead up to this clash was how both sides would cope with the new hand-pass rule, but in truth, from a Clare perspective, it made very little difference. They …

St Flannan’s College go in search of the Munster B title this Saturday afternoon when they face St Mary’s of Nenagh in Clarecastle with a 12.30pm start. The Ennis side were 2-11 to 0-11 winners over Clonakilty in their last four tie and are now just one step away from claiming provincial silverware. Manager Ann-Marie McGann admits it is a target that was in their sights from the outset of the campaign. “We have been looking forward to this moment. We had a good group of girls in fifth and sixth year, so to be in the Munster final now is brilliant. It’s always a big moment for the school to reach a provincial decider. St Flannan’s won Munster titles in the past and got to All-Ireland finals too and there’s always been that tradition there. We have had some great players come through the school but it’s the type of thing that comes in cycles. We have a strong …

Clare eased into a second successive McGrath Cup Final with a comfortable win over Waterford at the Gold Coast Resort in Dungarvan. It’s after a strong performance saw the Banner win by 1-17 to 1-6 to set up another showdown with Cork in the decider. Colm Collin’s outfit hit the ground running with Cian O’Dea opening the scoring with a fine point from distance before Gary Brennan converted a free after he was fouled on the edge of the square. The two most impressive players on show combined soon after as Gavin Cooney picked out debutante Dermot Coughlan with a brilliant cross-field pass which the Kilmurry Ibrickane man finished to send Clare 0-3 to 0-0 clear as the clock hit the eight minute mark. Cooney got in on the act himself just moments later after a good run down the right hand side before cutting in to finish from a tight angle. Coughlan landed his second soon after with Cathal …

Clare senior football manager Colm Collins is hitting out at the new rules being trialled for Gaelic football. It comes as Clare prepare to get their 2019 season underway against Waterford in the McGrath Cup on Sunday in what will be their first time playing in a competitive fixture under the new rules. Hand-passes are limited to a maximum of three while an attacking mark and modified side-line kick are all among the changes which Collins has seen in practice in recent challenge games and has not been impressed with. “We have played games against Limerick and UL and the main focus of those games was trying to familiarise ourselves with the new rules. To be brutally honest, I don’t think any of them have improved the game in any shape of form, outside of the black card changes. I think that’s a good rule but I see no merit in any of the rest of them. I don’t think …

The new manager of the Clare Camogie senior squad is setting out a simple goal for 2019. Enjoyment of the game is priority number one for Clonlara native Ger O’Connell as he dips his toe into the waters of inter-county management for the first time. According to Ger: “The game has probably become a little bit too results orientated. I was hurling for 23 years at a decent level and I always loved the game. I knew I was always going to try and get involved in coaching at some level and that’s the one thing that’s really important for me is to love what you are doing. When you create that atmosphere, you play with a little more freedom and grow more as player”. The former championship winning goalkeeper makes the step up from managing Truagh/Clonlara with the first competitive fixture of his tenure coming when Clare travel to Kilkenny for the opening round of the National League on …

Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League Round One in Cusack Park Ennis Clare 1-20 Cork 0-21 A storming finish from Clare saw the Banner overturn Cork in the opening round of the Munster Hurling League. The home side trailed by 0-21 to 0-17 with just 2 minutes left to play before Colin Guilfoyle rattled the net to leave just a point between them. Niall Deasy stood over a free from his own “65 yard line to level the sides just moments later, and Ryan Taylor sent Clare into the lead for the first time in the game with a tidy finish in the 3rd minute of injury time. Diarmuid Ryan capped a fine performance with a brilliant score from the left wing to give Clare an unlikely two point win which puts them within touching distance of the Munster Hurling League Final. Cork started brightest and hit the first three scores of the game inside the opening 7 …

Clare are sweating on the fitness of a number of key players ahead of the 2019 National Hurling League. Management have confirmed that Conor McGrath is set to be absent for a number of months after undergoing surgery on a shoulder problem, while captain Pat O’Connor is also recovering from ankle and shoulder issues. All-Star duo John Conlon and Peter Duggan are also working their way back to full fitness due to knee and hand injuries respectively, while Paul Flanagan is continuing his rehab work after surgery on his knee. Joint manager Gerry O’Connor says injuries at this time of year are often as a result of players having put surgeries on hold in the latter part of the previous season. “Every time we have a conversation at this time of the year, you have lads who have put off niggly injuries from the inter-county season and then they play through their club championship before taking a break and rehabbing …

Ballyea proved themselves the comeback kids in more ways than one in the 2018 Clare Senior Hurling Championship. The provincial kings of 2016 claimed back the Canon Hamilton against all the odds in a year that saw them without a number of the panel that went all the way to Croke Park two years ago. Captain Stan Lineen, Gearoid ‘Gudgie’ O’Connell, Cathal Doohan, Paul Flanagan, Damien Burke and Pat Joe Connolly were all among the absentees for various reasons in 2018, while the man who started out the year in goal, Kevin Sheehan, would end up as a championship winning manager. With such a turnover in a short space of time, you could have forgiven Ballyea for needing time to bed in their new boys. They didn’t need it though as Barry Coote marshalled the goal, Brandon O’Connell and Aonghus Keane excelled in defence, while Tadgh Lynch and Cillian Brennan slotted seamlessly into the attack. It was also a year …

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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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