Group 1

St Joseph’s 1-10 Cratloe 0-8

ST JOSEPH’S and Cratloe have produced some excellent contests at minor and U-21 levels in recent years but the standard of play when they met in this senior championship first round at Cusack Park on Saturday fell well short of what was expected.
St Joseph’s dominated the tie and were full value for their victory in what was a dull affair. There was one very bright note and it was provided by Enda Lyons who gave an excellent display at corner-forward for the winners. He contributed 1-4 of their tally and it was his 1-3 in the opening half that sent the Doora-Barefield men on the road to this win.
Through to the semi-final stages of the Division 2 league, St Joseph’s went into this game as hot favourites and they justified this rating as they dominated in most areas against a Cratloe outfit that failed to play to the standard they set in recent seasons.
It was 0-2 each at the end of the first quarter with Liam Markham (free) and Conor Ryan’s efforts for Cratloe being cancelled out by Eoin Kane and Lyons.
With eight minutes to go to half time, Lyons struck what proved to be a vital blow when he soloed past a number of Cratloe defenders before crashing a powerful effort to the top corner of the net.
Cathal O’Sullivan quickly followed with an excellent point and, while Padraig Chaplin pulled one back for Cratloe when he was on target from a 20m free, the winners finished the half strongly with two excellent points by Lyons to leave the half time score at 1-5 to 0-3.
Early in the second half the Cratloe side introduced Clare minor football captain Paudge Collins and while he succeeded in winning some good possession, he was unable to find a way for his side’s attack to break down a strong St Joseph’s defence.
The winners continued to dominate the third quarter when they had further points from Mark Raftery, Cathal O’Sullivan, Eoin Kane, Enda Lyons and Ivor White who landed an excellent score from a 47m free taken from the hands.
It was 1-10 to 0-3 as the three quarter stage approached and St Joseph’s were very much in the driving seat.
The fact that they failed to score after this is sure to be a cause of concern for manager John Halpin and his backroom team of James Hanrahan, Kieran Kelleher and Michael O’Sullivan and this is something that they are sure to work on in the coming weeks.
At the mid-point of this half Cratloe had a goal chance but Conor McGrath’s effort was wide of the target. A few minutes earlier they had a Conor Ryan goal disallowed after he caught and then fisted the ball to the net but that isn’t allowed
The margin was still ten as the game moved inside the last ten minutes. Two Liam Markham efforts and a fine point from Paudge Collins left seven between them with five minutes to go. They did most of the attacking for the remainder of the game but their only reward was a brace of points from frees by Markham.
Kevin Dilleen and Damian Kennedy did well at the heart of the winner’s defence while up front Enda Lyons caused huge problems for Cratloe with Cathal O’Sullivan also doing well.
Cratloe struggled in most areas and will certainly have to show a big improvement before round two if they are to be in with a chance of getting to the play-offs. Exam tied Cathal McInerney and Enda Boyce are expected to come into contention before round two.
Barry Duggan, Ogie Murphy, Conor Ryan, Liam Markham and substitute Paudge Collins tried hard on this occasion.

St Joseph’s: Declan O’Keeffe; Ger Fannin, Kevin Dilleen (capt), Keith Whelan; Ivor White, Damian Kennedy, Gavin O’Sullivan; Mark Raftery, Mark Hallinan; David O’Brien, Colm Mullen, Paul Dullaghan; Enda Lyons, Cathal O’Sullivan, Eoin Kane.
Subs: Greg Lyons for O’Brien (36 minutes), Johnnie O’Brien for Mullen (39 minutes), Niall White for Raftery (50 minutes), Caimin O’Connor for Kane (55 minutes), Stephen Collins for C O’Sullivan (56 minutes).
Scorers: Enda Lyons (1-4), 0-1 free Cathal O’Sullivan, Eoin Kane (0-2) each Ivor White (free) Mark Raftery (0-1) each.
Frees for: 11; wides: 3
Bookings: Damian Kennedy (25 minutes); Ivor White (32 minutes).

