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Senior Hurling Final - Eire Og v Ballyea

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Newmarket and Bridge Utd in Clare cup final

Thirty eight years after they last met in the final of the Clare junior cup, then known as the Haughey cup, near neighbours and arch rivals Newmarket Celtic and Bridge United will battle it out for the 2015 Clare junior cup title at the end of the month. Bridge were 3-0 winners over Shannon Olympic on Friday evening while, twenty four hours later, holders Newmarket Celtic booked their passage to the decider with a 5-2 win over Burren United. Both games were played at the county grounds in Doora which will also host the final. Midway through the first half of Friday’s game, Bridge United took the lead when Darren Murphy headed home from a Chris Lake corner. This score separated the sides at half time and the score was still the same as the game entered the ninetieth and final minute Then, in the space of two minutes, Bridge added goals from substitutes Derek Fahy and Kevin Kelly to …

Sixmilebridge recorded their fifth successive victory in the 2015 Clare Champion cup (senior hurling league) race when they defeated Clarecastle at O’Garney Park on Saturday evening. The winners laid the foundations for this latest victory in the opening half but they had to survive a strong rally from the magpies in the second period. When the final whistle sounded the Bridge were 2-15 to 1-15 in front. The Sean Stack managed Clonlara got back to winning ways when scoring a convincing 3-16 to 1-7 win over title holders Cratloe at the latter’s venue. While Clonlara were full value for their win, showing the greater sharpness throughout, it must be pointed out that Cratloe were without the services of two thirds of last year’s title winning side. That said, Cormac O’Donovan sparkled for the winners, finishing with a tally of 1-3 from play . Newmarket inflicted a first defeat of the campaign on Crusheen on Friday evening when they were 2-16 …

Inisowen 1 Clare League 0 Clare’s hopes of Oscar Traynor success this season were ended at far away McGinn park in Buncranna on Saturday evening when they had to give best to the home side. The crucial score came as early as the seventeenth minute when Stephen McLoughlin’s effort from a free kick on the edge of the area flew over the wall and into the top corner of the net. Clare worked hard in an effort to get back into contention and Eoin Hayes was unlucky when his effort flew past the advancing Inisowen goalie but just wide of the target seven minutes before the break. A few minutes later Eoin O’Brien’s header from a Paddy O’Malley cross was just inches over the top In the second half Clare continued to chase an equaliser but chances were few against a strong and well organised home side’s defence. Just past the hour mark, Dave McCarthy’s effort from a free kick …

HEADING into Round 5 of the domestic hurling leagues this bank holiday weekend, there are five unbeaten teams in the Clare Champion Cup (Divisions 1A and 1B). Crusheen, Sixmilebridge, Kilmaley, Whitegate and Wolfe Tones have won all their matches to date, with the Shannon club having a game in hand as they and St Joseph’s did not play last week, having agreed to double up with their championship first round at the end of the month. Kilmaley and Whitegate have made a similar arrangement with regard to their league tie, which was scheduled for this weekend. When they meet in the championship first round in a few weeks time, the league points will also be up for grabs. In Division 2, there are three unbeaten teams. Ruan and Parteen have full points from their four outings, while Smith O’Brien’s are just one point behind with three wins and a draw to their credit. Killanena top Division 3 with three wins …

Nigel Murray of Clare in action against Sean Murphy of Limerick during their Munster minor championship semi-final at Cusack Park. Photograph by John Kelly.

Clare 2-11 Limerick 0-5 THE Clare minor footballers made very light work of an exceptionally poor Limerick team in Cusack Park on Wednesday evening. Playing with plenty of fire and putting some exceptional attacking play together, Clare were fully deserving of their 12-point win and restored their pride after their 11-point defeat to Kerry in the opening round in Tralee. Clare will now play Tipperary in the Munster semi-final in Thurles on May 13. [doptg id=”66″] Although they led 1-7 to 0-3 at half-time, Clare were relatively slow to settle in the opening half and, in fact, they were 0-3 to 0-1 behind after nine minutes. However, Limerick stuck to their ploy of keeping players behind the ball and didn’t appear to have any inside players whom they could locate with direct ball. Seán Malone, who had an outsanding first half, put over the game’s opening score in the sixth minute. It was a portent of things to come from …

