Sports

Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

Sport

Fergus girls in fine fettle after U14 double

THERE WAS double joy for Fergus Rovers recently when the club captured county championships in two under 14 divisions. First up were the U14C side who took their title with a dominant defeat of Banner Ladies. Not to be outdone, their colleagues in the A division finished strongly to defeat Kilrush Shamrocks and land the county title. U 14 A Final Fergus Rovers 3-11 Kilrush Shamrocks 2-06 In the same week that Meath caught the attention of the nation after their sensational win over 5 in a row seeking Dublin, locally the young teenagers of Fergus Rovers and Kilrush did likewise in Kilmihil on Thursday evening when they served up an intriguing contest in the U 14 A championship final played before a fine attendance. While there was never much between the sides until the closing minutes Kilrush did start the brighter and at the first water break held a three point advantage, 1-02 to 0-2 the goal coming from …

CLARE made a winning start to their Kennedy Cup campaign with a 3-0 victory over West Cork at Riverside Park in Shannon last week, writes Ronan Judge. The game was played in good weather on a pitch in good condition courtesy of the work of Shannon Hibs. Clare goalkeeper Conor Wall was called into action early on when he did well to keep out a shot. Clare took the lead in in the 13th minute. It was created through a great move in midfield involving Matt Jones and Ethnik Aliu, who put through Eoin Devanney on the right wing. Devanney crossed the ball for the run of Clare striker Tiernan Adelu who fired Clare 1-0 ahead. From that moment Clare seemed a bit more in control of the game with West Cork trying to counter attack with direct balls over the top but the Clare back line of Glen McNamara, Aidan Moloney, Daniel Brody and Liam Heffernan dealing comfortably with …

THE Clare LGFA have announced the reappointment of Evan Talty as the County’s Intermediate Team Manager for the coming year. His reappointment came following a county board meeting this week, and he will be looking at potential panellists at the club championships, which commence this weekend. Chairman of Clare LGFA Sean Lenihan said; “We are delighted to have Evan in place for the year ahead. He and his management team brought a very professional approach to the setup. They prepared well in difficult circumstances and within a shortened season. We used the league to prepare and crucially, maintained our Division 2 status. We reached the knockout stages of the Championship and while we would have liked to progress further, we were just beaten by a strong Westmeath team who went on to win the All-Ireland Intermediate Final. There is definitely unfinished business in this Team and with Evan again as Manager, we will be going all out to be in …

Michael O’Connor was there to witness Clarecastle trump their neighbours Éire Óg in the U15A shield on a score of 2-19 to 2-18 (AET) THERE are many club derbies in Clare GAA but none quite like when Clarecastle meet Éire Óg, with that passion evident once more on the line and the field on Monday evening for this Under 15A Shield Final in Clarecastle. A strong first half showing by the visitors, without ever dominating the scoreboard, was counteracted by Clarecastle who grew incrementally in confidence with a number of stunning personal performances that ensured extra-time and a title clincher by Harry Doherty that will be remembered for some time by all that witnessed the winning score. At the group stage the previous week, Éire Óg scored a double digit win over their hosts so the favourites tag was with the Townies from the throw-in. The game’s opening score fell to Marco Cleary while Evan Price equalised from a long …

Eoin Brennan takes a look at the junior football championship THE County Junior A Football Championship sees 15 teams, divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each advancing to the quarter-finals. As for relegation, two teams will drop down to Junior B for 2022. The bottom team in each group will will enter the relegation play-offs, with a draw to determine two matches in which the loser of both is demoted to Junior B for 2022. It’s difficult to lose a championship final at any stage but at least for Ballyvaughan, there isn’t a 12-month introspection to contend with as they have the immediate chance to redress the balance in the Junior A Football Championship Saturday’s disappointing final reverse to Banner does mean that they shouldn’t be short of motivation and crucially they also know what’s required now, something that their fellow flagship rivals St Senan’s Kilkee, Killimer, Clooney-Quin and group opponents Meelick don’t. Kilkee and Killimer …

Eoin Brennan previews the intermediate football championships TWELVE teams are divided into three groups, with the top two teams from each advancing to the quarter-finals along with the two best third placed teams based on points and then scoring difference if tied on points. Two teams will drop down to Junior A for 2022. The bottom team in each group will enter a three-way relegation play-off. The first team drawn will receive a bye. The other two teams will play off with the losing team relegated. The winning team will play the team which received the bye and the losing team from this tie will also be relegated. Group 1 – Kildysart, Liscannor, Michael Cusack’s, Kilfenora It’s not just a geographical divide as Kildysart will be favourites to top a group composed of a North Clare alliance that at underage level are partnered up as Clann Lir. Kildysart’s Cusack Cup experience should be beneficial in negating any pitfalls, especially a …

