Category: Sport

TONY CARMODY was the last man standing in Semple Stadium on Saturday evening. Long after the final whistle, he was still happy to talk to supporters, sign shirts and give soundbites to reporters, so much so that a stadium stewart eventually had to ask him to speed up the process by shouting ‘Hey young Carmody, we are locking up in a few minutes.’

It’s a measure of the captain he has become this year after accepting Kevin Kennedy offer to play for the county once more after a glittering senior career.

“I’m hugely proud this evening. It’s been an absolutely brilliant day, a brilliant game and I couldn’t have asked any more from this bunch of players.

“Strangely enough, out of the four games, this is probably the most unattractive hurling we have played but when they [Kilkenny] went four points up after scoring a goal early on, we drove on towards the end of the first half and it set us up nicely for the second half. We maybe played within ourselves a bit in the second half but I felt we were always going to win it.”

Carmody’s All-Ireland was prematurely cut short when he had to succumb to injury after only 20 minutes and the Sixmilebridge man was forced into being a nervous supporter on the sideline. However, not before he make his mark on the final by grabbing arguably the most decisive score of the game with a stunning goal that gave Clare the lead that they would never relenquish.

“I think the ball came out to me and I could see an opening in front of me. The full-back came and once he was coming, I kind of had him off balance and the goal opened up for me.

“It really killed me to go off but the goal was great because it made it a bit easier to go off after scoring a goal than not scoring.

“My heart was in my mouth on the sideline. Even though we were six or seven points up, I was still dredding that something might happen but thank God it didn’t. I was a relieved man at the end that we had it won.”

With that, Carmody was swept away in a sea of young supporters, savouring every moment of a truly unforgettable day.

Clare 2-13 – Kilkenny 1-11 at Semple Stadium Thurles

THERE WAS history in the air in Semple Stadium on Saturday evening as Clare completed the full set of All-Ireland adult titles by capturing the elusive intermediate crown. In truth, the last piece of the jigsaw was garnered more comfortably than expected as once Clare reponded to yet another stuttering start with Tony Carmody’s 14th minute goal, they were always in command without perhaps ever putting the game to bed.

Of course, there are some that would bemoan the fact that Kilkenny were understrength due to the loss of three senior panellists at the behest of senior manager Brian Cody and had only played one competitive game to reach the final but Clare won’t mind that begrudgery as they had earned their title shot the hard way. Hard fought victories over Cork, Limerick and Galway had primed them for the ultimate stage and to complete the set by taking down the defending champions in the decider simply added to the sweetness of the historic occasion.

It was also a moral victory for Kevin Kennedy, Niall Romer, Tommy O’Donoghue and all who had lobbied for the county to take a more serious approach to the intermediate grade in recent times. For years in both hurling and football, the respective intermediate and junior grades were not treated with the respect they deserved but Saturday’s achievement justified a more mature and beneficial attitude that will have only enhanced the development of this squad of players in future intercounty grades.

Captain Tony Carmody put it best before the All-Ireland semi-final when aptly noting that while the competition is predominantly a development grade for younger players, one annual Munster championship outing isn’t sufficient to bring those players on, hence the neccessity for more epxerienced players to aid a sustained run.

And his pronouncement proved to be as accurate as his barnstorming first half goal that put Clare firmly on the road to victory. As in their previous outings, the seamless blend of youth and experience was essential to Clare’s progress on Saturday with Niall Gilligan, Tony Carmody and Declan O’Rouke providing the inspiration for others like Michael Hawes, Patrick Kelly, Shane Golden, John Fennessy, Joe O’Connor and Padraig Hickey to prosper.

And while this wasn’t anywhere near Clare’s most complete performance to date, the spirit and understanding that has developed over the past few months stood to them when need most.

The scores were shared out over ten different players, the loss of captain Tony Carmody to injury only minutes after his goal only strengthened the side’s resolve as they remained focused on the prize.

On the flip side, Kilkenny looked every bit the side that was lacking competitive games together with only PJ Rowe, Stephen Byrne and Paul O’Flynn raising their game to the expected Kilkenny standard but they also had plenty of inter-county and All-Ireland experience at all grades in the side when compared to Clare.

Instead, however Clare didn’t need to be asked twice when gaining a foothold in the game after another slow start. A Michael Grace free immediately on the throw-in was added to by Paul O’Flynn’s fifth minute goal that brought back all too recent memories of their semi-final start against Galway.

