Category: Sport

Clooney/Quin 1-15 – Broadford 1-15 at Clooney

CLOONEY/QUIN and Broadford were forced to take a share of the spoils as a winner couldn’t be decided in this Clare Cup game that was neck and neck throughout.

In a tight first half it was Clooney/ Quin who managed to get out in front going in at the break thanks to a goal that found the net off a Broadford hurley. A long ball in from Derek Ryan free ended up in the back of the net giving them a goal advantage.

The second half saw an exhibition of free taking as Derek Ryan converted ten on the day and Broadford’s Craig Chaplin was also on target hitting eight of his own. Clooney/Quin managed to gain the lead but a Niall Maloney goal swung the game back in Broadford’s favour. As the game came to a close, neither side could gain a commanding lead and the game ended in a draw.

Clooney/ Quin
Damien O’Halloran, Shane McNamara, Conor Harrison, Joe O’Loughlin, Adrian Fleming, Sean Conheady, Enda Harrison, Mike McNamara, Padraig Ward (0-2); Martin

Duggan, Fergal Lynch (0-1); Ronan Gallagher, John Earls (0-1); Cathal Egan, Derek Ryan (0-10, 10f).

Subs
Peter Duggan for MDuggan, Cillian Duggan (0-1) for MMcNamara.

Whitegate 3-11 – Clarecastle 1-12 at Clarecastle

THE EARLY bird did indeed catch the worm on Sunday morning as an alert Whitegate caught the sleepy home side napping to secure a vital first victory of the campaign. The east Clare side had an early start to travel to Clarecastle for the 12 noon throwin but it seemed to brace them for action as they pulled off an impressive victory, despite being without key regulars such as Eric Minogue, Tommy Holland, George Waterstone and Patrick Minogue.

The Magpies can have no complaints as once they were headed near the end of the first half, they failed to recapture the lead despite holding the wind advantage in the second period. That eventuality didn’t appear on the cards in the opening quarter as the home sie eased into a 1-2 to 00 lead after ten minutes, with Tyrone Kearse getting the goal through a 20 metre free which made up for his previous effort minutes earlier that bizarrely thundered off the crossbar from close range and ended up going out for a lineball.

A 16th minute volleyed goal from Niall Hayes injected some belief into the visitors and they were soon ahead in the 20th minute when Ian Fahy soloed through the heart of the Magpie rearguard before unleashing an unstoppable drive from 30 metres to the top corner of the net.

Clarecastle’s standout forward Kearse as well as Darragh Moloney and Patrick Kelly levelled up the game at 2-2 to 1-5 by the 23rd minute but by now Whitegate had the bit between their teeth and with Michael Dooley, Brendan Bugler and Christy Jones, stopping the Clarecastle supply, they finished the half strongly with successive points from Michael O’Brien (2) and Ian Fahy to lead by two at the break.

With the wind to come, the home side wouldn’t have been unduly worried at the break but despite the introduction of debutant Kieran O’Dwyer who was a physical presence around the centre as well as Sean Talty, the expected Magpie fightback never materialised.

The lively Kearse was unlucky with a pull that agonisingly drifted wide of the far post early in the half, a miss that was magnified when Terence Fahy doubled on an Andrew Fahey free in the 40th minute to give his side a 3-7 to 1-8 advantage.

That five point margin would remain more or less until the final whistle, aside from a brief recovery when Danny Scanlon had a shot repelled by Fahey while the follow up from substitute Sean Talty just going the wrong side of the crossbar. Two further goal chances from Kearse failed to billow the net while at the other end, Michael O’Brien capped off a memorable win for Whitegate with a late double.

Whitegate
AndrewFahey (0-4 3f, 1’65), John Minogue, John Bugler, Cathal Mulvihill, Christy Jones, Brendan Bugler, Jason Malone, Shane O’Rourke, Michael Dooley, Michael O’Brien (0-4), Ian Fahy (1-1), Stephen Malone (0-1), Eoin Quirke (0-1),Terence Fahy (1-0), Niall Hayes (1-0)

Clarecastle
Jamie Coughlan, Kevin Clohessy, Garrett Barry, Fearghus Ryan, Patrick Kelly (0-2), Stephen O’Halloran,Anthony Griffey, Jonathan Clancy, Derek Quinn (0-2 1f), Eric Flynn, Darragh Moloney (0-2),Aaron Considine, Danny Scanlon,Tyrone Kearse (1-5 1-1f)