THE Clare side to face Kerry in the Munster football championship on Saturday has been named. The Clare side is; 1. Stephen Ryan, Kilrush Shamrocks 2. Ciaran Russell, Eire-og, Inis 3. Cillian Brennan, Clondegad 4. Eoghan Collins, Ballyhaunis 5. Cian O Dea, Kilfenora 6. Sean Collins, Cratloe 7. Daniel Walsh, Kilmurry Ibrickane 8. Darren O Neill, Eire-Og, Inis 9. Cathal O Connor, Coolmeen 10. Pearse Lillis, Cooraclare 11. Eoin Cleary, St Josephs Miltown Malbay (Capt) 12. Darragh Bohannan, Shannon Gaels 13. Gavin Cooney, Eire-Og, Inis 14. Joe McGann, St Breckans, 15. David Tubridy, Doonbeg Substitutes 16. Tom O Brien, St Josephs Doora Barefield 17. Padraic Collins, Cratloe 18. Ciaran Downes, Kilmihil 19. Aaron Griffin, Lissycasey 20. Conal O hAinifein, Ruan 21. Conor Jordan, Austin Stacks, 22. Kevin Harnett Cratloe 23. Emmet McMahon, Kildysart 24. Cillian Rouine, Ennistymon 25. Keelan Sexton, Kilmurry Ibrickane 26. Alan Sweeney, St Breckan’s.

ON Thursday morning, Donal Tuohy announced he would be stepping down from the Clare senior hurling panel for the rest of the 2021 season. Tuohy, who has been on the Clare panel since the autumn of 2009, cited increased work commitments and a number of recent injuries, which made it difficult to maintain a consistent effort in training. While he has not been first choice goalkeeper over the last year, he had many memorable days with Clare, including the 2018 run to the All Ireland semi final, in which Clare were pipped by Galway. One of his most notable performances was in the 2009 All Ireland under 21 final against Kilkenny, when he made a last minute wonder save preventing a certain Richie Hogan goal, something that sealed the victory and saw the title come to Clare for the first time ever. In a statement on the Crusheen GAA facebook page, Tuohy said, “I would like to take this opportunity …

NOW a semi pro Australian Rules footballer, Ailish Considine has said that Clare Ladies Football manager Evan Talty has been in touch with her, and she may return to the saffron and blue this summer. At yesterday’s virtual launch of Aviva Ireland’s #LaceUpWithPride campaign, she said, “I’m still a bit undecided on what my plans are. I’ve just been here a week yesterday, still pretty fresh off the plane, a little bit undecided in terms of gaelic football and stuff. With the season moving forward it’s a little bit more difficult to make a decision. If I did decide to play I would potentially miss the business end of all competitions. It’s something I need to look into in the next couple of weeks to see if it would make sense for me as a player and for the squad if I was to take part, and potentially leave mid way through. It’s something I have to look at in …

With more outdoor sporting activity sparking back into life over the coming days, the countdown is also on for the return of the popular Friday evenings for the members of the Clare Branch of the Irish Pony Club. The 50 strong club, which is based at the showground in Ennis, caters for young people ranging from eight years old right up to 23 years old, and provides a number of different opportunities within the equine field. The Irish Pony Club has branches right across the country, with one of its former members in Tipperary making all the headlines recently as the all conquering Rachael Blackmore smashed the glass ceiling for female jockeys. DC of the Clare Branch Nicki Harvey outlined that the focus in the club is on developing the relationship between the young person and their pony in order to maximise the experience. “The club was founded just over 40 years ago and is really a child centred club …

The Clare District Soccer League committee has proposed to clubs that the 2020/2021 season would be declared void, with the focus moving to the start of the 2021/2022 season in the coming months. The proposal was outlined to clubs at this week’s delegate meeting, with plans being put forward to begin the new season in mid-July, which would be dependent on Covid-19 restrictions at the time. It was detailed that should junior players get the expected green light to return to training toward the end of May, it would leave a period of up to six weeks for teams to prepare for the new season. It was also proposed that the new season would begin with the League Cups across each division. League treasurer Tony Downey also informed the meeting that players at U-17 and U-18 level would not be scheduled for a return to games until after the Leaving Cert exams have been completed, with July also being identified …