Cratloe: Jamie Joyce; Barry Gleeson, Barry Duggan, Wesley DeLoughrey; Seán Chaplin, David Ryan, Martin
‘Ogie’ Murphy; Michael Hawes, Conor Ryan; Seán Hynan, Seán Collins, Joseph O’Connor; Conor McGrath, Padraig Chaplin, Liam Markham.
Subs: Paudge Collins for O’Connor (34 minutes); Robert Conlon for P Chaplin (36 minutes) Kevin Browne for De Loughrey (43 minutes).
Scorers: Liam Markham (0-5), 4 frees; Conor Ryan, Padraig Chaplin (free) Paudge Collins (0-1) each.
Frees for: 14; wides: 3
Bookings: Seán Collins (47 minutes).

Referee: Barry Kelly, Miltown.

 

McConigley sets up Ennistymon for victory

Ennistymon 2-7 Lissycasey 0-5

A CONTRIBUTION of 2-2 from corner-forward Seán McConigley laid the foundations for this well-deserved win by Ennistymon over favourites Lissycasey at Cusack Park on Saturday evening.
The lightning fast teenager tore the Lissycasey defence to shreds in the opening minutes and they never recovered.
Lissycasey had been installed as favourites for the tie following a league victory over the North Clare men a few weeks ago, a result which was followed by an impressive victory over Kilmurry-Ibrickane in the O’Gorman Cup semi-final.
Fielding a much-changed team from their league clash, Ennistymon got the upperhand early in Saturday’s tie and while two Lissycasey errors in giving away possession led to both goals, credit must go to McConigley for the manner in which he applied the finish.
Ennistymon manager Brendan Rouine and his backroom team that includes Kilmurry-Ibrickane’s Odran O’Dwyer, certainly learned from the league clash and their changes clearly brought about the necessary improvement.
On Saturday, the Ennistymon full-forward line caused huge problems for Lissycasey with big John McInerney the target at full forward while his flankers Danny Rouine and McConigley were constantly on the move.
As the North Clare side dominated in most areas in the opening half, apart from those early scores from McConigley, they failed to add to his tally before the break and this is something that is sure to concern their backroom team ahead of round two.
Lissycasey were struggling in most areas and this is reflected in the scoreline that showed that they could only manage a point in this half and this came from midfielder Colin Lynch after eighteen minutes.
Lissycasey were fortunate not to concede a third goal eight minutes from half time when Joe Hayes pulled off a great save from John McInerney
For the second half Lissycasey introduced Oisin Talty
and Martin Daly to their attack in place of Danny Clohessy and the injured Alan Nagle. Ger Murphy switched from wing-forward to wing back in place of Clohessy. Nagle, the only Lissycasey forward to threaten in the opening period, picked up a leg injury and his absence was a big loss to the team.
Hopes of a Lissycasey rally were rocked in the early minutes of the second half when Brian Conway and Danny Rouine (free) increased the North Clare outfit’s lead to nine points.
At the other end of the field Lissycasey struggled to win possession in all areas of the attack.
A brace from Martin Daly (frees) and one from Paul Nagle reduced the margin to two goals by the three quarter stage but Ennistymon were dictating the play in most positions and it wasn’t a surprise when they extended their lead as Danny Rouine and Brian Conway fired over points to leave eight between the teams with just seven minutes remaining.
Lissycasey captain Cathal Hill tried hard to rally his team and he kicked a fine point with six minutes remaining but the final score was provided by Ennistymon with Brian Conway converting a free in injury time to seal a well merited win for his side.
Brian McDonagh and David McInerney dominated in the central defensive positions for the winners while David Murphy and Ronan Linnane held the upperhand at midfield. Up front McConigley did the damage while Danny Rouine, John McInerney and Brian Conway also got through a lot of valuable work.
Cathal Hill played his heart out for the Lissycasey men while Joe Hayes, Colin Lynch and Alan Nagle, until injured also got through some good work.

Ennistymon: Shane Keane; James Murphy, Brian McDonagh, Oisin Vaughan; Willie Murphy, David McInerney, Michael O’Loughlin; David Murphy (captain) Ronan Linnane; Seán Driscoll, Joe Dowling, Brian Conway; Danny Rouine, John McInerney, Seán McConigley.
Subs: Laurence Healy for J McInerney (41 minutes); Robert McDonagh for Dowling (46 minutes); Brian
Sexton for Driscoll (55 minutes).
Scorers: Seán McConigley (2-2) Brian Conway (0-3), 1 free; Danny Rouine (0-2), 1 free.
Frees for: 16; wides: 8
Bookings: Brian Conway (40 minutes); Danny Rouine) 50 minutes; Robert McDonagh (60 minutes).

