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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

Sport

U-21 captain role a great honour for Cleary

Miltown Malbay’s Conor Cleary is honoured to have been appointed as the U-21 hurling captain but the focus, he says, is very much on Limerick and this Thursday’s Munster final. “It’s all about the game. It is a great honour to be captain and a massive one to get but all the focus is on Limerick. We have seen how impressive they were against Tipperary and how hungry they were. We know the challenge that is ahead of us and we know it’s going to be a very tough game and we will have to be on top of our game if we are going to compete with them,” he told The Clare Champion. “We have been very lucky with the coaches we have had at U-14, U-16 and minor and then at U-21 with Donal Moloney, Gerry O’Connor and Paul Kinnerk, who have had a great management structure going for the last few years. We are very lucky with …

AN explosive war of words has broken out between two-time All-Ireland winning manager, Ger Loughnane and Clare GAA County Board chairman, Michael McDonagh. Mr Loughnane has told The Clare Champion that he believes Mr McDonagh’s position as board chairman is “utterly untenable”, while he has also insisted that the Miltown Malbay clubman, who is serving his second term as chairman, is using his GAA role to aid his campaign to seek a Fianna Fáil nomination at this Friday night’s convention in Ennis. Mr McDonagh has denied this suggestion and claims the former Clare manager is setting out to derail his political ambitions. “Comments I have made in my remit as chairman of the county board, during the past fortnight and throughout my tenure, have always been made in the best interests of Clare GAA and in my capacity as chairman only. The suggestion that any comments I have made are self-serving or politically motivated are wrong and appear to me …

As expected, the Clare team to face Limerick in Thursday evening’s Munster under 21 hurling final is unchanged from that which defeated a fancied Waterford side in the semi-final two weeks ago. A capacity attendance is expected at Cusack Park for the meeting of the neighbouring rivals in the Provincial final when Clare will be seeking their fourth title in a row. Both sides caused surprises in the semi-final when accounting for Waterford and Tipperary who were fancied to get through to the final. The standard of play in both games was high and there is an expectation amongst hurling fans that this final will proved to be o ne of the best in modern times. The game has a throw in time of 7p.m. and Tipperary’s Fergal Horgan will be in charge. There will be extra time in the event of the teams being level at the end of normal time. The Clare team for the final is; Keith …

Eire Og and Lissycasey, two teams fancied to win their first round senior football championship games last weekend but who ended up on the losing side have been drawn to play each other in round two. In their last championship clash, the town side recorded a runaway win. The losers of this tie will be out of the championship race and will be into the battle to avoid relegation to the intermediate grade The second round games are scheduled for the weekend of August 15/16 when defending champions Cratloe who are chasing a third successive title will play Cooraclare. Ennistymon, following their victory over Eire Og, await the winners of the remaining first round game between Doonbeg and Miltown St. Josephs. The losers of Saturday’s tie will play St.Senans, Kilkee. St. Breckans, fresh from their exciting extra time win over Lissycasey, will take on Kilrush while Clondegad will face O’Currys. In the losers section, Kilmurry-Ibrickane will play Shannon Gaels while Wolfe …

First round action in the race for the senior football championship title provided plenty of talking points over the weekend. From a major melee at half time in the opening game at Hennessy park in Miltown to three sendings off in the Cratloe v Kilmurry-Ibrickane game at Lissycasey, patrons had plenty of issues for debate not to mention the surprise defeats for Eire Og and Lissycasey. [doptg id=”76″] It’s expected that Clare GAA will conduct an investigation into the disgraceful scenes at Miltown as the Eire Og and Ennistymon teams made their way to the dressing rooms. There were no indications during the opening half that a nasty free for all was about to develop but players, mentors and some spectators were involved in the disgraceful incident which marred what was an otherwise very sporting occasion. Goals win games and Ennistymon scored three on their way to a two point win over a fancied Ennis side. The North Clare men …

