Sports

Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

Sport

Inagh-Kilnamona retain Clare senior camogie crown

Inagh-Kilnamona 2-8 Newmarket 1-10 In the lead up to this afternoon’s Clare senior camogie final views were divided as to who would capture the McMahon cup but all were in agreement that there would be little between the sides when the final whistle sounded. And so it proved as Inagh-Kilnamona held on to the title they won for the first time last year when they scored a one point win over their predecessors as Clare senior champions. Helped by a fortunate goal two minutes before the half time whistle, the title holders took a two point lead to the break with the score at 1-4 to 0-5. Having played with the aid of the breeze in the first half, a two point advantage didn’t look enough. Eleven minutes into the second half Newmarket had drawn level but within a minute of Aine O’Brien firing over the equalising point, the title holders struck for their second goal, Sinead O’Loughlin finding the …

AN avid sportsman in his formative years, Sam Slater tried every sport available to him in the small-town rural setting, where he grew up in East Clare. He tried traditional sports, like hurling, rugby and soccer, which was his main sport, but having discovered mixed martial arts by playing a computer game, he thought this sport was too good to be true. “We were on a holiday in the UK for three weeks and me and my brother were playing UFC 2009 Undisputed on X-Box and we were loving it. There were loads of little real video clips but we were saying that it couldn’t be real – it’s probably like pro wrestling, it’s not real. We did a bit of research and we realised this sport is actually real, so, from then, I had to try it. I was just 15 at the time and living in East Clare so there was nowhere to try mixed martial arts (MMA),” …

Under 21 football re-drawn

A new draw for the under 21 A and B football championship was made this week after Wolfe Tones applied to be upgraded from the B grade to the A division. Thirteen teams will now compete for the A title with just six in the B competition. The details are Under 21 A; Byes to A- Wolfe Tones, B-Ennistymon and C-Ml. Cusacks /Kilfenora/ Liscannor; Preliminary Round; 1-D-Eire Og v Kilmihil/Shannon Gaels; E-Lissycasey v Kilmurry-Ibrickane; F-Cooraclare v St. Breckans; G-Kilrush-Killimer v St. Josephs, Doora-Barefield; H—Naomh Eoin/O’Currys v Miltown St. Josephs; Quarter finals; 1—G v C; 2—D v A; 3—B v F; 4—E v H Semi-finals; 2 v 1 and 4 v 3 Under 21 B; Byes to A—Cratloe and B—Clooney-Quin; Quarter finals; C—Corofin v Clarecastle; d—Doonbeg v Clondegad; Semi-finals; A v B; C v D.

Kilmaley 2-20 Tubber 0-11 After one year out of senior hurling Kilmaley are back in the top flight in Clare. At Cusack park this afternoon they were comfortable winners over Tubber in the final of the intermediate championship, justifying the favourites tag they have carried since the beginning of the season. Sadly for Tubber they failed to trouble their opponents and the result of this one was clear long before the final whistle. Cian Moloney gave Kilmaley the lead after just a minute and by the end of the first quarter they were five points clear with the score at 0-6 to 0-1. As the game went into injury time at the end of the half the scoreline read 0-8 to 0-4 in Kilmaley’s favour and Tubber followers held high hopes that they would be in contention for honours. In the one minute of ‘injury time’ that was signalled at the end of the half, Kilmaley struck for a point …

Tubber 0-13 Newmaret 1-9 Veteran Eamonn Taaffe got what could well prove to be a truly memorable weekend for himself and his club Tubber, off to a great start this Saturday afternoon when he landed the winning point as they captured the junior B championship title at the expense of Newmarket at Gurteen. Clare’s All-Ireland winning medallist from 1995 was his side’s top scorer with 0-6 to his credit, his winning point having come in the first minute of injury time, a score which gave his side the lead for the first time in the tie. Playing with the aid of the breeze in the first half, Newmarket made the better start and raced three points clear inside the opening five minutes. The game was ten minutes old before Tubber opened their account through midfielder Cyril Cunningham and by this time the eventual winners had missed a number of scoring chances from placed balls. As the game progressed Tubber improved …