An update is expected next week in relation to the possible return to the fairways for golfers in Ireland, with the sport currently off limits due to Covid-19 restrictions. There have been growing calls for the sport to be allowed to return, and one Clare man who is involved in one of the most prominent courses in the west of Ireland has penned an open letter urging the Government to open the courses. Ennis native Damien Coleman, who was recently appointed as the Golf Operations Manager at the Galway Bay, is behind a campaign to “Bring Golf Back” which has gained traction online. The former Dromoland Castle greenkeeper posted the blog in the last few weeks, and outlined his rationale as to how the sport could be returned safely. Damien Coleman Growing up I was always a sporty person, getting involved in everything and anything. GAA was my primary focus as a whole. However, when I was eight years old, …

A former Clare intercounty referee has issued a warning that the GAA in the county must do more to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines before any on field activity resumes. Corofin’s Ambrose Heagney, who was part of the Covid committee for Clare GAA in 2020, made the remarks at this week’s county board meeting during a discussion around the structures for the U-19, U-20 and U-21 grades. He stated his club would love to see both an U-19 and U-21 championship played, but felt that with the timeframe available it would simply not be possible. He said more needs to be done to ensure that all guidelines around Covid-19 are met. “The first committee I got involved with was last year on the Covid committee. Most of the clubs were Covid compliant but there a number who were not. I think that is the first thing we need to do. We need to get every club Covid compliant. Even in Cusack …

When Clare’s footballers made their appearance in the 1992 All Ireland football semi-final against Dublin in Croke Park, Kevin Costner became a part of the folklore of that day as he was shown watching on from the stands. Almost 30 years later, the actor is once more connected with Clare sport as his 1989 film Field of Dreams has provided some of the inspiration for a development in East Clare which is hoped will change the sporting landscape of the area. “If you build it, they will come” is the line paraphrased by Scariff Rugby Club President Mike Madden as he outlines the motivations behind a new indoor facility which will be unveiled in the coming weeks. The development consists of a 40x20m state-of-the-art 4G pitch, while a new seated area to overlook the main pitch has also been incorporated into the design which is expected to have a final cost in the region of €300,000. Having given their service …

The March meeting of Clare GAA, which will be held on Monday evening next, is expected to see the ratification of a new committee to develop a five year strategic plan for the Association in the county. The committee, which were put together following consultation between Eire Óg and the county board executive, will be tasked with putting plans in place to create new structures around the governance, fundraising, marketing and facilities of Clare GAA. A seven person committee was initially proposed which included Clarecastle’s Mark O’Connell (CEO of Repucon Consulting), Parteen man Conor Gilligan (CEO of Roadbridge), Ogonnelloe’s Colin Kelly (CEO of Gyrogy), Eoin Conroy of Barefield (CEO of Titan Experience), Ennis man Eoin Doohan (Managing Director of DFP Group and Enda Connolly of Ennis (Managing Director of CMP Investment Partners). Ennis native Tony Garry, the former CEO of Davy Stockbrokers, was also part of the original group but it is understood that his name will now not be …

Page 7 of 409« First...«5 678 9 »10 20 30...Last »

Sports

Tones just shade 12 goal thriller

Minor C Camogie Championship Final Wolfe Tones 6-13 Parteen-Meelick 6-10 Wolfe Tones definitely earned their Minor C Camogie Championship breakthrough, having been tested to their optimum by a never-say-die Parteen-Meelick in what was a truly memorable decider in Fr. McNamara on Wednesday evening, Sharing twelve goals equally, supporters were not only afraid to take their eyes off it but even fearful of blinking in case they missed a goal. It was a compelling end-to-end contest that proved a superb advertisement for Clare Camogie as the standard on offer far exceeded expectations as both sides left everything out on the field in pursuit of some much-needed silverware. And yet considering the final scoreline, it’s perhaps difficult to believe that there were no goals at all until additional time in the first half. Indeed, injury-time in general appeared to ignite something special in these sides as seven of the twelve goals were scored in those added minutes, five of which arrived amidst …
Read More »
Can the real Inagh-Kilnamona please stand up?
Group of Death comes alive
Intermediate predictability dashed by compelling Group 4
Blues complete unprecedented clean sweep of underage honours