However, like a hurler that needs a slap to anger him into action, Clare were forced to react in kind and did so thanks in the main to their Sixmilebridge contingent. Shane Golden opened Clare’s account with a brace from distance, Niall Gilligan converted his own free while Clare finally took the lead in emphatic style when Tony Carmody took on Kilkenny’s last line and found the top corner of the net in the 14th minute to take a 1-3 to 1-1 advantage.

It was a lead that they would never relenquish as Kilkenny failed to hit the target from their numerous chances on the wings while in contrast, Clare grew in confidence with every passing score, grabbing five out of the last seven points of the half to take a 1-8 to 1-4 half-time lead, with the wind to come. While also being defensively sound through the dominant Michael Hawes, John Fennessy and Patrick Kelly, it allowed the forwards to prosper, particularly Padraig Hickey, who epitomised his emergence by his inspirational 30th minute dispossession and score that raised the biggest cheer of the evening amongst the largely Clare dominant support.

They extended that advantage to nine by the 41st minute after points from Joe O’Connor and Niall Gilligan who were both enjoying their new roles in the half-forward line. Daire Keane’s 41st minute goal may have had an element of fortune in the build up when Padraig Hickey’s point attempt came off the upright into the substitute’s path but there was no luck involved in the finish as the Kilmaley man carved his name into the history books from close range.

All this after Kilkenny had started better once more but Ger Shelly’s handpass across the square to his waiting colleagues was expertly intercepted and cleared by Patrick Kelly.

Clare possibly should have ran out comprehensive winners from that point but credit Kilkenny for emptying the bench and sparking a minirevival. Replacements Ger Aylward (2) and Simon Burke hit three unanswered points by the turn of the final quarter but Clare kept themselves in safe territory with Joe O’Connor, Ronan Keane and Declan O’Rouke matching points from O’Flynn, Conor Conway and Burke.

Niall Gilligan might have killed off Kilkenny’s renewed challenge before time but couldn’t get the ball out of his feet to strike in front of goal and instead, it took until the 62nd minute for the Cats to use up their ninth life when Paul O’Flynn crept in at the back post but saw his effort for goal just go the wrong side of the crossbar.

That sense of relief was replaced by unbridled joy as the final whistle sounded on yet another positive for Clare hurling.

And while the parameters will change substantially next year, the gauntlet has finally be put down as to the benefits of throwing everything into every competition the county enters.

Clare
AndrewFahey (Whitegate) (7), Mark Earley (Tubber) (7), Patrick Kelly (Clarecastle) (8), Alan Brigdale (Crusheen) (7), John Fennessy (Sixmilebridge) (8), Michael Hawes (Cratloe) (9), Kevin Moynihan (Éíre Óg) (6), Ronan Keane (Éire Óg) (7) (0-1), Shane Golden (Sixmilebridge) (8) (0-2), Martin Duggan (Clooney/Quin) (6) (0-1), Tony Carmody (Sixmilebridge) (7) (1-0), Kevin Dilleen (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield) (7) (0-1), Joe O’Connor (Parteen) (7) (0-2), Niall Gilligan (Sixmilebridge) (7) (0-3 2f), Padraig Hickey (Broadford) (8) (0-2)

Subs
Daire Keane (Kilmaley) (7) (1-0) for Carmody (20 mins, inj), Paidí Fitzpatrick (Sixmilebridge) (6) for Moynihan (45 mins), Declan O’Rourke (WolfeTones) (6) (0-1) for Duggan (48 mins), Sean Chaplin (Cratloe) for Golden (58 mins, inj), Conor Tierney (Inagh/Kilnamona) for Gilligan (62 mins)

Kilkenny
Richie O’Neill (Kilmacow) (7),Willie Phelan (Dunnamaggin) (7), Michael Walsh (Young Irelands) (6), Sean Phelan (Lisdowney) (7), Luke Harney (Kilmacow) (7), PJ Rowe (Mooncoin) (8), Stephen Byrne (Young Irelands) (8) (0-1), Michael Grace (Mooncoin) (7) (0-1f),Willie O’Dwyer (Mullinavat) (6), Paul O’Flynn (Dicksboro) (8) (1-2), Seoirse Kenny (St Patrick’s) (6), JJ Farrell (Thomastown) (6), Ger Shelly (John Lockes) (7), Eddie Hickey (Lisdowney) (7) (0-2),Adrian Stapleton (Dicksboro) (6)

Subs
Ger Aylward (Glenmore) (7) (0-2) for Stapleton (38 mins), Simon Burke (John Lockes) (6) (0-2f) for Farrell (42 mins), OllieWalsh (Dicksboro) (6) for Kenny (42 mins), Conor Conway (Mullinavat) (6) (0-1f) for O’Dwyer (49 mins), Nicky Kenny (Piltown) for Hickey (55 mins)

Man of the Match
Michael Hawes (Clare) Referee Diarmuid Kirwan (Cork)

THE start of the newly established Premier Division Cup offers clubs the opportunity to pick up some silverware and generate momentum ahead of the start of the league proper.