Subs
Kieran O’Dwyer for Griffey (27 mins), Sean Talty (0-1) for Flynn (HT), Jamie O’Connor for Moloney (47 mins), Jason Considine for Scanlon (50 mins)

Man of the Match
Michael Dooley (Whitegate) Referee Ger Lyons (Ruan) Tubber 1-16 Cor ofin 3-07 @ Tubber TUBBER came out victorious against Corofin at home on Sunday hitting 1-1 without reply in the closing stages which put them ahead to seal the win. Tubber went four points to no score up early on but then a scrappy goal from a high ball into the Tubber area brought Corofin back into the game. More points from Mark Early and David O’Donoghue gave Tubber the advantage at the interval as they led, 0-7 to 1-3. Corofin got another goal early in the second half through Stephen Heagney as the ball managed to find to net through a group of players and

a similar goal from Declan Lee fol- lowed 15 minutes later.

Tubber stayed close with points coming from Shane and Barry O’Connor and Clive Early converting four frees. Then with two minutes remaining Barry O’Connor scored the goal that put Tubber ahead and Corofin failed to reply giving Tubber the win.

Newmarket 1-14 – Tulla 1-13 at Dr Daly Memorial Park, Tulla

TWO SIDES that would arguably claim to be a work in progress, with the assimilation of youth into the ranks seemingly the main priority in this evenly matched affair. A draw would have been the fairest result in a game that could have gone either way as evidenced in a tense finale on Sunday evening.

With the teams locked at 1-13 apiece drifting into injury-time, Tulla’s main attacking duo David McInerney and Andrew Quinn combined for what appeared to be the leading score for the recently crowned Fitzgibbon Cup winner but referee Ger Hoey disallowed it for a square ball. And in the next passage of play, it was David Barrett who punished at the other end to hand Newmarket a welcome first victory.

It was that close throughout however as the sides were locked on level terms no fewer than nine times over the hour. All that after James Liddy had given Newmarket the perfect start after 100 seconds with a solo goal after receiving a pass from David Barrett.

It failed to rock Tulla who were back on level terms within five minutes with points from Andy Quinn and a brace from Aidan Lynch who was causing the Blues some discomfort in the right corner. Indeed, from his opening attack, Lynch might have grabbed a goal had it not been for the reflexes of goakeeper Kieran Devitt who somehow tipped his effort over the bar. However, following replies from Martin O’Hanlon and a Colin Ryan free, Aidan Lynch did raise a green flag on his second attempt in the 11th minute with a trademark solo and shot from an acute angle.

Newmarket brought on Niall O’Connor to curb the rampaging forward and it had a settling effect as Colin Ryan converted two placed balls to put his side ahead once more at 1-5 to 1-4 by the 22nd minute.

Ryan’s move to centre-forward coincided with David McInerney’s switch to midfield for Tulla and both would dominate for their respective sides on the way to a half-time deadlock at 1-7 apiece.

Newmarket re-emerged the brighter side on the restart and appeared to be easing away from the home side with successive points from Ryan, substitute Darren O’Connor and Eoin Hayes while the latter also hit the side netting with a shot during the same period.

However, Tulla mustered up a recovery and four unanswered points followed, two from the stick of Andy Quinn at the turn of the final quarter to hold a precarious 1-11 to 1-10 advantage while Trevor Vaughan might have added a goal.

Crucially though, when required, it was county senior Ryan who stepped forward to lead his side with three placed balls in the closing stages in a duel with Quinn who levelled the game in the 58th minute with a free at 1-13 to 1-13.

It was shaping up to end as a draw but it wasn’t to be as events conspired to tip the balance in Newmarket’s favour and get them off the mark.

