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IT’S still early days in the season but there is already the feeling surround- ing Clooney/Quin that they have fi- nally turned a corner. Last year, their significant rise up the senior ladder was halted by their inability to hold onto leads and win tight games, re- sulting in their exit from the champi- onship despite being in total control of their own fate and again in the senior B final against Wolfe Tones, that unwanted tag reared it’s head to cost them the title.

Somehow, Clooney/Quin appear

to have remedied that fraility this season as in all their three Clare cup games, they have edged close matches. It happened against Doora/ Barefield and InaghKilnamona but perhaps Thursday’s late usurpation of the points against Tulla was their most significant result.

Having to concede home advantage due to flooding, Clooney/Quin’s ap- peared second best for long periods of the second half but an injury- time haul of three successive scores floored their opponents and contin- ued Clooney/Quin’s perfect start to this year’s campaign.

On the flip side, Tulla will wonder how they actually came out on the losing side. Granted, they were for- tunate to be only a point behind at the break as a sun dazzled Clooney/ Quin hit seven first half wides but on the resumption, it was the home side, backed by Andrew Quinn and substi- tute Brian Lynch, who took the inia- tive. In fact, after going ahead for the first time in almost thirty minutes shortly after the break, they stiffled Clooney/Quin and forced the play to lead until the final minute. Fun- damentally though, they hadn’t the firepower to cement the win and only

leading by the minimum approach- ing the hour mark, they failed to win valuable clean possession.

Clooney/Quin levelled it up in the 59th minute when Cathal Egan hand- passed outside to John Earls to point and after an Eanna Torpey wide, the game finally turned with a hotly con- tested free against Danny O’ Halloran that Derek Ryan gladly converted for his sixth free of the day. Tulla needed to win the puck-out but instead Sean Conheady gathered at halfway and his delivery was caught by Mar- tin Duggan to seal the win. A stark difference to last year’s mentality, Clooney/Quin are now flying high near the top of the division and only a fortnight away from their open- ing championship tie against Smith O’Brien’s, that resilience could be the spark they need to get to the next Aro F

KILRUSH has always been inviting — whether it’s the friendliness or the value for money you get around the Parkamoney track that’s been part of the sporting fabric of the west Clare for three quarters of a century.

A lot has changed in the 75 years, but at the same time nothing has changed at all. The value for money and friendliness was there in ’34 —the year the Sheedy family who farmed the land throw it open to three golf- ing enthusiasts by the names of Dr Tom Daly, John Francis and William O’Grady.

For the princely sum of £8 a year they had rent of the land and laid out a 9-hole course, with the help of part- time groundsman Paddy Gallagher and a horse that cost £2-10 shillings.

In those earliest days the Cham- bers family from Moore Street had grazing rights on the course for their sheep — and for a few years there were more sheep and lambs on the course that there were golfers in Kilrush.

One stat from the club records re- veal that the 1943 was a particularly bountiful lambing season on the course — 38 lambs from Parkamoney were sold by the Chambers’ to Tom Nolan’s butcher shop in Kilkee. The club records from this time also show that there were no more than 30 club members during this period.

Fast forward seven decades and it’s a very different story — the sheep with their grazing rights are long gone, the 9-hole became a 15-hole and then finally under the golf sur- geon’s knife of Dr Arthur Spring became an 18-hole course in 1994 at the cost of £120,000.

Value for money like there was in °34, value that extends to the present day as the slogan seen recently at the entrance to the course bore witness to. “Join our club for €250,” it boldly

proclaimed.

It’s part of a membership drive in- stigated by the 2009 club commit- tee. “Years ago it was a very brave decision to undertake the project,’ says secretary manager, Denis Na- gle. “Back then some were of the opinion that we should have a good 9 hole and forget about 18 holes, but membership trebled with the advent of 18 holes and we have a potential gem here thanks to the excellent de- sign foundations laid by Dr. Arthur

Spring,” he adds.

“We have steadily improved our facilities in recent years both on and off the course and we want to do a lot more, but we need more members and more funds. The committee has decided on a drive to recruit new members in 2009.

“We realize that we could not be doing it at a worse time, therefore we have had to make the package really attractive.