Early season consistency was the bedrock of Newmarket’s successful title challenge last time around so the champions are well aware of the importance of hitting the ground running.

Momentum is one thing. Winning back-to-back titles is quite another. Or so recent history would suggest. You have to go back to Avenue United sides of 1996 and 1997 for the last time a club has mounted a successful defence of the premier league title.

Since then, the league is littered with cautionary tales of teams slipping and sliding after reaching the summit of Clare soccer.

Bridge United (2006), Bridge Celtic (2007), Bunratty (2009) and Newmarket themselves (2008) all followed league winning seasons with fairly miserable campaigns.

The omens are ominous. Little wonder then that the effort to guard against complacency is at the forefront of Celtic’s management team for the coming season. “It’s second season syndrome that seems to be in Clare soccer. You win the Premier League and then you struggle the second year,” says co-manager and former player Ronan Arthur.

He continues, “Obviously we’d be aiming to win it again. But when we won it in 2008, we had a disastrous year the year after. You’ve seen the likes of Bridge Celtic being nearly relegated and Bridge United struggling after it and Bunratty also. It hasn’t been won back to back in a long time. It hasn’t been done in a good few years. We’d be aiming to challenge for it this year”.

The task of preparing Newmarket falls to Arthur, fellow manager Liam Murphy, (who also intends to return to the playing ranks after injury) and Donal Cullinan. The challenge is to match the appetite and work rate that propelled a well-balanced Newmarket panel to the league last year.

Arthur, an Ennis based auctioneer, is confident the squad will be ready once the real business begins.

He says “We’d like to think that we have enough young players coming through and a couple who were playing with the B Team for a couple of years who if they set their mind to it could play with the A team no bother. They definitely have the ability”

Arthur adds, “Last year, we worked hard, trained hard, stayed focused and tried to get points on the board early on. Then again no league is won until you’re playing two or three games a week”.

IT promises to be a busy season for Donie Garrihy as he juggles the roles of Chairman of the Clare District Soccer League and manager of Burren United.

And you suspect he wouldn’t have it any other way. Last season Garrihy guided Burren back to the Premier Division with automatic qualification from the first division.

An appearance in the Clare Cup final would have crowned a good season but Burren were edged out in the semi-finals by Bridge United B.

Garrihy believes the pain of that disappointment will spur his players on and is targeting a major trophy as the perfect way to celebrate Burren’s 21-year anniversary.

He says, “We went down 12 months ago and we came straight back up. It was a great sign of things maybe to come. I would feel we left a Clare Cup final behind us on top of automatic promotion. And we feel we left the cup behind us. I would’ve been fairly confident that’s for sure”

If Burren are to win some silverware then much will depend on the contribution of players who have enjoyed enormous success in another code.

Garrihy says, “We get great help from the boys in Kilmurry (Ibrickane). They are 100% behind us. They are winners. I think they bring that winning mentality. They bring their winning mentality into our environment, even though it’s a different code. It’s a different game. Them players in our camp, we are twice the team”.

In July, Garrihy, a ferry tour operator in Doolin, was elected as CDSL Chairman, beating off a strong challenge from former officer holder Jim Madden.

Garrihy, who has been involved as a player and coach with Burren for 20 years, intends to raise the profile of cup competitions in Clare.

He says, “I want to make the com- petitions like the Munster Junior Clare Area Finals, the League Cup, I want to make them worthwhile winning, to make them more high profile. I don’t want two teams.”

Garrihy is also proposing to abandon the Christmas break and play games through the festive season, weather permitting.

He explains, “I don’t want a three week break at Christmas. When you played football in the 80s and the 90s, we kept playing. There were massive crowds. People were around at Christmas. It’s not going to be in this year. We’re not going to take a three week break at Christmas”.

Garrihy says he also concerned that the reduction in player registration fees as voted through by clubs at July’s AGM, will halt development of the County Grounds.

He adds, “Even though the delegates took € 10,000 out of the Clare league account by voting the registration from € 40 to € 30. We have a 1000 players, that’s € 10,000 we’re after taking out of our account. Its going to be very hard to prepare the county teams they way we’d like to prepare them.”

