It might still be some time before action is seen at Pairc Micheal O’Hehir in Cratloe, or any other GAA ground for that matter, but that has not prevented the South East Clare club from looking to continue their progression. Over the last 15 or so years, the club has grown both on and off the pitch and now is established as one of the top contenders in both the Clare senior hurling and football championships each year. The first major stepping stone on that journey of the last few years was their Senior B hurling success in 2006, and just three years later the Canon Hamilton trophy was secured for the first time with victory over Clonlara. It returned to the parish in 2014 when Crusheen were vanquished, but their last two final appearances in 2018 (Ballyea) and 2019 (Sixmilebridge) ended in defeat. In the same year their hurling side were making history with a first senior title, the …
Read More »Conor Ryan out for season
ALL-Ireland winning senior hurling centre-back Conor Ryan is taking a year out of the game on medical advice. Speaking to The Clare Champion, he said, “Unfortunately, this is not something that I want to do. It’s a decision forced upon me. Hurling and football is a huge part of my life and I have put playing above all else. To step away is extremely difficult.” Joint Clare senior hurling team manager Gerry O’Connor confirmed, “We have asked him to join the analysis team and he probably will take up that offer. He is an integral part of our group. He has addressed the group and explained his position. He is a top-class guy. He is a loss to the team but, thankfully, he won’t be a loss to the group. “The return of Davy Mac [McInerney] softens the blow a little but it will take at least two or three weeks to re-integrate himself into training and we will take …
Read More »Do or die in Shannonside hurling derby
Three of the players that filled key positions when Clare ensured promotion to division 1 A at the expense of Limerick as the end of March will play no part in Saturday’s qualifier meeting of the Shannonside neighbours at Thurles. Conor McGrath, Conor Ryan and Pat Kelly are all out of action due to injury. McGrath, one of the game’s leading forwards, contributed 0-5 from play in that game and his absence is certainly a blow to clare hopes of beinhg involved in the latter stages of the championship. Both McGrath and Kelly are keeping their fingers crossed that they will be ready for quarter final action on July 25 as is Ryan but the defender/midfielder may have to wait a little longer b efore he is ready to return to action. “Limerick won ‘t be afraid of us. It’s do or die now. We know the great young talent that they have. They have only been beaten three times …
Read More »Time the enemy for McGrath
Concerns about the fitness of Cian Dillon, Conor McGrath and Seadna Morey ahead of Sunday week’s Munster Senior Hurling Championship opening tie have increased after all three took no part in Tuesday’s behind-closed-doors challenge with Galway at Cusack Park. The trio have seen no action for a number of weeks and while no one has been ruled out, it is believed McGrath has practically no chance of playing against Limerick. He hasn’t trained or played in a month due to the recurrence of a hamstring injury. Joint team captain Dillon has also been out of action because of a quad injury. Sources close to the team feel that the Crusheen man still has a chance of playing a part in the provincial quarter-final. It was hoped the three would have played some part in Tuesday’s game, the last big workout before the Thurles tie. Tony Kelly also missed Tuesday’s game but the Ballyea man is fit for action and will …
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