Intermediate predictability dashed by compelling Group 4

Intermediate Hurling Championship Round 3, Group 1 Clarecastle v Smith O’Brien’s at Páirc Micheál Uí hEithir Cratloe, Saturday 5pm, (Andy McMahon, Cratloe) They’ve met regularly in the Clare Cup and even the Magpies’ second string have battled Smith O’Brien’s but at adult championship level, this appears to be the first time that their flagship sides have clashed. It would potentially have been a heavyweight showdown if the Killaloe-Bridgetown side were at their 2021 or ’22 levels while it will still be a battle, the loss of key players to emigration for Smith O’Brien’s should mean that Clarecastle possess the better balance to shade matters and top the group. Verdict: Clarecastle Ruan v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield at Crusheen, Saturday 5pm, (Jim Hickey, Cratloe) It’s only three years ago since St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield’s first team raided for five goals to floor Ruan in the intermediate semi-final. However, it’s a strong sign of the Parish that while their first team is now operating …

Clooney or not Clooney, that is the question

On initial viewing, the race for the Fr. Murray Memorial Cup (intermediate camogie) appears fairly straight-forward. After all, with all three semi-finalists from 2023 (Tulla, Whitegate and Éire Óg) and senior demotee Clooney-Quin split evenly between the two groups, the business end overtly looks clear-cut. Clooney-Quin’s senior experience along with negotiating their way to intermediate glory as recently as 2021 makes them the stand-out candidates, with Tulla currently ranking a close second having contested back-to-back intermediate finals, three if you include the replay in 2022 against eventual champions Clarecastle/Ballyea. They won’t want to see another mid-Clare side join them in the second tier but for Tulla, it’s all about learning from their previous deciders and leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of reaching the promised land of senior. Whitegate were beaten finalists to Clooney-Quin in 2021 and actually meet them first this Thursday evening at 7pm, in what is potentially a Group A decider in Clooney and the same …

Clare camogie power base is still in the East

Current kingpins Truagh-Clonlara and Scariff-Ogonnelloe may have switched roles last October after the latter’s two year reign but having clashed in the last three finals, they will be overwhelming favourites to do so once more come October 19th. It’s up to the chasing pack to alter that perceived narrative as with only the finalists seeded for this year’s race for the McMahon Cup, the groups initially appear a bit lopsided. After all, with three of last year’s semi-finalists (Scariff-Ogonnelloe, Inagh-Kilnamona and Feakle-Killanena) pooled in Group B, the fact that there are two business end berths means that one major contender has to fall at the group stages. Scariff-Ogonnelloe’s vast experience of three titles in the last five seasons makes them the forerunners to maintain their perfect group record as since bounding back to senior level in 2017, they have progressed to the penultimate stage at a minimum. That’s a seven year record that no other senior side in the county …

Doora/Barefield hit the ’Bricks for six

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 6-10 Kilmurry Ibrickane 2-13 Senior Ladies’ Football Championship Group A Round 1 It took free kicks to finally separate these sides in the Division 1 League decider but this time it was six timely goals that ensured revenge for St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield but also a major opening boost to what is unquestionably the group of death in this year’s senior ladies football championship in Gurteen on Sunday afternoon. Such a heartbreaking means of losing a final seemed to be channelled into Sunday’s display for the Parish who were never behind at any stage despite facing into the strong conditions in the opening period. Decisive first half goals through Roisin Fowley, Lyndsay Clarke and Aoibhinn McMahon kept wind-assisted Kilmurry Ibrickane at arm’s length in the opening period, with Chloe Moloney inevitably leading the charge with seven points in what was a compelling tussle with fellow county senior Siofra Ní Chonaill at 3-5 to 0-9 by the break The …

‘There was hurling in Clonbony before there was hurling in Sixmilebridge’

When Limerick referee Johnny Murphy blew his full time whistle at the end of what was arguably the greatest All-Ireland final of all time there was naturally a huge outpouring of emotion the length and breath of this beautiful County. For the people, especially the hurling fraternity, in places like Ennistymon, Clonbony and Kilkee there was also an overwhelming sense of pride as Miltown’s Conor Cleary and Ennistymon’s Cathal Malone walked the steps of the Hogan Stand. Heroes forever more to every Clare person, be they man woman or child, these two great warriors are now the proud owners of a coveted Celtic Cross medal and their achievements will no doubt inspire a whole new generation of children to pick up a hurley and dream of following in their footsteps. Sport has always been part of the DNA of the Banner and hurling has always had a massive following all over the County. In recent weeks the John Hynes Memorial …