Newmarket- on- Fergus
Kieran Devitt, Eoin O’Brien, Stephen Kelly, Eoin McInerney, Martin Frawley, James McInerney,Alan Barrett, Enda Barrett, Martin O’Hanlon (0-1), Noel Frawley, David Barrett (0-2), Paraic Collins, James Liddy (10), Colin Ryan (0-9 4f, 1’65), Eoin Hayes (0-1)

Subs
Niall O’Connor for E. McInerney (13 mins), Darren O’Connor (0-1) for M. Frawley (HT), Tommy Griffin for Liddy (49 mins), Enda Kelly for Collins (43 mins), JimMcInerney for N. Frawley (49 mins)

Tulla
Philip Brennan, Eugene Cooney, Mark Quinn, John Fahy, Donnacha McNamara, Sean Torpey, Cian McInerney, Brian Lynch, Cathal Dinan, Trevor Vaughan (0-1), David McInerney (0-2), EannaTorpey (0-1),Aidan Lynch (1-2), Kieran Brennan,AndrewQuinn (0-6 3f, 1’65)

Subs
Danny O’Halloran (0-1) for E.Torpey (39 mins), Daragh Corry for K. Brennan (47 mins)

Man of the Match
Colin Ryan (Newmarket- on- Fergus) Referee Ger Hoey (Killanena)

Sixmilebridge 8-11 – Wolfe Tones 0-17 at O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

NO, IT isn’t a misprint. Sixmilebridge did manage to put eight goals past neighbours Wolfe Tones on Sunday but that said, it was only in the final 20 minutes that it started to go pear-shaped for the depleted Shannon side. 19 scores to 17 reflects more on a game that Sixmilebridge clearly deserved to win despite missing the majority of their Under 21 contingent who were rested after their heroic exploits in the last four on Saturday.

Sixmilebridge only led by 2-7 to 0- 9 at the break following goals from Brian Culbert and Danny Morey but through Garret McPhillips (2) and Declan O’Rourke, the Shannon side had reduced the deficit to only three within five minutes of the restart. It’s astonishing to think how it went so wrong after that but with every goal, the life was simply sucked out of Wolfe Tones’ challenge. Tony Carmody accelerated through the defence to raise Sixmilebridge’s third green flag in the 36th minute but even then Tones replied to reduce the deficit to four.

However, the floodgates opened soon afterwards as Niall Gilligan (3), Danny Morey and David O’Connor breached Wolfe Tones last line to complete the rout and extend their unbeaten run in the competition.

Sixmilebridge
Derek Fahy,Tadgh Keogh,Aidan Quilligan, Eoin Quinn,Tommy Morey (0-1), Caimin Morey,Trevor Purcell,Anthony Liddane, Paul Fitzpatrick, David O’Connor (1-2), Niall Gilligan (3-5 5f),Tony

Carmody (1-3) Danny Morey (2-0), Brian Culbert (1-0), Declan Morey

Subs
Jason Murphy for Quinn (52 mins), Daniel Collins for Declan Morey (54 mins)

Wolfe Tones
Paul Hogan Brendan Hughes, Joe McGauley, George Justice Stephen McInerney, Bobby McPhillips (0-3 1f, 2 65’s), Barry Loughnane Shane Chambers, Daithí O’Connell (0-3) Sean Brennan, Declan O’Rourke (0-4, 1f), Garret McPhillips (0-7f) Gary Leahy, Ronan Hehir, Daniel Gallery

Subs
Niall Murphy for Justice (48 mins), Richie Lillis for Hehir (53 mins) Kevin McCafferty for G.McPhillips (53 mins),Alan Hehir for O’Connell (57 mins) John Madigan for McInerney (57 mins)

Referee
Fergie McDonagh (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield)

IN THE END, It was only a 63rd minute point from Conor McGrath that got Cratloe out of Dodge after being pushed all the way by a stubborn Newmarket side. Cratloe were hot favourites entering the game but never got into their stride and indeed could have been severely punished had Newmarket converted even a small fraction of their 14 wides.

A draw would have been the fairest result for Newmarket’s stirring late fightback but in the end, it was the experience of Conor McGrath who got his side out of jail and into the final against Sixmilebridge.

It was too close for comfort for Cratloe who could have never imagined such an eventuality once Joe O’Connor goaled after only 19 seconds. With Liam Markham starting strongly at centre-back, Cratloe were 1-2 to 0-1 clear by the seventh minute and seemingly cruising.

However, a slice of fortune got Newmarket back into the game when a Sean O’Connor free from 65 metres was allowed to travel to the net and it rallied the side to three more frees to hold a 1-4 to 1-3 advantage by the 20th minute.