Lissycasey: Joe Hayes; Michael Melican, Seán Hill, Martin O’Connor; James Kelly, Cathal Hill (capt) Danny Clohessy; Enda Finnucane, Colin Lynch; Ger Murphy, Danny Lynch, Alan Nagle; Paul Nagle, Anthony Kelly, Francis Hayes.
Subs: Oisin Talty for A Nagle (inj) half time; Martin Daly for Clohessy, half time; Derek McMahon for A Kelly (51 minutes).
Scorers: Martin Daly (0-2), frees; Colin Lynch, Paul Nagle, Cathal Hill (0-1) each.
Frees for: 33; wides: 9
Bookings: Danny Lynch (26 minutes).

Referee: John Hannon, Michael Cusacks

 

Group 2

Gritty Gaels seize last minute victory

Shannon Gaels 2-10 Kilmihil 2-9

There were a number of times in this opening tie in the Clare senior football championship title race that Shannon Gaels looked dead and buried but their refusal to give in, allied to changes made during the final quarter, saw them earn a fortunate one point win over their neighbours Kilmihil at Cooraclare.
After some indifferent league form, Kilmihil went into this tie as rank outsiders but they made all the running and their reaction at full-time was understandable as they should have won a tie which produced some good passages of play.
The side were full value for their interval lead of five points having played with the aid of the breeze and showing greater hunger from the start.
The ’Gaels were much more determined in the second half and they quickly reduced Kilmihil’s lead to two points. However when Kilmihil struck for 1-2 in two minutes before the end of the third quarter, it appeared to be the end of Shannon Gaels’ chances of winning this tie.
The crucial score came four minutes from the end when Shannon Gaels substitute, Ruairi Norrby reacted quickest in the Kilmihil goalmouth to flick the ball to the net.
Referee Michael Talty consulted with his umpires before allowing the score and suddenly the Gaels were in the driving seat. A point down with four minutes remaining and playing with the aid of the wind, they now had the advantage.
A minute from time their captain John Paul O’Neill sent over the leveller and a share of the spoils looked the likely outcome.
However, it wasn’t over yet, and wing back John Bermingham proved to be the hero when he kicked the winning score from all of 50m in the final minute of normal time.
A couple of minutes of injury time remained and Kilmihil got one last chance to salvage something from a tie they had dominated when Tomas Cleary was penalised for a foul.
Midfielder Timmy Ryan had landed six points from frees already in the tie and everything pointed to him adding to his tally. To the disappointment of Kilmihil followers, however, the effort was just outside the upright.
Seconds later it was all over and Kilmihil were left to ponder how they had lost a tie they had dominated for so long.
They took control from the start and by the end of the opening quarter were 0-4 to 0-0 in front. They played some excellent football in this period and the Gaels could count themselves fortunate not to be further behind at this stage.
Barry Toner opened the winner’s account two minutes into the second quarter and five minutes later they were level when John Paul O’Neill won possession from a Brian Cunningham line ball before shooting low to the corner of the net.
Kilmihil responded impressively with points from Alan Normoyle – his effort went over the bar with only goalie Keith Ryan to beat – and a brace from Timmy Ryan. Shane Mangan was now in the action as a blood replacement for David Ryan and he made an immediate impact when his well-placed delivery was flicked to the net by Shane Egan.
When the second half got underway Mangan was in as a replacement for the injured Paul Reidy but the Gaels had the better of the early exchanges and reduced the deficit with points from the impressive Brian Cunningham (2) and Shane Tubridy.
The half was 11 minutes old before Kilmihil scored with a Timmy Ryan converted free.
Defensive errors then saw the Gaels give possession away twice and Kilmihil punished them on each occasion. Mark Coughlan finished off a great move with a point before he struck for his side’s second goal which saw Kilmihil 2-9 to 1-5 in front entering the final quarter.
It was time for change and the Gaels brought in Francis Cleary, Eugene O’Neill and Ruairi Norrby. The pace of Norrby, a highly rated soccer player who has caught the attention of Ennis club scouts, troubled Kilmihil.
Points from Toner and Cunningham were followed by one from Norrby whose goal-bound effort was superbly turned over the bar by Eamonn Ryan leaving four between the side with five minutes to go. Teenager Norrby struck for his side’s second goal and this inspired the Gaels to a strong finish which saw them snatch victory.