Twenty seven years to the day that they were crowned Clare senior camogie champions, Eire Og regained senior status with an impressive 1-14 to 1-9 victory over Clarecastle-Ballyea at Clareabbey this Saturday afternoon. A five star performance by midfielder Grainne Nolan who contributed 0-13 of her team’s tally, played a key role in this victory. Clarecastle-Ballyea, beaten finalists last year, led at the break on a score of 1-7 to 0-5 having played with the aid of the wind. The margin was still five points ten minutes into the second half after each side had added two points to their half time tallies. However, Clarecastle-Ballyea failed to score in the final twenty minutes and with thirteen minutes remaining the sides had drawn level at 1-9 each, the Eire Og goal having come from Elizabeth Russell whose effort for a point dipped into the net. With eleven minutes remaining Nolan put her side in front and a minute later she made …

Under 21 football pairings

Twelve teams will compete for the under 21 A football championship in 2017, the draw for which was made this Tuesday evening at Clareabbey. There will be four preliminary round games with four teams receiving byes to the quarter finals Title holders Kilmurry-Ibrickane will face the Shannon Gaels/Kilmihil combination in the opening round. The full draw is; Under 21 A–Preliminary round; E—Naomh Eoin/O’Currys v Ennistymon; F—Shanon Gaels/Kilmihil v Kilmurry-Ibrickane; G—Eire Og v Lissycasey H—Cooraclare v St. Josephs, Doora-Barefield; Quarter finals; 1—F v H; 2-Ml. Cusacks/Kilfenora/Liscannor v G; 3 E v Kilrush-Killimer; 4—S. Breckans v Miltown St. Josephs. Semi-finals; 1 v 3; 4 v 2 Under 21 B Quarter finals; 1—Condegad v Clarecastle; 2 Clooney-Quin v Cratloe; 3 Wolfe Tones v Corofin Semi-finals; 1 v Doonbeg; 2 v 3 Under 21 C; Banner v Kildysart with winners to play Coolmeen in the final

The odds on neighbours and arch rivals Kilmurry-Ibrickane (holders) and Miltown St. Josephs meeting in the final of the Clare senior football championship have shortened after the semi-final draw kept them apart. No doubt, however, Cratloe and Clondegad, the other two clubs still in the running for the Jack Daly cup, will also have their eyes on the big day in Clare football. Two keenly contested semi-finals are in store and supporters of all four teams are confident that their favourites will contest the final Cratloe will play Kilmurry-Ibrickane while Clondegad will take on Doonbeg in the semi-finals which are set for Saturday/Sunday week. The junior semi-final pairings have also been decided and here Eire Og will take on Ml. Cusacks while Kilmurry-Ibrickane will face Naomh Eoin and both of these games will also take place on Saturday/Sunday week In the minor B hurling championship the semi-final pairings are Cratloe v Tulla and Clonlara v Broadford/Smith O’Briens

The remaining two semi-final places in the race for the county senior football title were filled this afternoon. Cratloe justified favouritism when they proved too strong for Ennistymon at Cusack Park, repeating their first round victory over the North Clare side. This time the margin was greater as Cratloe progressed with twelve points to spare, 3-13 to1-10. Goals from Podge Collins and Cathal McInerney inside the first ten minutes helped them to a ten point lead by the twentieth minutes. A third goal from Billy Connors saw them lead by twelve at half time when the score was 3-6 to 0-3 and by this stage they had replaced Podge Collins who was a doubtful started due to a leg muscle injury. In an effort to improve matters Ennistymon resumed with Conor Dillon and Sean O’Driscoll in their line up in place of Michael O’Dwyer and Ciaran Devitt as they sought to improve their position. Cratloe kicked the first three points …

Sixmilebridge 3-17 Newmarket 2-18 Sixmilebridge are one step away from winning their third Clare senior hurling championship title in five years thanks to this two point win over arch rivals Newmarket at Cusack Park this afternoon. The outcome of this one was in doubt right to the final whistle and few would have complained if the teams had finished on level terms. When Newmarket reflect on this game they will admit that they had enough chances to have at least earned a draw if not win the game. Once again, the strength of the Sixmilebridge panel was evident and the introduction of veteran Niall Gilligan, Clare defender Seadna Morey and teenager Gavin White all helped steer them back to the final after a one year lapse. Carrying the favourites tag Sixmilebridge went into this game without Seadna Morey, a big blow to their hopes. Newmarket made an impressive start with early points from Stephen Kelly and team captain Colin Ryan …