Clarecastle 0-16 Inagh-Kilnamona 0-15 A haul of eleven points from Bobby Duggan helped Clarecastle to their second successive victory in division 1 A of the Clare Champion cup when they defeated hitherto unbeaten Inagh-Kilnamona at Inagh. The magpies played with the aid of the wind in the first half and they held a four point advantage when the half time whistle sounded with the score at 0-10 to 0-6. Seven minutes into the second half, the home side had closed the gap to the minimum but that was as close as it got as Clarecastle used their greater experience to hold the advantage. Inagh-Kilnamona weren’t helped by the loss of minor Jason McCarthy to injury but it was their concession of frees which proved costly as Duggan ensured that his side stayed in front. In addition to Duggan, the winners had good performances from Gearoid Ryan, Conor Galvin, Jonathan Clancy and Patrick Kelly while Kevin Hehir, Ronan O’Looney, Gerry Coote …

Davy O’Halloran, who left the Clare hurling panel in controversial circumstances a few weeks ago, has accepted an invitation to join the county senior football panel. He linked up with the squad this week as they resumed training, having taken a week’s break after the conclusion of their league campaign recently, a campaign that ended with Clare retaining Division 3 status for next season. Together with the O’Connell brothers, Nicky and Cathal, the All-Ireland U-21 medal winner was disciplined for a breach of the senior hurlers’ strict code of conduct. Both O’Halloran and Nicky O’Connell opted to leave the hurling panel as a result. Football manager Colm Collins confirmed that O’Halloran is now part of the football panel. “He is an excellent footballer and worthy of his place in the squad,” the Cratloe team boss commented. O’Halloran played at centre-forward for Éire Óg last season, when they progressed through the championship to the final, where they went under to Cratloe. …

Six weeks after he left the Clare senior hurling panel after he was disciplined, Nicky O’Connell has rejoined the squad. O’Connell met with members of the management team on Monday night after which his return was confirmed. It is understood that the Clonlara man who returned to competitive action following injury when lining out with his club on Monday evening, approached the team management about a return to the squad. He apologised for breaching the team’s code of conduct and his apology has been accepted. He is expected to play in upcoming challenge games against Galway and the Clare under 21’s as he chases a place in the side that will face Limerick in the Munster championship on May 24. By Seamus Hayes

Kilmaley 3-17 Eire Og 2-5 A well drilled and well balanced Kilmaley bridge a forty year gap to their only previous success in the competition when they accounted for Eire Og in the under 21 A hurling championship final at Cusack park on Saturday afternoon. In the opening game of this double bill, a physically stronger Tulla side claimed the B title when they had a one goal victory over Cratloe. When Eire Og went a goal clear in the seventh minute of the A final, there were some anxious faces amongst the Kilmaley following in the attendance of 1,527. The anxiety was shortlived as the favourites stormed into the game and hit nine unanswered points to lead by six with seven minutes still to play in the half. With little ball going into their inter county star Shane O’Donnell, the town side’s mentors moved the UCC student to midfield which weakened their challenge in front of goal. At half …

Bodyke 3-9 Corofin 0-16 Bodyke bridged a thirty year gap at Cusack Park on Friday evening when they captured the county under 21 C championship title at the expense of Corofin. The East Clare club recorded their only previous success in this championship in 1985 when they overcame the challenge of Crusheen. A Bodyke victory didn’t appear likely at half time in Friday’s final when they trailed by nine points, 0-2 to 0-11. Corofin would not have been flattered with a greater lead at this stage such was the dominance they had enjoyed when playing with the aid of the breeze in the opening half. On the resumption, Bodyke made a few positional switches which were to prove crucial. The switch of Patrick Walsh to midfield and the move of Paddy Fitzgerald to the full forward line were moves that caused a lot of problems for Corofin. Seven minutes into the second half Corofin lost goalkeeper Liam Corbett with a …