Shannon Gaels: Keith Ryan; Brian Bermingham, Tomas Madigan, Cathal O’Neill; John Bermingham, John Neylon, Tomas Cleary; Noel Kennedy, Michael O’Donoghue; Brian Cunningham, John Paul O’Neill (capt), Barry Toner; Shane Tubridy, Declan Power, Michael Coughlan.
Subs: Francis Cleary for C. O’Neill (45 minutes) Eugene O’Neill for Tubridy (48 minutes); Ruairi Norrby for D. Power (49 minutes).
Scorers: Brian Cunningham (0-4), 1 free John P O’Neill, Ruairi Norrby (1-1 each) Barry Toner (0-2), 1 free;
Shane Tubridy, John Bermingham (0-1) each.
Frees for: 19; wides: 8
Bookings: Brian Cunningham (33 minutes).

Kilmihil: Eamonn Ryan; Lawrence Murray, Declan O’Shea, Conor Crowley; Derek O’Connell, Ruairi Mohally, Karol Downes; Timmy Ryan, David Ryan; Alan Normoyle, Mark Coughlan, Philip Ryan; Shane Egan, Paul Reidy, Mark O’Connell;
Subs: Shane Mangan for Reidy (inj) half time.
Scorers: Timmy Ryan (0-6), all frees; Mark Coughlan (1-1) Shane Egan (1-0) David Ryan, Alan Normoyle (0-1) each.
Frees for: 33; wides: 3; ’45s: 1
Bookings: Philip Ryan (15 minutes); Timmy Ryan (45 minutes).

Referee: Michael Talty, Kilmurry-Ibrickane.

 

Glynn points topple Wolfe Tones

Éire Óg 0-10 Wolfe Tones 0-8

Principally steered by Eoin Glynn, who kicked three points from play and by 19 year old midfielder Darren O’Neill, Éire Óg left their dubious Cusack Cup form aside in Cusack Park last Sunday to record an impressive opening championship win.
Alan Malone also made a solid return to his club’s colours at centre-back, while Barry Ryan provided plenty of guile at wing-forward.
Wolfe Tones had to rely upon Stephen Monaghan for most of their scores. He kicked six points, five from play and one from a late penalty. If Monaghan had slotted the injury time penalty beyond Shane O’Connell, Wolfe Tones would have just a point adrift and might have salvaged a draw. Monaghan fired over, yet without his contribution the Shannon men would have been comprehensively beaten.
After availing of a strong breeze, blowing towards the Tulla road, Joe Joe Whelan’s Éire Óg led 0-8 to 0-3 at half time. Glynn kicked his trio of points from open play in this period, while Seán O’Meara, Nicky Hogan, Barry Ryan and Darren O’Neill added like scores.
Monaghan, Johnny Bridges and Jamie Roughan, from a free, scored Wolfe Tones three first half points.
Éire Óg notched their two-second half points inside the opening 14 minutes, with O’Meara and Glynn, from a free won by Hogan, scoring. In fact O’Meara’s point was the score of the match, with Éire Óg displaying patience and control to work an excellent point into the wind.
Stephen Monaghan shot four unanswered points in the last 16 minutes but when the penalty went over, the Shannon teams chances of staging a dramatic late rally ceased.
The penalty was contentious in that while Brian Frawley appeared to pick the ball of the ground, Michael McGann initially seemed to award a 14-yard free before it became clear that it was in fact a spot kick.
The game was held up for about six minutes, late in the second half, when Wolfe Tones goalkeeper Jason Casey had to be stretchered off following an accidental collision.
Éire Óg played nice, controlled football and in Eoin Glynn had a real threat. At the opposite end, while Monaghan excelled he didn’t have the back up afforded to Glynn.
Éire Óg take on Kilmihil in their next championship game while Wolfe Tones will play Shannon Gaels.