The rocky road to recovery

The resilience shown by Clare hurlers Ryan Taylor and Tony Kelly to battle back from serious injuries has been lauded by team physiotherapist for the last three years, Shane Malone. While Shane has attended All-Ireland homecomings in his native Kerry following All-Ireland successes, he described last week’s welcome for the Liam McCarthy Cup in Clare as “incredible”. He will never forget the hundreds of Clare hurling supporters who lined the streets and rural roads to welcome the team home, which was a real “eye opener”. “The enthusiasm and love for Brian Lohan and the team is quite different from my previous experiences. I was very impressed by the volume of support out there for the Clare team. It shows the high esteem they are held within the county. “The response from Clare fans all year has been unbelievable. There is a great connection between Brian Lohan and the county and people respond when they like what they see. “The way …

‘A special day and a special win’ – Diarmuid Ryan

The relief; the jubilation on the field when it was all over; the calm and satisfaction afterwards as Clare left Croke Park secure in the knowledge that they’d be back in a few weeks time. These were the winning moods and personas displayed among the players as they went on their way after the glass ceiling of this All-Ireland semi-final stage had finally been cracked. A first All-Ireland semi-final win over Kilkenny since 1997 and only a second championship win over Kilkenny ever; a day of atonement for the most recent semi-final defeats against Kilkenny; an All-Ireland final day out to look forward to on July 21. “It’s a special feeling for sure,” said Diarmuid Ryan. “A special day and a special win but we’re going to knuckle down for two weeks and the All-Ireland final.” As he spoke the reset had already taken place – the hoopla had died down, with Ryan and the rest of the players being …

‘We grabbed it with both hands’ – Tony Kelly

It’s a measure of the standards that Tony Kelly has set in his 13 years as a senior inter-county hurler and of his star quality that despite being subdued for the first 45 minutes of the All-Ireland semi-final that he still ended up as one of the game’s most influential players. Doing the maths tells this story – no Clare player ended up with more than him from play as he top-scored jointly with David Reidy who had a huge game in the 61 minutes of game time that he got. And for the Ballyea colossus, who has slipped into the veteran classes almost unnoticed, his three-point burst down the long home straight of this All-Ireland was a crucial part of the power-play that ultimately swamped Kilkenny and left them shellshocked at the end. And you could say that this comeback was really kickstarted by Kelly, with his opening point being the first response to the Billy Ryan goal, which …

Dominant display drives Blues to record 26th Clare Cup title

Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-19 Inagh-Kilnamona 1-11 The victor wasn’t a surprise but the manner of Newmarket-on-Fergus’ 26th Clare Cup title certainly proved to be as the roll of honour leaders had a rather bloodless final triumph in Clarecastle on Friday evening. Bridging a six year gap to their last Clare Cup crown, it was an utterly commanding display when first responding to the hammerblow of an early goaled Inagh-Kilnamona penalty to outscore them by 1-7 to 0-1 in the second quarter and carve out a match-winning 1-11 to 1-04 interval cushion. Indeed, it wouldn’t have flattered the Blues had the half-time chasm been doubled as amidst their second quarter siege, James Carrig’s side passed up four glorious goal chances in as many minutes just before the recess. Niall O’Connor was outstanding at the back, Peter Power was equally influential at the other end while Stephen Casey was also hugely effectual when switched to shadow Inagh-Kilnamona’s talisman Fred Hegarty. This was an impressive …

Kearns’ golden goal secures Division 3 Hurling League title for the Parish

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 2-14 O’Callaghan’s Mills 0-17 It really doesn’t matter if you lead early in a match or are chasing the game for lengthy spells but what does matter though is who is ahead when it counts the most and that’s at the final whistle. On Sunday morning out in Tulla the men from the Parish epitomised resilience and got their just rewards for never surrendering when grabbing the lead for the only time in the sixtieth minute to practically steal a cracking league final that was played in a hugely sporting manner. It was two second strings but nobody who was in Dr.Daly Park would have guessed that as these two played out a superbly contested battle that ebbed and flowed throughout with the result in doubt right up until referee Pat Healy’s full time whistle. Level on six occasions it took a late late Conor Kearns goal to decide the destination of league honours. One could only …