He continues, “It is slowing up the progress of putting up lights on the county grounds to play mid-week games. Even though we saved somebody € 10 it has left a massive hole in our coffers. I think some of the delegates were shortsighted. But when you put in a motion you have to vote on it and that’s what happens”.

Newmarket-on-Fergus 4-16 – Crusheen 2-13 (after extra-time) at Clareabbey

CLAREABBEY was the venue on Saturday for this crunch winnertakes-all clash between NewmarketOn-Fergus and Crusheen when a stiff breeze seemed to dictate the flow of the game. It took extra time to decide the winner but against the run of play and against the wind, it took Newmarket just five extra minutes to dismantle the Crusheen championship machine for 2011 and put the Blues into a Senior B Championship Final appointment with Miltown Malbay.

It was all Newmarket in the first half when playing into the Clarecastle end, registering 2-7 before Crusheen made their presence felt. The Newmarket defence which included sisters Iris and Carol Kaiser, Roisin McMahon and Aoife Griffin nipped several Crusheen attacks in the bud but some great attacking passages from Chloe Morey (0-3) in the centre, Jenny Kelly (1-3, 2f), captain Carol O’Leary (1-0), Laura McMahon (01) and two more Kaiser sisters Ruth and Niki (0-2) racked up the scores. However, a massive performance from Crusheen’s Emma Kearney kept Crusheen in touch as she pointed three frees and passed a quick free to Norah Murphy who pointed the fourth. Despite being under severe pressure, Niamh McCoy, Leona McMahon, Marian Meaney and Marie and Clair O’Grady worked very hard for Crusheen as they trailed by 2-9 to 0-4 at the break.

A remarkable resurgence by Crusheen held the Blues to one solitary point in the second half while putting away 2-6 themselves. Jacinta O’Grady, sister of captain Marie and corner-back Clair, goaled for Crusheen almost immediately and Michelle O’Donnell pointed soon after. Jacinta O’Grady then pointed at the end of a rapid passage of play which started with Ann Fitzgibbon in the backs and came via Norah Murphy. A brilliant Emma Kearney was then to take the game to the opposition as she stalked the Newmarket halfback line looking for an opportunity. Kearney was to receive two kickouts into her waiting arms which she duly returned between the posts, one above the bar and one below and she also converted a free, a sign of the effort being put in by Norah Murphy, Michelle O’Donnell and Elaine O’Mahony, Marian and Tina Meaney who scored a well taken point herself. Newmarket patched some good plays together via Iris, Carol and Ruth Kaiser, Captain Carol O’Leary, Aine O’Brien and Jenny Kelly which fizzled out but Kelly did point from a free to keep Newmarket in the game. In a frantic last two minutes of normal time, Kearney equalised for Crusheen while Newmarket’s Niki Kaiser effort came off the upright at the other end and was then fouled near the 20 metre line. Kicking into a strong breeze, the Blues failed to nail the lid shut and the game went into extra-time at 2-10 apiece, a fair result from a neutral view.

Theories about wind assisted advantage went out the window when Newmarket playing against the wind, had 2-2 scored in the first three minutes of extra-time thanks to Ruth Kaiser (a point), Niki Kaiser (1-1) and Jenny Kelly (a goal). Crusheen scored only two points in response, thanks to Emma Kearney again.

Niki Kaiser had her stamp all over the final period of play as she pointed again and set up Laura McMahon for a point and also earned the free which was also converted. Norah Murphy took Crusheen’s only point of the last period and Newmarket captain sealed the game with a well taken point to book their place in the decider.

Newmarket- on- Fergus
Aine Lawlor, Jane O’Leary, Iris Kaiser, Maria Kennelly, Carol Kaiser, Roisin McMahon,Aoife Griffin, Ruth Kaiser,Aine O’Brien, Jenny Kelly (2-5 5f), Chloe Morey (0-3), Carol O’Leary (Capt) (1-1), Claire Arthur, Niki Kaiser (1-4), Ruth Kaiser (0-1), Laura McMahon (02), Maria McMahon,Aimee McInerney,Ali Quinlan, Caroline Feelihy, Lynne McMahon McInerney, Brid Enright, Shauna Halpin, Mary Hayes,Aislinn Keogh, Stephanie Coughlan, Eleanor O’Dea, Lisa Devanney, Gemma McInerney, Stephanie Halpin