Éire Óg: Shane O’Connell, Michael O’Regan, Donie Lyne, Saran Butler; David Russell, Alan Malone, Nicky Hogan; Brian Frawley, Darren O’Neill; Shane Daniels, Fergus Flynn, Barry Ryan; Eoin Glynn, Seán O’Meara, Brian Lenihan.
Scorers: Eoin Glynn 0-4, (0-1f), Seán O’Meara 0-3, (0-1f), Nicky Hogan, Barry Ryan, Darren O’Neill 0-1 each.
Sub: David Monaghan for Fergus Flynn (51).
Wides: 6; frees won: 22; ’45s: 1
Yellow cards: Alan Malone.
Wolfe Tones: Jason Casey; Craig O’Brien, Brendan Hughes, Chris Dunning; Stephen McInerney, Brian O’Connell, Bobby O’Connell; Joe McGauley, Patsy Keyes; Jamie Roughan, Johnny Bridges, Barry Murphy; Stephen Monaghan, Darren Ryan, Kevin Cahill.
Subs: Alan Downes for Darren Ryan (40), Mickey O’Connell for Joe McGauley (45), Eoin Danagher for Kevin Cahill (50), Paul Tuohy for Jason Casey (injured – 52). 
Scorers: Stephen Monaghan 0-6, (0-1 pen), Johnny Bridges, Jamie Roughan 0-1 (f) each.
Wides: 6; Frees won: 23; ’45s: 1
Yellow cards: Kevin Cahill, Chris Dunning.
Referee: Michael McGann (Michael Cusacks).

 

Group 3

Cooraclare’s lightning start secures crucial points

Cooraclare 1-9 Kilrush 0-9

In a game laden with intensity and a decent standard of football, Cooraclare’s lightning start helped them to a crucial win over their neighbours in Doonbeg last Saturday evening.
Aidan Moloney’s team got to grips with Kilrush immediately and had 1-2 on the scoreboard by the ninth minute. With Rory Donnelly buzzing at full forward, John Looney pointed the winners ahead before Seán Maguire netted from close range. This followed a Donnelly run before he off loaded to Cathal Lillis, leaving Maguire to deflect the ball beyond Tony Burke.
Seconds later Donnelly hit the Kilrush crossbar, while John Looney had a shot cleared off the line by Cathal Lyons.
Shortly afterwards Donnelly kicked Cooraclare 1-2 to 0-0 up leaving Kilrush desperate for a foothold.
The Shams did eventually settle down however, kicking five unanswered points, with the breeze behind them. Ruaraí O’Connor kicked two from play, with Peadar McMahon pointing a brace of frees, while Jim Young slotted over a ’45.
Kilrush could have stuck an 18 th minute goal, had Young’s scrambled effort not hit the post after John Hayes had fired in a free from 60 yards.
With half time approaching Mark Tubridy pointed twice from dead balls to re-establish Cooraclare’s advantage, although McMahon pointed another free for Kilrush just before half time.
1-4 to 0-6 ahead at that stage, Tubridy and Declan McMahon kicked early points for the winners on the resumption. Kilrush introduced Brendan Crowley for Martin Griffin at that point, while Cooraclare brought Andrew O’Neill on for Cathal Lillis.
Donnelly kicked his second Cooraclare point, sandwiched between like scores for Kilrush from McMahon and Paddy Clancy, leaving Cooraclare 1-7 to 0-8 ahead, ten minutes from full time.
When John Moody was shown a second yellow, followed by a red card, in the fourth quarter, Kilrush’s chances of reeling in Cooraclare dissipated further.
Late points from Donnelly and Declan McMahon secured the win for Cooraclare, with Peadar McMahon kicking Kilrush’s final score.
On reflection Cooraclare’s bench was stronger than Kilrush’s, who brought Martin Griffin back on, although he had been substituted at half time. 
Cooraclare will not be too happy however at their 15 minute score free stretch in the opening half after they had gone 1-2 to 0-0 ahead, while Kilrush will need a lot more than four point from play, over 60 minutes, from their attack.
Both teams however looked very fit and well prepared and indeed the game was watched by a large crowd in the evening sunshine.
Conor Marrinan played outstanding football at full back for Cooraclare, while Mark Tubridy, Declan McMahon and Rory Donnelly also played well.
Cathal Lyons at corner back, Peadar McMahon and Ruaraí O’Connor were best for Kilrush.