The camogie association issued a statement late on Wednesday night regarding the progression of teams to the All-Ireland senior championship quarter finals which take place on Saturday week, August 1. Cork and Tipperary play in one quarter-final while Wexford are awaiting confirmation of their opponents which will be either Dublin or Clare. Dublin have completed their four group games and are currently third in the group table, with three points while Clare are, currently, fourth, with one point. Clare play Derry this Sunday, in their final round of the championship. Clare were originally scheduled to play Derry on Saturday June 20 but, as Ulster were hosting the National Féile na nGael competition, Derry’s request to keep that weekend free of inter-county games was facilitated. A win for Clare on Sunday will see them level on points with Dublin. These sides drew when they clashed at the league stage, scoring 1-8 each. As they each scored the same number of goals …

Fears that the Munster under 21 hurling final between Shannonside neighbours Clare and Limerick, scheduled for Thursday next, July 30, would be played outside Clare have been removed. A special meeting of the Clare GAA executive on Friday last voted to defer the commencement of renovation works at Cusack Park until after the final. Last month the executive had made a similar decision and deferred the commencement of work at the county grounds for a month in order to host the senior hurling and football Qualifier double header and the Munster under 21 semi-final against Waterford. A home and away arrangement is in operation for underage games in Munster and its Clare’s turn to host Limerick in the under 21 hurling championship, hence the reason for Clare’s latest decision. The Provincial body confirmed this week that the match will have a 7p.m. throw in time and it will be an all ticket game and supporters are asked to pre-purchase …

On a weekend when league action dominated the domestic GAA scene the pairings for the semi-finals of the Clare Champion cup (senior hurling league) were confirmed. Eire Og knew going into their clash with neighbours St. Josephs that they needed to win by seventeen points or more to claim a place in the last four. They came very close but their fifteen point winning margin wasn’t enough to see them through and that spot goes to Whitegate who finished second to Kilmaley. The three were level on 14 points each after nine games and it was left to score difference to separate them. Kilmaley had a vastly superior difference and claimed top spot. Crusheen sealed the runners up spot in division 1 A when they drew with Inagh-Kilnamona. Sixmilebridge were already through but they completed their programme games with their ninth win from nine outings when they overcame O’Callaghans Mills. Clooney-Quin who went down by a point to Cratloe were …

Tipperary 2-18 Clare 0-11 Following a comprehensive defeat at the Ragg in Tipperary in their third round All-Ireland senior camogie championship game on Saturday, Clare now find themselves in the position that they must beat Derry on this Saturday and, in the process, score four goals if they are to get into the quarter finals. A win over Derry will leave Clare level on points with Dublin. When Clare and Dublin met two weeks ago they drew, so if they are level on points, according to competition rules, they will be separated by the number of goals scored during the league section of the competition. To date Dublin have scored four goals while Clare have managed just one, hence the need to score four goals and, of course, beat Derry, on Saturday next in a game that will be played at a Clare venue. Clare can have no arguments about the result of their clash with Tipperary who were much …

CLARE County Board chairman Michael McDonagh has flatly denied that the organisation is anti-democratic, following its actions this week in seeking to quash debate on the future of senior hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald. Clubs were not consulted on the decision to back the manager, which McDonagh released to the public, via a national newspaper, on Tuesday. Although the decision regarding management has already been made, he says clubs can voice their views at the September county board meeting. McDonagh insists the original decision to extend Davy Fitzgerald’s term by three years was made at a full county board meeting in 2013 and that board officers are merely following through on that. He also claimed that the Clare players are fully supportive of this decision, despite the fact that they have won only a single championship game in two years, along with suffering relegation to Division 1 B. “As an officer board, we spoke with each other and we also spoke …

The outstanding Ian Galvin gets away from Waterford’s DJ Foran at Cusack Park on Wednesday. Photograph Arthur Ellis