Management
Neil Ryan, Kevin Corbett, Johnny Ryan. Physio: Marie Louise Kaiser

Crusheen
Noelle McGuane, Clair O’Grady, Marie O’Grady (capt), Niamh McCoy,Ann Fitzgibbon, Mary Rosingrave, Edel McGuane, Emma Kearney (1-8 5f) , Regina Fennessey, Michelle O’Donnell (0-1),Tina Meaney (0-1), Marian Meaney, Nora Murphy (0-2), Elaine O’Mahony, Jacinta O’Grady (1-1),Triona McGrath, Leona McMahon, Catherine Nugent, Joanne Meaney, Teresa Rosengrave, Joanne O’Donnell, Rachel Lenihan,Aisling Callinan, Dori,Teodora,Annemarie McMahon, Maria O’Donnell, Sharon Fitzgibbon, Martha Liddy

Management
Patrick Meaney, Damien Murphy, Martin Murphy

Shannon Gaels 6-12 – Clooney/Quin 2-05 at Coolmeen

OUSTANDING performances from Susan Neylon and Carmel Bohannon were instrumental as Shannon Gaels eventually captured the county intermediate title on Saturday when they defeated Clooney/Quin at windy Coolmeen.

Clooney/Quin, playing against the elements, dominated the opening twenty minutes and thanks to goals from Marie Halpin and Nicole O’Riordan as well as a pointed free from Jessica O’Neill in between, they led by 2-1 to Ger Corry’s point, the opening score of the game. But Shannon Gaels, who had lost the last three finals in this grade, didn’t panic and three points in quick succession from Sarah Bohannon (free), Croidhe Glynn and Ger Corry saw them narrow the gap to three before there was a few minutes stoppage to treat the injured Deirdre Murphy and Helena Flanagan following a collision.

When play resumed the Gaels got going and had four unanswered sores in a matter of a few minutes. First Sarah Bohannon pointed her second free before Michelle Madigan had an opportunity to rattle the Clooney/ Quin net when she soloed through but kicked her shot straight at Meghan Kitson. Next came the crucial score of the game. A goal from fullforward Carmel Bohannon who had received the assist from her daughter Sarah and this score put Shannon Gaels in front for the first time 1-5 to 2-1. And when Ger Corry added another soon after, it stretched the lead to four. Before the break, Carmel Bohannon and Jessica O’Neill from a free traded points and so it was the Shannonsiders who went in with a four point advantage at 2-6 to 2-2 when Michael Fitzgerald blew the half-time whistle. The lead could have been more had the winners been sharper in front of goals shooting seven wides in the opening half.

Given the strength of the breeze, the lead was small but credit to the winners, they played the better football in the second half. Their backs as a unit played very well particularly Mary Ruth Neylon, Helena Flanagan and the outstanding Susan Neylon at centre-back while Serena Carmody, who was unlucky to lose her footing for a goal in the first half, found her teammates well from kick-outs.

Shannon Gaels had the title in the bag with just over ten minutes of the second half played. The experienced Carmel Bohannon, holder of nine senior championships with Fergus Rovers, blocked down a Gemma Hassett clearance and made no mistake when she banged home her second goal. Orlaith Duggan who had a fine hour replied with a point. Five minutes later Bohannon completed a hat-trick and now her side led by 46 to 2-2. An injury to Clooney/Quin goalkeeper Meghan Kitson forced her off. Team captain Gemma Hassett reverted to guard the goals with Gemma McEvoy coming into the team. Next it was the turn of Croidhe Glynn to raise a green flag for the winners with still almost 20 minutes to play.

From here to the finish Shannon Gaels dominated. County underage star Carla Behan, who was introduced for Edel Dillon, chipped in with 1-1 while further points from Croidhe Glynn, the Bohannons and substitute Charlotte O’Shea sealed a fine win.

Deirdre Murphy, who pointed twice in the second half, and Aisling Corbett played well at midfield for Clooney/Quin but it was Shannon Gaels who deservedly claimed the title.

After the game County Board Chairman Johnny Hayes presented the cup to Shannon Gaels captain Carmel Bohannon much to the delight of all involved and the large crowd of supporters. She thanked the panel for their commitment to training and thanked all who had been involved with the team over the last four years with special mention for this years management of Brian Bermingham, Marie Moloney and Enda Coughlan. Carmel, who was the game’s top scorer with 3-3 from play, was also presented with the playerof-the-match award.

Shannon Gaels now go on to play the Waterford champions in the Munster Club Quarter Final on Saturday, Sept 10 the same day that Doonbeg will be in Munster Junior Club action against a Kerry side.