Clooney-Quin 0-16 Clonlara 0-14 Seventy five years after they last appeared in the Clare senior hurling championship final, Clooney-Quin are one step away from Clare’s top hurling honour. A contribution of 0-13 from Peter Duggan played a key role in their victory in this evening’s semi-final win over a fancied Clonlara side who had contested the finals of the past two years. In a game in which they were never behind, Clooney-Quin emerged as deserving winners but there was a period in the final quarter when their followers were nervous as Clonlara landed five points in a row to come to within a point of their opponents. Jimmy Corry gave them the lead inside the first minute and Peter Duggan struck for his first in the second minute before Ian Galvin opened Clonlara’s account. The sides were level four points in the first half at the end of which Clooney-Quin were two points clear, 0-9 to 0-7 having played with …

For the third time in recent weeks an injury time point has kept Clondegad’s senior football championship hopes alive. At Kilmihil on Saturday, Paudge McMahon converted a free in the sixth minute of ‘injury time’ to force a replay with Doonbeg in their quarter final tie. It was a result most will argue was deserved as they had wasted a lot of scoring opportunities throughout a tie in which they trailed by two points at half time. At the same venue holders and favourites Kilmurry-Ibrickane overcame Eire Og but they were given a much sterner test than many had expected. At the final whistle they were four points clear, 0-12 to 0-8. In a repeat of the final of two years ago, Miltown St. Josephs again came out on top when they accounted for Cooraclare at Doonbeg where the Cleary twins Eoin and Conor excelled, contributing nine of their side’s points. The winners dominated the opening half and led by …

Doora-Barefield’s storming finish leads to a replay

Clarecastle 4-13 Doora-Barefield 4-13 When Oisin Casey landed his tenth point, a minute from the end of normal time, Clarecastle led this evening’s under 16 A hurling final by seven points. Seconds after this score ‘at least two minutes of additional time’ was signalled and Clarecastle followers were satisfied that the title was on the way to their club for the first time in sixteen years. Doora-Barefield still believed that they could get something from the final and a goal from their captain Adam Mungovan in the 60th minute gave them hope. As the game went into the second minute of the two indicated, Bruce Piggott pointed a 25m free. They won possession from the puckout and attacked again and Fionn O’Brien gave their followers plenty to cheer about when he blasted to the net for the leveller. There wasn’t time for anymore and mapgie supporters left Cusack Park somewhat shellshocked while Doora-Barefield followers were, understandably, delighted. The big attendance …

Bumper crowd expected for Newmarket v Sixmilebridge

Neighbours and lifelong rivals, Sixmilebridge and Newmarket will meet in the semi-final of the Clare senior hurling championship on Sunday week in Cusack Park. They were the first two out of the hat in this evening’s draw at Clareabbey which means that Clonlara will face Clooney-Quin in the other semi-final which will take place at headquarters on Saturday week. In the intermediate semi-finals favourites Kilmaley will face Parteen in one semi-final while Smith O’Briens will take on Tubber and both these semi-finals are set for Sixmilebridge on Saturday week. In the quarter finals of the junior A hurling championship which take place on Sunday week, the pairings are; Ennistymon v Ballyea; Eire Og v Clooney-Quin, Ogonnelloe v O’Callaghans Mills and Bodyke v Kilmaley. Three teams must play off to determine who will be relegated from junior A and the draw determined that Wolfe Tones will play Meelick with St. Josephs getting a bye. In the junior B football championship Banner …

Ballyea’s reign as Clare senior hurling champions ended at Cusack Park this evening when they were stripped of the title by Newmarket who had four points to spare at the final whistle. A strong final five minutes to the opening half proved decisive in this one as Newmarket scored 1-4 in that period while conceding just a point. While Ballyea boss Fergal Hegarty was fullsome in his praise for Newmarket, it must be pointed out that the title holders went into this game with key players Tony Kelly and Gearoid O’Connell carrying injuries which clearly hampered their play. The holders made the better start and at the end of a low scoring opening quarter they led on a scoreline of 1-2 to 0-1, the goal having come from Niall Deasy following a defensive blunder by the eventual winners. Gradually, however, Newmarket got a grip on proceedings and the switch of Ronan Goode to the full forward line paid dividends. Three …

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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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