Tag Archives: Wexford

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final Clare 2-28 Wexford 1-19 Croke Park awaits Clare for the third successive season after Brian Lohan’s side bounced back to winning ways to see off 14 man Wexford in FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, writes Eoin Brennan. Having suffered a deflating third Munster Final reverse in a row against Limerick, the Banner needed to respond and did so thanks to a powerful second half display in which they outgunned their Leinster opponents by 2-10 to 0-04 in a devastasting 20 minute period. Emphatic solo goals for the outstanding Shane O’Donnell and impact sub Ian Galvin were decisive hammerblows to Wexford’s already fading chances after Rory O’Connor needlessly earned himself two yellow cards in the first 32 minute to receive an early shower. Clare led from the outset with the first four points within five minutes of the throw-in through Mark Rodgers, David Reidy, Conor Leen and Aron Shanagher on their way to building up a seven …

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 …

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final Clare 1-24 Wexford 3-14 CLARE may have gotten out of jail but what a breakout it proved to be as they unearthed an almost incredulous ten point turnaround to knock Wexford out of the championship for the fourth time in five seasons in front of 34, 640 in FBD Semple Stadium, writes Eoin Brennan. Having recovered from a stuttering start, Clare looked to be firmly in the ascendency until being struck by a brace of sucker-punch goals that left Lohan’s men trailing by six points with just ten minutes remaining. It was the fortuitous manner of the goals in contrast to Ian Galvin’s luckless effort at the other end that ricocheted back off the crossbar that would have left most sides feeling as if it wasn’t to be their day. Clare’s character ensured that they made it their day as despite not firing on all cylinders for long periods, they never dropped their heads at …

AS last weekend’s opening results reiterated, expectation is the root of all heartache, writes Eoin Brennan. No matter what realistic picture you paint of injuries, absentees or retirements, supporters are invariably diseased with hope and wild optimism at the start of every season thus providing a painful landing when crashing back down to earth. Clare and Wexford can attest to that in recent weeks as both reached their provincial warm-up finals, only to be handed sizeable defeats by Limerick and Dublin. And yet expectations were again thrown out the window following the first round of the National League. Having been humbled by 16 points in the Walsh Cup Final, Wexford supporters still feared the worst when Limerick rolled into town last Sunday. However, Darragh Egan’s reign began in earnest that day as the Wexicans were always going to be a different animal at home as they went toe-to-toe with the back-to-back All-Ireland champions to provide the perfect jolt. It should …

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Round 1 Qualifier Clare 2-25 Wexford 2-22 AS the championship heated up so did Clare after completing a hat-trick of championship knock-out victories over Wexford since 2018 in Semple Stadium, Thurles this afternoon, reports Eoin Brennan. It was a testament to all 40 players for providing such entertainment amidst a veritable sauna as Clare passed a true test of character with flying colours after feigning off an inevitable Wexford backlash. Davy Fitzgerald’s side had previously exited the championship at the hands of the Banner in two of the last three campaigns but far from being a motivational tool, they appeared to be suffering sunstroke in the opening quarter as a sharper Clare completely dominated proceedings with 1-7 without reply in just eleven minutes. The goal arrived in the ninth minute through the tireless Cathal Malone who made an excellent burst to finish to the roof of Mark Fanning’s net on their way to a 1-9 to …

WITH restrictions on crowds attending and the streaming option unavailable, it’ll be Sky Sports or nothing for most Clare people who want to see the Banner taking on Wexford on Saturday. There would have been some disappointment among hurling followers that Clare had drawn Wexford instead of Laois on Monday, while many supporters are tired of the subplot involving the two managers, which has been written about and discussed for years at this stage. However, all that aside, there was yet more annoyance when the time of the game was announced as being 1.30pm on a Saturday, a busy working day for many people, and the match only available on Sky Sports to boot. Signing up for Sky Sports is relatively expensive for many people, and this is particularly true for those whose primary interest is in the GAA, not sports such as soccer, rugby, golf and boxing which it shows much more of. Because of the way Sky bills …

National Hurling League Division 1 Group B Round 2 Wexford 2-19 Clare 1-21 A DRAMATIC late turnaround saw Wexford snatch the spoils and ensure that Clare’s winless start continued in Cusack Park on Sunday, reports Eoin Brennan. Eight points clear entering the final quarter following strong attacking performances from Aidan McCarthy, Aron Shanagher and Cathal Malone, nothing but a home victory appeared on the cards. However, a straight red card for Liam Corry altered the momentum irrevocably as a buoyant Wexford sprung to life with 2-4 with reply to hit the front for the first time. To their credit, Clare did regain parity deep into injury-time thanks to a brace of Aidan McCarthy frees. But Wexford would have the final say when Rory O’Connor arrowed over a free in the left corner to secure the points. Clare will be disappointed to have lost their way, having bounced back from their defeat to Antrim to take the game to their Leinster …

By Gordon Deegan A mother of two who was subjected to an alleged serious assault in Ennis last month lost her fight for life in hospital on Wednesday. Wexford native, Sharon Bennett (29) died at University Hospital Limerick in the early hours of Wednesday morning 13 days after she was admitted to the hospital. Ms Bennett was brought to hospital suffering serious head injuries after being allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend, Patrick Ballard (34) in Ennis’ Market area on the evening of Thursday, January 28, last. Reacting to the confirmation of Ms Bennett’s death on Wednesday, the Mayor of Clare, Councillor Mary Howard (FG) said, “It is absolutely heartbreaking to hear that two children will be left without their mother.” The Ennis based councillor stated, “It is so sad that they grow up and their Mammy isn’t there.” Ms Bennett had her two children from a previous relationship and Cllr Howard said, “My thoughts and prayers are with her family …