Shannon Gaels
Serena Carmody, Eilis Moran, Maryruth Neylon, Imelda Kennedy, Helena Flanagan, Susan Neylon,Adrienne Nugent, Colette Corry, Kate Curtin, Croidhe Glynn (1-2) , Sarah Bohannon (0-3 2f), Michelle Madigan, Edel Dillon, Carmel Bohannon (3-3), Ger Corry (1-2)

Subs
Carla Beehan (1-1) for Dillon, Hazel Baumann for Nugent, Emer Nugent for G. Corry, Grainne Howard for Glynn, Charlotte O’Shea (0-1) for Madigan

Clooney/ Quin
Meghan Kitson, Marie Hehir, Gemma Hassett, Marie Begley, Emma Sheehy, Aishling Hannon, Siobhan Lee,Aisling Corbett, Deirdre Murphy (0-1), Mary Kate Moloney, Jessica O’Neill (0-2f), Orlaith Duggan (0-2), Nicole O’Riordan (1-0), Rebecca Kennedy, Marie Halpin (1-0)

Subs
Gemma McEvoy for Kitson (inj), Hannah O’Brien for Kennedy, Michelle Canny for Hehir, Cora O’Grady for O’Riordan

Referee
Michael Fitzgerald (Clondegad/Ballyea)

LESS SCORES than the All-Ireland semi-final in Croke Park earlier in the day but no comparison in terms of entertainment as these heavyweights went toe to toe in this penultimate stage clash. As the score suggests there was nothing between the sides and in truth, Lissycasey only have themselves to blame for not taking advantage of their second half momentum but they failed to take their numerous chances, with Cratloe goalkeeper Jamie Joyce probably icing his hands after the game, such was the amount of shots that fell short.

Cratloe were certainly below the standard they showed in winning a first ever title at this grade two years ago but at the same time, were dogged enough to soak up the pressure, never panic and eventually pull through. Captain Joyce, full-back Sean Hynan and centre-back Liam Markham were the stars of the show in their miserly defending while the forward division which boasted such names as Conor McGrath, Podge Collins and Cathal McInerney did enough to get by without ever carving open Lissycasey.

Indeed, there were shades of Croke Park as the interval score stood at 04 to 0-2 to Cratloe but the east Clare side couldn’t be accused of the negativity of Donegal. No, this was endto-end football without the flurry of scores as two evenly matched sides cancelled each other out for the most part.

It took 12 minutes for the first score of the game through Lissycasey’s Niall Kelly, a lead that was short lived as Cratloe equalised in the next pas sage of play when Conor Ryan fed Wesley Deloughery to accurately dissect the posts. It was to be the first of four successive points for Cratloe over the next fifteen minutes, two from Conor McGrath, with the first stemming from the move of the match from their own kick-out that went through Sean Hynan, Wesley Deloughery and Cathal McInerney before McGrath finished the move. Lissycasey did pull one back before the interval when Enda Finnucane converted a free in injury-time but for much of the half, their tactic of a two man full-forward line only played into Cratloe, and in particular, Sean Hynan’s hands.

A Cathal McInerney free inside 30 seconds of the restart suggested that Cratloe would drive on from there but the opposite proved to be the case as they would not score for another 17 minutes. Instead, Lissycasey finally found their range with three unanswered points through Sean Hayes, Finnucane and Niall Kelly to gain parity for the first time in 36 minutes.

Momentum appeared to be on their side but an experienced Cratloe side dug deep and two Cathal McInerney points put some breathing space between the sides once more at 0-7 to 0-5 with only five minutes remaining.

Lissycasey had the chances but repeatedly chose to shoot from distance into the welcoming arms of Joyce rather than work the ball inside while a Matthew O’Shea shot at goal also went straight at the stopper.

Dermot Nagle did ensure a nervous finish with a superb point on the right from 40 metres in the 58th minute but that was to be as close as they would get as Cratloe expertly held possession to run down the clock and go one step further to reclaiming their Under 21 crown.

DEFENDING champions Ennistymon qualified for their third successive Under 21A final on Sunday evening after two second half goals put them firmly on the road to victory.

Playing with the wind at their backs, the holders started the brighter and moved into a 0-3 to 0-0 lead, only to see Miltown peg them back to level terms. However, the north Clare side stepped up another gear to hold a 07 to 0-3 half-time advantage which perhaps didn’t seem enough considering the conditions.

Miltown, who had already knocked out the B champions St Breckan’s in the quarter-finals, duly came storming back into the game on the restart and with Eoin Cleary in top scoring form, they got to within two approaching the midway point of the half.