Cratloe goalkeeper David Collins did make amends in the 28th minute when somehow keeping out a rasping shot from Shane Cusack and in the next passage of play, Podge Collins handpassed inside for Conor McGrath to rattle the net down the other end on their way to a 2-5 to 1-6 halftime advantage.

Early points from dominant midfielder Conor Ryan and Conor McGrath on the restart put Cratloe four points clear and in total control once more while Newmarket were becoming increasingly frustrated with their mounting wide tally as well as a Shane Cusack goalbound shot that full-back Sean Hynan threw himself in front of to keep out.

Cratloe didn’t push home their advantage however so when Darren Duggan pulled to the net in the 50th minute to cut the deficit to the minimum, the momentum was suddenly all with Newmarket.

Conor Ryan expertly pointed from the right wing to give his side a two point cushion but two equally impressive strikes from Tommy Griffin and a Liam Clancy lineball from 30 metres tied up the game for the fourth time two minutes into injury-time.

It seemed enough to earn a replay but there was still time for Conor McGrath to gather possession 60 metres from goal and fire his relieved side into their first Under 21A final in seven years.

O’Callaghan’s Mills 3-10 – Corofin 0-10 at Dr Daly Park, Tulla

O’CALLAGHAN’S Mills eased their way into the Under 21 B decider thanks to a three-goal victory over a disappointing Corofin side on Saturday afternoon, as goals either side of half-time turned the tie decisively in their favour and helped them book a final berth against Ballyea.

Corofin’s failure to use the first half wind advantage was their undoing – despite the strength of the gale and ample possession they could only eke out a 0-9 to 1-5 interval lead that was never going to be enough once the Mills settled into their stride.

Stephen Heagney’s accuracy from placed balls in the first half helped Corofin build up a 0-8 to 0-4 lead by the 20tth minute. Centre-back Luke O’Loughlin was very much to the fore in this period while Gearóid Kelly, Kevin Heagney and Declan Stack contributed points from play as Corofin hit four unanswered points to open up a double-scores lead.

However, just when it looked as if Corofin were firmly into their stride and had the momentum to kick on to build up sizeable advantage, O’Calllaghan’s Mills struck for the all-important first goal.

It came from Jamie Lynch after 25 minutes and with that Corofin’s race in this championship was eventually run, even though they responded with another Heagney point just before the interval to give them the lead by the narrowest of margins.

Corofin battled bravely in the early exchanges of the second half, but ul- timately it was a lonely 30 minutes for the men in red – they could add one point to their total while the Mills gradually found their rhythm and hit 2-5 to record a comprenhensive win.

Again, it was a goal that kickstarted the half for the Mills’; again it was Jamie Lynch who worked the oracle, this time finding the net ten minutes in to put daylight between them and Corofin for the first time.

That daylight was extended thanks to Christy Philpott’s 48th minute goal, while Ian Donnellan, Aidan O’Gorman and the impressive Aidan Donovan also chipped in with points as the Mills won as they pleased.

Two late points from Aidan O’Gorman left left three goals in it at the end.

O’Callaghan’s Mills
Henry Skehan, Sean O’Gorman, Gerry Cooney, Michael McGrath, Darren Cooney,Adrian Donovan (0-3,2f),Aidan Fawl, Eoin McInerney, Kevin O’Callaghan, ColmMcHugh, James McMahon (0-2), Eoin McGrath, Jamie Lynch (2-1), Ian Donnellan (0-1),Aidan O’Gorman (0-3). Subs Christy Philpott (1-0) for Eoin McInerney,Jamie Heffernan for O’Callaghan, Eoin McNamara for Donnellan.

Corofin
Patrick Burke, Keith O’Loughlin, Eoin Malone, Manus Malone, Ian Corbett, Luke O’Loughlin, Darren Malone, Fionn Clancy, Stephen Heagney (0-7, 5f), Declan Stack (0-1), Eamon Malone, Jamie Malone, Killian O’Loughlin, Kevin Heagney (0-1), Gearoid Kelly (0-1). Subs Willie Neylon for Eoin Malone, Killian Malone for Killian O’Lgouhlin, Oisin Long for Ian Corbett

Man of the Match
Adrian Donovan (O’Callaghan’s Mills) Referee Ger Hoey (Killanena)

Sixmilebridge 1-17 – Inagh/Kilnamona 2-12 at Clarecastle

SIXMILEBRIDGE HAVE reached the under 21 A final for the third year in a row after seeing off a strong Inagh/Kilnamona side in Clarecastle on Saturday.