Clare 0-23 Waterford 1-18 WHAT an evening it was in Cusack Park on Wednesday. The Clare U-21s lifted the spirits of the entire county with a display of epic bravery, skill and pure passion, in front of a crowd of 6,639 people. Incredibly, they have qualified for the county’s fourth successive final at this level. Inspired by the peerless Bobby Duggan and the equally superb Ian Galvin, Clare stunned Waterford, who were warm favourites. Duggan hit 0-13, including six sublime points from play, while Galvin produced one of the best individual displays seen in the county grounds, hitting 0-5 from play in a glorious second half effort. But while Duggan and Galvin put over 0-19 between them, they were surrounded by men who fought like lions for every ball. Without that intensity, added to their general calmness in possession, Clare would not be preparing for a Munster final on July 30. On a perfect evening for hurling they gave …

Clare senior hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald and his football counterpart Colm Collins have informed Clare GAA of their intention to complete their managerial terms and remain in charge of the county sides for 2016. In a statement issued through county board public relations officer, Sean O’Halloran the board said it welcomes and fully supports the commitments received from both managers and “looks forward to their review of their respective 2015 campaigns as well as an outline of their plans for 2016”. Board chairman Michael McDonagh was equally delighted with developments. He said, “I am delighted that Colm and Davy are committed to remaining in their respective positions for 2016. Whileeveryone associated with Clare GAA is disappointed with the progress ofboth teams during 2015, we firmly believe that there are better things in store, and both Davy and Colm are the right people to lead their teams forward.”

History will be made this Wednesday evening when a Miltown Malbay man will captain a Clare under 21 hurling championship team for the first time. Conor Cleary, who plays his club hurling with Kilmaley, will lead Clare from centre back when they face Waterford in the Provincial semi-final. The team includes just one member of the county senior side which lost to Cork last week. Shane O’Donnell, full forward in the senior team, has been named at corner forward for Wednesday’s game as the Banner outfit sets out in search of a fourth successive Munster title. Donal Moloney is the team manager and this year he is assisted by Sean McMahon St. Josephs, Peter Casey (St. Breckans), Kevin O’Grady (Beagh), Kieran Corcoran (Broadford) and Barry Fitzpatrick from Monaleen who is in charge of strength and conditioning. The team is Keith Hogan (Clooney-Quin); Eoin Quirke (Whitegate), David Fitzgerald (Inagh-Kilnamona), Shane O’Brien (Clonlara); Aidan McGuane (Kilmaley) Conor Cleary (Miltown) Captain, Ben O’Gorman …

The final round of games in this season’s Clare Champion sponsored Cusack cup, senior football league, has cleared the way for the knock out stage as well as confirming who is to be relegated Holders Kilmurry-Ibrickane are back in the final following a two goal victory over Clondegad, 3-11 to 1-11. Both teams were short some players with Clondegad certainly feeling the loss of the Brennan brothers, Gary and Shane, due to injury. All is not lost for the Ballynacally based club as they will have home advantage in the semi-final when they will come up against their fellow parishioners, Lissycasey who secured their passage to the last four with a 3-10 to 1-8 win over O‘Curry’s at Doonaha. This result did not appear likely five minutes into the second half when the men from the West Clare penninsula held a five point advantage but from here on there was only one team in it. Goals from Martin Moran, Cathal …

Waterford 1-14 Clare 2-7 THE Clare lady footballers were narrowly beaten in the Munster intermediate final in Mallow on Saturday afternoon. Playing with a very strong breeze in the opening half, Clare went in tied 0-7 each at half time. To have a realistic chance of winning they really needed to have established a five or six point interval advantage but Waterford played some impressive, controlled football into the breeze. They were very adept at carrying the ball and their scoring taking was also impressive with centre forward Maria Delahunty putting over two excellent first half frees and a point from play in the opening half. Clare were more direct in their play, which they had to be given that they were backed by the breeze. Gráinne Nolan and Ailish Considine looked sharp in the opening half while Carol O’Leary carried ball and ran at Waterford. The Newmarket girl was one four dual players forced to chose between representing Clare …

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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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