The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
St.Josephs, Doora-Barefield have regained their senior hurling status thanks to a merited five point win over hot favourites Broadford in the intermediate hurling championship final at Cusack Park this afternoon.
Beaten in the final last year and unbeaten this season, Broadford went into this final as warm favourites but they never matched the hunger and commitment of the Doora-Barefield men who emerged 1-12 to 0-10 winners.
The first half was an evenly fought affair at the end of which Broadford led by the odd point in thirteen (0-7 to 0-6). St. Josephs followers were angry just before the half time whistle when referee Johnnie Healy disallowed an Alan O’Neill goal from a penalty, penalising the St. Josephs player for being inside the 20m line when he struck the ball.
Four minutes into the second half O’Neill, a key figure in his side’s victory, struck again and this time the goal stood. The dual player superbly fielded the ball on the edge of the square and despite being well held he managed to kick the sliother to the roof of the net. Three David Conroy points followed to leave them 1-10 to 0-8 ahead at the three quarter stage.
The winners were well on top throughout the second half and this was particularly true of their defence which limited Broadford to three points in this half.
The game had entered ‘injury time’ when a melee broke out and the referee sent off Craig Chaplin (Broadf0rd) and Caimin O’Connor when order was restored.
Alan O’Neill, David Conroy, Kevin Dilleen the team captain, Aaron Landy and Brian Clancy stood out for the winners while, for a disappointing Broadford, Cathal Chaplin, Brian Taylor, and Donie Whelan did best.
Clooney-Quin were crowned senior B hurtling champions when they staged a strong second half rally to defeat O’Callaghans Mills, 0-22 to 3-8
Earlier in the afternoon Sixmilebridge finished strongly to claim the junior C championship title when they had a 1-12 to 1-9 win over the Banner. The Ennis side had led for the majority of the game.
By Seamus Hayes