However, the challenger’s momentum was dashed at the turn of the final quarter when substitute Brian Houlihan grabbed a much needed goal for Ennistymon, largely against the run of play. And having taken the wind out of Miltown’s sails, they struck with a second sucker-punch only minutes later when Joey Rouine doubled their goal tally, an advantage they would hold until the end.

Victory sets up another mouthwatering final clash with Cratloe, a rematch of the 2009 final and a battle of the last two county champions at this level.

Ennistymon
Noel Sexton, Michael O’Dwyer, Enda Ralph,Aidan Slattery, Michael Houlihan, Sean O’Driscoll, Kieran Monaghan, Ronan Linnane,

Cathal Malone,Alan Horan, Michael McDonagh, Cathal McConigley, Joey Rouine, Sean McConigley, Danny Rouine

Subs
OisinVaughan, Brian Houlihan, Ciaran Devitt

St Joseph’s Miltown
Padraig Queally, Eoin O’Brien, David Cleary, Colin McGuane,Tiernan O’Friel, Gearoid Curtin, Donal Keane, Daragh McDonagh, Peter Cleary, DavidTalty, Micheál Malone, Conor Cleary, Eoin Cleary, Joe Curtin, Seanie Malone

Subs
Thomas Flynn for J. Curtin, Niall McGuane for O’Friel

Referee
Michael Talty (Kilmurry Ibrickane)

Crusheen 1-09 – Sixmilebridge 1-07 at Dr Daly Memorial Park, Tulla

CRUSHEEN’S record of having all three adult teams in knock-out league ties at the weekend proved that rising tides lift all boats as they successfully steered their third side to victory and yet another final for the club on Saturday.

On reflection it was also a great achievement for Sixmilebridge to field a fourth team at such a short notice and it is something all involved with the team deserve massive credit for.

Due to the commencement of the Junior A championship in recent weeks, the ‘Bridge were without 23 players for this crunch tie, all of whom had played some part in their three championship games so far.

However, looking back on the game, Sixmilebridge certainly had their chances to take the spoils but in the end Crusheen were the ones celebrating as they edged a tight contest.

Both sides had a good mix of youth and experience with the ‘Bridge calling on the likes of former Clare senior Michael O’Halloran and his fellow All-Ireland club medallists Martin Conlon, Alan and Ian Mulready while Crusheen introduced evergreen Michael Fogarty to the action when he completed his own bit of history by playing in his fifth decade for the club and joining son Edward on the side.

As for the game itself, Sixmilebridge made all the early running and raced into an early three point lead thanks to efforts from Martin Conlon (2) and Jayme Keogh. It took Crusheen a while to settle as the ‘Bridge were on top before their opponents were boosted by a goal from Alan Griffin. The ‘Bridge backs, led bril- liantly by O’Halloran and Mulready, were clearing everything that was thrown at them with these clearances being converted into scores. Sixmilebridge hit back with two placed balls from the accurate Conlon before they had the first goal chance of the game that was smothered by the Crusheen defence. They were soon to rectify that miss when Jayme Keogh showed good strength to get in a shot which was well saved by John Hanrahan before substitute Aidan Hyland was on hand to hammer the ball home. This gave Sixmilebridge, who hav ing played with the aid of a breeze, a 1-5 to 1-0 lead with less than five minutes to half time. Crusheen had the final score of the half when senior panellist Niall Kearney fired over after they had hit a few wides earlier in the half.

Sixmilebridge started the second half brightly and had a few early scoring chances. However it was Crusheen, now backed by the breeze, that converted their chances through Paraic O’Malley and Keith Lenihan. Added pressure from the ‘Bridge saw them get their first score of the half when Darragh Fitzgerald sent over a nice score. Niall Kearney replied back for the Blood and Bandages with a free before Conlon split the posts with a like score after Barry Corbett was fouled. Unfortunately for the ‘Bridge this turned out to be their last score of the game. In the last quarter Crusheen hit a few chances wide before Philip O’Donnell sent over a good score from his left side. Crusheen created several goal chances in that final quarter but found goalkeeper Stephen Stewart and defender Mark Hehir in stubborn form. From here to the end the Crusheen men had the better of the exchanges with Paraic O’Malley hitting over another two points along with two fine scores from substitute Niall Griffin to put their side into the league final having trailed for most of the game. In that decider, they will play neighbours Tubber who had a comprehensive 3-12 to 1-07 victory Parteen in the other semi final.