Cooraclare: Joe Killeen; Michael Chambers (c ), Conor Marrinan, Fergal Lillis; Gearóid Meade, David Hedigan, Thomas Donnellan; Joe Considine, Hughie Donnelly; Mark Tubridy, Seán Maguire, Declan McMahon; Cathal Lillis, Rory Donnelly, John Looney. 
Subs: Michael Kelly for Gearóid Meade (35), Andrew O’Neill for Cathal Lillis (45), Thomas Downes for Rory Donnelly (57).
Scorers: Rory Donnelly 0-3, Mark Tubridy 0-3, (0-2f), Seán Maguire 1-0, Declan McMahon 0-2, John Looney 0-1.
Wides: 3; Frees won: 13; ‘45’s: 0
Yellow cards: Mark Tubridy, Conor Marrinan.

Kilrush: Tony Burke; Chris Dixon, Donal O’Sullivan, Cathal Lyons; Con O’Brien, Matthew Moloney, John Hayes; John Moody, Martin Griffin; Paddy Clancy, Alan Daly, Peadar McMahon; Stephen Sweeney, Jim Young, Ruaraí O’Connor.
Subs: Brendan Crowley for Martin Griffin (half time), Martin Griffin for Alan Daly (59).
Scorers: Peadar McMahon 0-5, (0-4f), Ruaraí O’Connor 0-2, Paddy Clancy 0-1, Jim Young 0-1 ’45.
Wides: 6; frees won: 26; ‘45’s: 2
Yellow cards: Stephen Sweeney, John Moody; red card: John Moody.

Referee: Kevin Walsh (Wolfe Tones).

 

Doonbeg stutter to opening win

Doonbeg 1-8 O’Curry’s 0-6

Although they led 0-6 to 0-0 at half time, Doonbeg didn’t finish off O’Curry’s until full-forward Shane Ryan deflected the ball to the net a minute into second half injury time.
That goal, following a cross from Kevin Nugent, ended O’Curry’s attempted comeback. Four second half points from Ger Quinlan, in addition to like scores from his brother Ollie and Damien Carmody, had pulled their team to within two points of Doonbeg.
Ryan’s goal though was the games final score and secured both points for Doonbeg, whose display didn’t indicate that they are ready to whisk Jack Daly from Kilmurry Ibrickane’s grasp just yet.
Frank O’Dea kicked two of their first half points from play, while Brian Egan, Shane Ryan, David Tubridy, from a free and Colm Dillon knocked over a point each.
Backed by the wind, Colm Dillon’s score was the most impressive as the Doonbeg midfielder landed his effort from half way.
Although played in perfect weather conditions in Cooraclare on Saturday, this game lacked real zip or championship bite. Aside from Ger Quinlan, O’Curry’s lacked other sources of scoring threat, with Damien Carmody to their only starting forward to notch a point.
Doonbeg didn’t set the venue alight either but with almost two months before the next round of the championship, they have time up their game a level or two. They play Cooraclare next, while O’Curry’s take on Kilrush.

Doonbeg: Nigel Dillon; Richie Vaughan, Padraig Gallagher, Conor Whelan; Shane O’Brien, David Downes, Paraic Aherne; Enda Doyle, Colm Dillon (c); Brian Egan, Frank O’Dea, David Tubridy; Conor Downes, Shane Ryan, Jamie Whelan.
Subs: Shane Killeen for David Downes, Kevin Nugent for Jamie Whelan, Joe Blake for David Tubridy.
Scorers: Shane Ryan 1-1, Frank O’Dea 0-2, Brian Egan, Colm Dillon, Jamie Whelan, Shane Killeen, David Tubridy (f) 0-1 each.

O’Curry’s: Eoin Clohessy; Seamus Coffey, Brian Troy, Gearóid Lynch; Paul Roche, Ollie Quinlan, Declan Walsh; Michael Foran, Ger Quinlan; Damien Carmody, Seán Haugh, Tadhg Concannon; Gerald Troy, Michael Carmody, Eoin Troy.
Sub: Tom Downes for Tadhg Concannon.
Scorers: Ger Quinlan 0-4, (0-3f), Ollie Quinlan, Damien Carmody 0-1 each.