Sixmilebridge managed to finished strong in this close encounter thanks to a Declan Morey goal on 46 minutes which edged them in front but there was never more then a puck of a ball between these sides for the best part of the game.

It was clear early on that ill discipline would prove costly for both teams as Inagh/Kilnamona’s Niall Arthur and Sixmilebridge’s Jamie Shanahan were both on form as they battled it out from placed balls.

Points from Shane Golden and Pa Sheehan aided the sharpshooting of Shanahan for Sixmilbridge but it was Arthur’s goal 12 minutes in that was the difference at half time. He had tried for another goal from a 21 yard free soon after but his shot was stopped and cleared. After playing with a strong breeze, his side looked in control, and led Sixmilebridge, 1-8 to 0-9.

A few positional switches at the break brought Sixmilebridge back into the game with scores from Seadna Morey and Sam O’Sullivan. Then when Jamie Shanahan found Declan Morey in front of goal he buried it into the net to give his side a three point lead and the boost they needed.

Seadhna Morey and Shanahan added two more as Sixmilebridge then went five ahead going into injury time. A Sean McConigley goal is all Inagh/Kilnamona could manage in the closing stages as Sixmilebridge claimed a final spot winning on a two point margin, 1-17 to 2-12.

Sixmilebridge will now face Cratloe in this year’s under 21 Championship Final and they will be looking to rectify last year’s final defeat to Eire Og as they go in search of a second title in three years.

Ballyea 0-14 – St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield 1-8 at The Éire Óg Grounds, Ennis

ST JOSEPH’S Doora-Barefield saw red on the double during the game when the sendings off of both Niall Hassett and Shane O’Connor and saw it the same colour again after the ball game was over when a flurry of people vented their spleen at referee Kevin Walsh

But it was Ballyea who saw the promised land of a county final for the second time in three years as they withstood a late surge by the men from The Parish to book a final berth against O’Callaghan’s Mills.

Ballyea were the better team, but St Joseph’s weren’t slow in letting it be known that they had their grievances with Kevin Walsh after they received six yellow cards and two red ones over the course of the hour.

Niall Hassett was marched in the 41st minute after a challenge on Ca- thal Doohan, but by that stage the game was already slipping from St Josephs’ grasp as Ballyea cranked up their performance considerably in the early exchanges of the second half.

In the first 20 minutes of the half they restricted St Joseph’s to just two points, while adding seven of their own to move into a commanding 013 to 0-7 by the 50th minute as they closed in on a final berth.

The first half had been an even affair, with points from Niall Deloughery, Ian Lyons and Cathal Duggan helping St Joseph’s into a 0-3 to 0-1 lead inside ten minutes.

However, as in previous games in the campaign Tony Kelly prodigious scoring talents helped Ballyea play their way into the game.

The Clare minor captain landed two frees by the 15th minute and then hit one from play after good work from Paudge McMahon.

Further points from Paul Flanagan and Niall Deasy in response to a booming point from distance by Alan O’Neill helped Ballyea into a 0-6 to 0-4 lead before an injury time effort from Ian Lyons left only the minimum between the sides.

Jarlath Colleran’s equalising point a minute into the second half hinted at a battle to the death, but it was as good as it got for St Joseph’s for much of the half.

Seven points in a row from Ballyea decided this contest – Martin O’Leary, Niall Deasy (2) and Tony Kelly (4) were all on the mark.

A 58th minute goal scrambled to the net by Cathal Duggan after a long free from Alan O’Neill briefly put the game back in the melting pot, but when St Joseph’s had their claims for a 21-yard free ignored a few minutes later, their cause was lost.

Ballyea
Shane Harkin, Cormac Ryan, Jack Browne, Eanna McInerney, James Murphy, Gearóíd O’Connell, David Sheehan, Paul Flanagan (0-1),Tony Kelly (0-9, 6f), Niall Deasy (0-3), James Murphy, Cathal Doohan, Martin O’Leary (0-1), Paudge McMahon, Declan Keane.

Subs
Niall Griffin for Doohan, Eoghan Donnellan for McMahon.

