Wolfe Tones Waltz To Opening Round Victory

Wolfe Tones 4-19 Clarecastle 0-16

WOLFE Tones eased their way to victory against a youthful Clarecastle in Sixmilebridge this evening.

Aaron Shanagher was the star of the show as he landed 2-9 in a stellar showing, as Brian Lohan watched on from the sidelines.

The scoreline was slightly flattering as Clarecastle held their own for long periods and were arguably the better side in the first half, but their wides mounted, and the class of Wolfe Tones’ county players came to the fore in the second half.

Dylan Frawley batted to the net early to give Wolfe Tones a lead and it was one they never relinquished.

Rory Hayes landed the game’s second goal when his perseverance paid off after a long solo run and he deftly finished past Cian Broderick to give Wolfe Tones a nice cushion approaching half-time, as they led 2-9 to 0-11 at the interval.

Shanagher and Jack Cunningham kept the Shannon side’s points tally ticking over in the first half while Clarecastle had a litany of scorers including Colin Brigdale, Eoghan Wallace, Niall Galvin and Cillian McDermott.

Unfortunately for the Magpies, wides, and especially from frees, were a major issue and they used three different free takers throughout the contest. These misses deflated the side as their far more clinical couterparts raced away from them in the final quarter.

Clarecastle found Shanagher’s physicality increasingly difficult to deal with and he landed two late goals to add a tint of flattery to the finishing scoreline, but it was a thoroughly deserved victory.

For a full match report, pick up next week’s Clare Champion.