THE new GAA rules adopted at Congress will come into play from this Saturday. It is expected, however that they will not be in operation for the U-21 championship finals, which should conclude under the rules that have operated for the competition. The main change will see one-on-one for a penalty in hurling, while other changes include: – A yellow card does not carry into extra time (hurling and football); – The referee may consult with a neutral linesman concerning the validity of a score (hurling and football); – For free pucks for technical fouls committed inside the large rectangle and awarded on the centre point of the 20m line, a maximum of five players may stand on the goal-line and may not move forward until the ball has been struck. The player taking the free puck may place the ball up to 7m back from the 20m line and within the arc but must strike it on or outside …

ON semi-final form, there is little between Kilmaley and Éire Óg ahead of Saturday’s U-21 A Hurling Championship final. Both sides look well-balanced, with a number of key players who should make it a lively encounter in Cusack Park. Kilmaley are probably entitled to carry the favourites’ tag, as they won the corresponding minor A title three years ago and that experience should be a help. Captain Conor Cleary, Aidan McGuane, Michael O’Malley and Cian Moloney have been regulars in the senior side in recent years and they have all played key parts in the team’s progress to this stage of the championship. They are supported by Conan Fitzgerald, Brian Cahill, Sean and Aidan Kennedy and Padraic McNamara from last year’s minor A-winning side and, in their semi-final win over Clarecastle, that combination played some very impressive hurling. Inter-county man Shane O’Donnell is a key figure in the Éire Óg line-up. While his tally in the semi-final win over Ballyea …

Clare 1-14 Fermanagh 2-9 PLAYING the best football of their 2015 league campaign, Clare secured their division 3 status for 2016 with an ultimately narrow win over Fermanagh in Cusack Park on Sunday. It was their third league win of 2015. Played in front of an attendance of 938, Clare led 1-14 to 1-5 with just six minutes left and the game looked over. However Fermanagh hit the home county for 1-4 without reply in the closing minutes and until their last attack was repelled, there was a nagging anxiety amongst the Clare supporters that the already promoted Fermanagh might bang in a late goal, which would have relegated the home county. Clare knew that a win would keep them in division 3 next season and they set about making sure that happen, although it took them 13 minutes to score, when Jamie Malone kicked the games opening point. The exceptionally industrious Podge Collins added another before Fermanagh full forward …

ROUND two of The Clare Champion-sponsored Cusack Cup will take place on Monday at four venues, with all games throwing in at 2pm. In Doonaha, O’Curry’s will host Kilmurry-Ibrickane, who are on the trail of their fifth successive title. O’Curry’s were beaten by Clondegad in their opening game, while Kilmurry defeated Lissycasey by a point. Home advantage will help O’Curry’s but Kilmurry will still be favourites to pick up their second win of the campaign. In Lissycasey, the home club host neighbours Clondegad. Lissycasey are under a bit more pressure to get a result, given that they lost their opening game, albeit very narrowly. Clondegad are already on two points and another win would put them in a good position to push for a place in the semi-final at least. While this is a tricky one to call, Clondegad will start as marginal favourites in this all-parish derby. Elsewhere, Doonbeg host Miltown, who drew their opening game with Cooraclare. Doonbeg …

Eire Og 2-17 Ballyea 1-12 Eire Og booked their place in the final of the under 21 A hurling championship on Saturday when they accounted for Ballyea at Clarecastle. While the town side were deserving winners, a margin of eight points is a little harsh on Ballyea who were only two points adrift entering the final ten minutes. At the end of a well contested first half, Eire Og led by two points, 0-9 to 0-7. They scored the last two points of the half after Ballyea had hit three in a row to draw level twenty four minutes into the tie. The margin was still the same with ten minutes remaining. They swapped points twice in the opening ten minutes of the half before Eire Og hit a brace to open a four point gap only for Ballyea to reply with a brace. A Conor O’Halloran goal put the townies five clear but the cheering had hardly died down …

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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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