Referee: Michael Rock (Ennistymon).

 

Group 4

Winning start for Liscannor

Liscannor 1-9 Milown, St Joseph’s 0-9

A RATHER soft goal separated the sides at Quilty on Saturday as Liscannor made a good start to their championship campaign, securing the points after a fairly testing evening, writes Owen Ryan.
The decisive score came midway through the second half from sub Dara Blake. It arrived after a rather hopeful ball from Niall Considine, which seemed to be drifting wide, was brought back into play. When it fell to Blake, the Miltown rearguard were caught out of position and he was left with a fairly handy task to finish.
That gave them a three-point lead and although Miltown brought it back to a single point, a strong finish by Liscannor got them over the line. Overall, it was a very even contest with the outcome in doubt until the dying moments.
The first 10 minutes was Miltown’s best spell, as they were winning the lion’s share of possession in the middle of the field and, as a unit, their backs looked very comfortable. Unfortunately for them, they weren’t particularly successful in turning pressure into scores during this period.
Despite having the wind, Liscannor conceded the first two points, while Miltown also kicked three wides and dropped another effort into Noel Kilmartin’s hands, before the winners really settled or had an attempt on goal.
However, they did find their feet, with Alan Flaherty getting them on the board in the eleventh minute, before Alan Clohessy levelled from a free.
Miltown secured a 45’ in the 14th minute, which goalkeeper Conor O’Loughlin came up to take and he duly nailed it. Following that, a shot from the capable Eoin Curtin scraped over the crossbar, restoring the two-point Miltown advantage.
But Liscannor were well in the game now and Brian Considine kicked an excellent score from distance in the 22nd minute. Their final score of the half came on 26 minutes, which left the sides tied at the break, 0-4 apiece.
Points were traded in the opening minutes of the second period but a series of Miltown wides, some from quite scorable positions, stopped them from taking the lead.
It stayed nip and tuck, with a free from Dessie Molohan, who succeeded in drawing a couple of fouls from the Liscannor backs, levelling the score at 0-6 each after 12 minutes, before Blake’s goal arrived.
On 17 minutes, a low, direct ball to Eoin Curtin paid dividends as he turned and pointed, before a fine score from Gary Egan left a single point between the sides with just over 12 minutes to go.
Further points were traded before a late surge from Liscannor, in which Brian Considine and Kieran Considine added minors, while Miltown didn’t really look like getting the goal they needed to take a point.
On the day, Miltown’s better performers included Enda Malone, Gordon Kelly, Gary Egan and Eoin Curtin. For the winners, Ronan Slattery, Brian Considine and Kieran Considine did well.

Liscannor: Noel Kilmartin; Shane Canavan, David McDonagh, Michael Foley; Niall Considine, Ronan Slattery, Robbie Lucas; Brian Considine, Alan Flaherty; Joseph Considine, Alan Clohessy, Gerry Considine; Declan Fawl, Kieran Considine, Paul Guerin.
Subs: Tom McDonagh for Declan Fawl, Dara Blake for Joseph Considine and Johnny Considine for Paul Guerin.
Scorers: Brian Considine (0-3, 2f), Kieran Considine (0-3, 1f), Dara Blake (1-0), Alan Clohessy, Ronan Slattery and Alan Flaherty (0-1) each.
Wides: 5; Frees for: 24; 45s: 0
Yellow cards: Ronan Slattery, Alan Flaherty and Alan Clohessy.

Miltown, St Joseph’s: Conor O’Loughlin; Enda Malone, Seán Meade, David Cleary; Shane Curtin, Gordon Kelly, Enda O’Gorman; Cathal Lafferty, John Meade; Seánie Malone, Michael Barry, Gary Egan; Kevin Keavey, Eoin Curtin, Joe Curtin.
Subs: Dessie Molohan for John Meade, David Talty for Kevin Keavey and Gearóid Curtin for Seánie Malone.
Scorers: Eoin Curtin (0-6, 3f), Conor O’Loughlin (0-1 45), Gary Egan (0-1) and Dessie Molohan (0-1f).
Wides: 9; Frees for: 21; 45s: 1
Yellow cards: Enda Malone and Cathal Lafferty.
Referee: Rory Hickey (Éire Óg).