Crusheen
John Hanrahan; Darren O’Connor, Damien Murphy, Eoin Ryan; Enda O’Brien, Paul O’Donnell, Ethan O’Donnell; Edward Fogarty, Conor O’Brien; Philip O’Donnell (0-1), Brendan Keehan,Alan Griffin (1-0); Paraic O’Malley (0-3), Keith Lenihan (0-1), Niall Kearney (0-2 1f)

Subs
Niall Griffin (0-2) for O’Brien (inj),Anthony Rodgers for Keehan (inj), Michael Fogarty for Rodgers (inj)

Sixmilebridge
Stephen Stewart; Patrick Punch (Captain), Michael O’Halloran, Darragh McNamara; Mark Hehir,Alan Mulready, Robert McNamara; Ed Skehan, Darragh Fitzgerald (0-1); Eoghan McNulty, Martin Conlon (0-5 4f), Barry Corbett; Caimin Barrett, Jayme Keogh (0-1), Paul Finnin.

Subs
Aidan Hyland (1-0) for McNulty, James O’Neill for Punch (inj), Ian Chaplin for Fitzgerald (inj), Ian Mulready for Barrett

Referee
John Dolan (Clarecastle)

Other results
Football Under 21C Championship Semi- Finals Kildysart 1-15 O’Curry’s/Naomh Eoin 2-11 Meelick received a walkover fromCoolmeen

Junior A Championship Round 3
Group 2 St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 1-13 Kilmihil 1-09

Group 3
Michael Cusack’s 4-20WolfeTones 0-02

Junior A Championship Round 4
Group 1 Naomh Eoin 0-13 Cooraclare B 1-06

Junior B Championship Round 3
Group 4 Smith O’Brien’s 3-10 Clarecastle 1-09

Crusheen 2-11 – Inagh/Kilnamona 0-10 at Gurteen

WINNING IS a habit that never tires as Crusheen proved when winning their fourth adult trophy in little over a year on Saturday. Of course, their historic Canon Hamilton senior success takes precedence in that haul but it is the second side’s rise through the ranks that equally continues to impress. A Junior A Championship added to successive league titles is a remarkable achievement in itself and they were fully deserving of their latest success with a powerful second half display.

Patrick O’Grady’s eighth minute goal proved to be the only difference in the opening period but it was after the interval that Crusheen really hit top form to outscore their opponents by 1-5 to 0-3 and claim the silverware.

Inagh/Kilnamona cannot have any complaints really as outside of a spirited second quarter, they failed to trouble the Crusheen defence to any great degree once the lively John Rynne was forced off through injury.

Instead, Crusheen hit the ground running in that first half when Darragh O’Doherty opened the scoring after only 15 seconds folowed by another from his brother Gearoid a minute later. Gerry Coote settled Inagh/Kilnamona with a third minute free and they had the chance of a goal soon after when another Coote free fell short but Gary Lafferty’s rebound was solidly kept out by goalkeeper David McMahon.

The Combo were to be punished fully for that miss when at the other end three minutes later, an Alan Tuohy free was caught by Patrick O’Grady who fired to the net via the stick of goalkeeper Christopher O’Looney. With that, Crusheen pushed on, led by the tireless Jason Greene to open up a 1-4 to 0-2 advantage by the end of the opening quarter but they would only score twice more in the half as Inagh/Kilnamona finally found their range.

John Rynne was central to that recovery when picking off two out of his side’s four unanswered points to cut the deficit to just one but he was forced to retire prematurely through injury which would arguably prove to be a detrimental blow to Inagh/ Kilnamona’s attack.

They did rally further before the break but were unable to grab a goal that would have put them back on level terms as successive shots from Sean McConigley and substitute Enda McGuane were kept out in a 16 to 0-7 half-time score.

It didn’t take long after the resumption for Crusheen to make their mark as the O’Doherty brothers again combined for the onrushing Gear oid to finish to the net with aplomb. To their credit, Inagh/Kilnamona brushed off that blow with a brace of points from Enda McGuane but it was to be as close as they would get in that second half as a now in- spired Crusheen could see the finish line. Despite eight second half wides, the winners would go on to score five out of the next six points to close out the game, with Briain Dillon’s 44th minute rousing score the pick of the bunch. It came from an Inagh/Kilnamona puck-out that the wing-back excellently controlled before soloing forward and arrowing over from 65 metres.

That score fuelled the biggest cheer of the afternoon until Tony McMahon lifted the cup only 20 minutes later to complete another successful year for the second side.