Éire Óg go to town on the ’Bridge

Éire Óg 3-20 Sixmilebridge 2-14 There’s always a certain level of respect between clubs but sometimes there’s also a level of contempt that is evident for all to see. On Sunday evening this Division 2 final was practically over by the end of the opening quarter. The townies who would have genuine Canon Hamilton ambitions were going through the motions and without much exertion had eased to an eight point lead. Fast forward to the final minutes and after battling throughout the Bridge’s second team who will compete in the Intermediate Championship to their credit only trailed by nine. Gerry O’Connor’s charges are in complete and utter control with several tap over point opportunities but rather than take them they continually try to engineer another green flag to inflict more pain on their opponents. I suppose a series of high profile clashes between the clubs in recent years will have that effect and they did eventually get their third major in …

Clare set for Wexican stand-off

The distinctive stench of turpentine has permeated around the county in the last two weeks as slates have been cleaned and canvases blanked ahead of Clare’s senior hurling championship resumption in Thurles this Saturday. Following the heartbreak of a third consecutive Munster Final reverse to trophy hoovers Limerick at the same venue last time out, picking up the pieces has never been more important as they look to regather self-belief, confidence and momentum once more in the All-Ireland series. While earning the unwanted record of being only the second team ever to lose three Munster deciders to the same opposition was harrowing enough, the despondency surrounding the below-par performance made it arguably the most disappointing of all three provincial final clashes. After all, Brian Lohan’s side had exceeded all expectations to push Limerick all the way to extra-time in a Munster Final for the ages in 2022 while the Banner subsequently almost took down the champions in their own home …

Promotion the main prize for semi-final winners

Adult Football League Semi-Finals (Winner on the day) Cusack Cup Semi-Final Lissycasey v St Joseph’s Miltown at Lissycasey, Friday 7.30pm (Jim Hickey, Cratloe) Considering the seesaw form of these sides in recent seasons, it’s hard to believe that only three years ago, Miltown were Cusack Cup and Lissycasey were Garry Cup champions. All because both have been in the second tier since and are now vying for a pre-championship boost of attempting to dethrone holders Ennistymon in the final. Lissycasey were subsequently beaten finalists to Corofin in 2022, the same season that Miltown dropped to the second tier. However, having secured a first Garry Cup crown in 18 years twelve months ago, it would be a major jolt to qualify for the Cusack Cup decider once more. Meanwhile it’s 17 years since Lissycasey last contested and won their sole Cusack Cup title, a major carrot in itself this Friday evening as they look to make home advantage count. The sides …

Ballyea in a league of their Eoin after powerful finish

Under 18A Hurling League Final Ballyea 1-20 Sixmilebridge 1-11 A devastating finish saw Ballyea complete a remarkable 13 point second half turnaround to snatch their first ever Under 18A League title on the away soil of O’Garney Park in Sixmilebridge on Wednesday evening. Having led for the previous 30 minutes, the ‘Bridge seemed set for victory themselves when accentuating their 0-8 to 0-7 half-time edge with a goal after only 25 seconds of the restart as good play from Stephen Gavin was finished to the bottom right corner by Donal O’Leary. However, it was if subconsciously the home side assumed that the job was done as they would be sorely second best for the remainder as the defiant visitors outscored them by 1-13 to 0-03 in the final 30 minutes. Eoin Kennedy found his range from frees while the talismanic Eoin O’Connor provided the real spark to ignite Ballyea’s challenge when fielding a Dillon Killoughery delivery to cut in from …

900 million fans shows the popularity of volleyball

Volleyball is one of the most popular sports there is with over 900 million fans worldwide. That fanbase is growing all the time and the sport consistently ranks in the top five of the most watched global sports. At the end of the month Ireland will head to San Marino for the CEV SCA (European Volleyball Small Countries Association) Championship where they will face Scotland, Malta, Northern Ireland and hosts San Marino in the group stages. The Banner County have had huge success in the sport with the Senior and Junior All Ireland titles residing in the county courtesy of the Coláiste Muire and the Munster Thunder clubs. The strength of the sport in Clare can be highlighted by the fact that four Banner players will represent Ireland in the tournament. Amy O’Sullivan, Catriona Ní Riordan, TJ Sweeney and Maria Jones will all proudly don the green jersey in Serraville from May 30th to June 2nd. Three of the girls …

Sport

Recent Posts