St Joseph’s Doora- Barefield
Michael Rosengrave, Darragh Murphy, Stephen Collins, Killian Griffey, Niall Hassett,Alan O’Neill (01), Eamon Clohessy, Leo Duggan, Jarlath Colleran (0-1), Ian Lyons (0-1), Niall Deloughery (0-1), Aaron Landy, Barry Mullane, Shane O’Connor (0-2, 2f), Cathal Duggan (1-2).

Subs
Stephen Barron for Griffey, Donal O’Halloran for Mullane.

Man of the Match
Tony Kelly (Ballyea)

THE CLARE Minor Footballers head to Pairc Uí Rinn on Wednesday evening in their first game as they look to overcome last year’s AllIreland finalists Cork in the quarter final of the Munster Minor Championship.

Clare will look to make a mark on this years Minor Championship and hope to set the trend for Clare football this year as they try to overcome Cork.

A task the Clare Seniors also face in the Munster quarter-final in little under six weeks. The Clare People caught up with Minor Manager Michael Neylon ahead of tomorrow nights game.

Michael says he is happy with the current form and that things have been looking good for his side over the past few weeks.

“We’ve had a full turnout for the last month or so with lads coming into good form from a winter gym programme” he said.

Everyone is available for selection and injury free after the weekends under 21 hurling championship where five players were involved.

This side first got together when they took part in a Munster under 17 tournament last November where they played four competitive games winning the Shield Final against Waterford.

“That was the first time lads would have met, then they were given a gym programme which they worked away on until we started training as a county panel there in March. We’ve had five or six weeks together now and we’ve played Kerry, Galway and Kildare in challenge games” he said.

There are several players from last year’s panel that Clare will be looking to ahead of tomorrow nights game including; Darren Sexton, Niall Hickey and Adrian Murrihy from Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Ennistymon’s Oisin Vaughan, Wolfe Tones Craig O’Brien, Jarlaith Colleran from Doora/Barefield and Stan Lineen from Kilmihil. Stan’s clubmate Martin O’Leary will also be hoping to bring his recent form with St Flannan’s college into this game tomorrow night.

Michael Neylon is joined on the managment panel by Ennis man Noel Normoyle, Morris Reidy from Miltown and Lee O’Donoghue from Kildysart.

They met on Monday night for a light session ahead of Wednesday’s game where the team was also named. They face a tough task of reaching the semi-final stages but he believes his side have what it takes.

Clare
Darren Sexton (Kilmurry-Ibrickane), Conor Gavin (Clondegad), Craig O’Brien (WolfeTones), Oisin Vaughan (Ennistymon), Jarlath Colleran (Doora/ Barefield), Stan Lineen (Kilmihil), Darragh Bolton (Kilrush),Alan O’Neill (Doora/Barefield), Darragh McDonagh (Miltown), Eoin Cleary (Miltown), Conor Cleary (Miltown),Adrian Murrihy (KilmurryIbrickane), Martin O’Leary (Kilmihil), Niall Hickey (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Jamie Malone (Corofin).

THERE seems to be no stopping Clare’s juvenile handball players as they captured yet another title at the weekend, adding to the previous weekends tally of five titles.

Last out for Clare last weekend saw Aine McInerney and Hannah O’Brien take on a formidable Kilkenny pairing in the under 17 girls doubles in Goresbridge, Kilkenny.

The Clare girls were going in as underdogs but were quietly hoping to emulate their Clare comrades in Alice Akers and Stacey Wright who captured this same title twelve months previous.

Kilkenny started the strongest and forced their way into a 6-0 lead, but the clare girls were resilient and battled back to draw level.

It was a nip and tuck affair with points and hands exchanging on a regular basis. Kilkenny went in to serve for the first game with two hands at 20-18, but the Clare duo fought back to regain the service advantage and clinch a very close first game. What now originally seemed a mountain to climb now seemed to be a great possibility.

And the Clare girls were not to dis- appoint as they started the second game as they finished the first and gained a blistering 12-0 lead.

The finishing line was in their sights and while the Kilkenny girls tried to rally back, it was Clare who took the game and the title to make it an historic 40×20 season for Clare juvenile handball.

Clare juvenile handball is now by far the strongest in Ireland and this is evident by the number of All-Ireland Titles that Clare have won this year – an incredible six out of a possible 15 which makes the county the envy of every other centre in the country.

At local level, the Clare county B doubles get under way this week in all divisions and clubs have been notified of fixtures.