 

Kilmurry Ibrickane stroll to easy opening win

Kilmurry-Ibrickane 1-17 Kilkee 0-7

NOBODY who has even a cursory connection to Kilkee GAA Club will be queuing up to read any reminder on the innings of their senior team last weekend.
Anybody directly involved will be equally keen not to dwell on last Saturday evening’s display for too long. Two years ago, Kilmurry hammered Kilkee by 15 points in the county semi-final at the same venue but only beat them by three points in last year’s county final.
A 13-point reversal last Saturday wiped out any hint that Kilkee were on the point of recovering ground lost since the middle of the decade, when they picked up two county titles inside three years.
They didn’t resemble a team that was ready for championship football in mid-June and allowed Kilmurry the freedom of Doonbeg. The Munster champions didn’t need much encouragement to take advantage. Their total of 1-16 from play was kicked by nine players, while at the opposite end, Kilmurry conceded a miserly four points from open play.
Kilkee showed that they weren’t thinking negatively before the throw-in when they stationed David Russell alongside Michael O’Shea and Gearóid Lynch in the full-forward line.
If they could have located them with decent ball, they might have damaged Kilmurry. The trouble Kilkee had, though, was obtaining the ball before they could even think of supplying their inside line with it.
Kilmurry had no concerns on that front and by the interval they led 0-11 to 0-4, with Mark McCarthy, Shane Hickey and Johnny Daly buzzing. Their best point was kicked from about 40 yards by Ian McInerney.
Kilkee had Micheál Keane playing as an extra defender but if they had Noel Roche and Mickey Martin there as well, they would still have struggled to keep the score down.
Declan Callinan’s early second-half goal finished Kilkee completely, leaving the fairly sizeable crowd examining their watches and heading for the car park.
In fact, there was definitely more congestion in the car park than there was in front of besieged Kilkee goalkeeper Kevin Harte, who spent most of his evening looking over his own crossbar and then scurrying for ball and tee.
Doonbeg club secretary Nuala Shannahan put down most of half time reciting reams of car registration numbers over the public address, as boxed-in cars could be heard revving repeatedly, their frustrated owners gunning for home.
Kilkee and Kilmurry shed a manager each in recent weeks with the departures of Micheál McDermott (Kilmurry) and Kieran Marrinan (Kilkee).
For now, though, that’s where the similarities cease. Kilkee have two months to get it right, while Kilmurry appear fresh, hungry and with a steady eye on three-in-a-row.

Kilmurry Ibrickane: Peter O’Dwyer; Darren Hickey, Mark Killeen, Martin McMahon; Shane Hickey, Enda Coughlan, Declan Callinan; Vinny Talty, Peter O’Dwyer; Ian McInerney, Michael O’Dwyer, Stephen Moloney; Mark McCarthy, Johnny Daly, Noel Downes.
Subs: Michael Hogan for Ian McInerney, Brendan Moloney for Declan Callinan and Evan Talty for Johnny Daly.
Scorers: Shane Hickey, Noel Downes, Michael O’Dwyer (0-3) each, Johnny Daly (0-3, 1f), Declan Callinan (1-0), Mark McCarthy (0-2), Peter O’Dwyer, Ian McInerney and Michael Hogan (0-1) each.
Wides: 10; Frees won: 11; 45s: 0
Yellow cards: Ian McInerney and Evan Talty.

Kilkee: Kevin Harte; Thomas Galvin, Darragh Kelly, Christy Kirwan; Luke Fitzgerald, Brian Clancy, Darren Owens; Kevin Larkin, Derek de Loughrey; Eoin Fitzgerald, Micheál Keane, Barry Harte; Michael O’Shea, David Russell, Gearóid Lynch.
Subs: Barry Coleman for Barry Harte and Johnathan Hayes for Derek de Loughrey.
Scorers: Michael O’Shea (0-4, 3f), Barry Harte (0-2) and David Russell (0-1).
Wides: 5; Frees won: 17; 45s: 2
Yellow cards: Darragh Kelly and David Russell.

Referee: Rory Hickey (Éire Óg).