‘To be able to join a golf club as a full member for €250 plus GUI lev- ies 18 the cheapest in Ireland as far as I know.

“There is also an outlying mem- bership scheme for those who reside more than 100 kms away. They can join for €150, which is less than what some clubs nearby charge for a 1-day green fee. We have quite a few mem- bers from Ennis and Limerick al- ready but we would welcome more.”

It’s a great calling card for the club — a failte isteach from a club recog- nised as one of the most friendliest in Ireland.

It’s what one golf writer called Kil- rush a number of years ago when sampling the hospitality of Parka- money.

A STORMING second half display saw Clarecastle ease comfortably to their third win in the Clare Cup.

Cratloe led by a point at half time but were soon cast adrift by a spell of swift, incisive hurling from Clare- orale

Facilitated along the way by some very careless defending in the Crat- loe full-back line, Clarecastle picked off eight unanswered points in 11 minutes after the break.

Full forward Derek Quinn top scored with 1-8, with 1-4 of his to- tal coming from play. Apart from Quinn there were noteworthy con- tributions from the very impressive Aaron Considine and wing forward Sean Talty.

And with their tails up, the Mag- pies defended well to restrict Cratloe to few openings.

Even the introduction early in the second half of Martin Ogie Murphy, Liam Markham, Damien Browne and Michael Hawes failed to prevent Cratloe succumbing to their second league defeat.

Both sides lined up without their re- spective county players who were ab- sent due to commitments with Clare. There was nothing to choose between the teams in the early stages.

Aided by a swirling breeze, Crat- loe posted three points through Sean Chaplin, Conor McGrath and a mighty effort from Philip Gleeson.

Clarecastle stayed close, with points from Patrick Kelly and two Quinn frees.

The Magpies then edged 0-6 0-3 clear thanks to a brace from Sean Talty and a point from Eamon Call- suerte

Driven on from midfield by Sean

Chaplin, Cratloe regained the lead points from Chaplin (S), Barry Glee- son, Gearoid Ryan and McGrath. Quinn converted a free to leave Cla- reacastle trailing O-8 to O-7 at half time.

Clarecastle made Cratloe wait a few minutes out on the pitch before breaking from their half time huddle to take the field.

Whatever was said certainly had the desired effect. Two points from Quinn and a well-worked individual effort from Considine put Clarecas- tle O-10 to 0-8 ahead. Even allowing for Cratloe’s poor defensive display, the link up play between the Magpies during this period was very easy on the eye.

Callinan could have goaled, but

struck over the bar after being teed up by Quinn’s handpass.

Cratloe flooded the pitch with sub- stitutes but the scores kept coming for Clarecastle. Considine picked off a Short puck out to point before Jamie O’Connor was allowed in for another handy Clarecastle point.

McGrath posted the visitor’s first point of the second half in the 42nd minute.

The Cratloe defence then froze un- der Talty’s high ball and were pun- ished by Quinn’s goal from close eR Oem

Sean Chaplin tapped over a free and Ryan pointed in the 52nd minute to complete Cratloe’s scoring.

Clarecastle gave Conor Plunkett a run out at full forward as the Magpies signed off with points from Consid- ine, Quinn and Jonathan Clancy.

AS names go, Woodstock certainly conjures up romantic notions — of course that’s all to do with the rock concert that happened 40 years ago this year in a soggy field in upstate New York that defined the 1960s era of counter-culture.

Bro NU C-V ORAM OT cLimee- NO elo) WO NTSMmRUe: 8 about having a bit of fun — maybe that’s why when Christy Guerin opened up the Woodstock in 1993 he talked about the craic, more so than serious stiff upper life stuff that’s sometimes associated with golf.

‘At Woodstock the emphasis will be on fun,’ Christy told a gathering that included GUI suits and Christy O’Connor Snr among others. They had plenty of fun that day, but the se- rious side was the massive undertak- ing it was for Christy and Sheelagh Guerin to build a golf course on their 180-acre property off the Lahinch Road.

It would have been easier not to take the plunge — Christy was a past captain of Ennis Golf Club and could just as easily have pulled back from the brink on embarking on the am- bitious project to turning dry-stock farmland into a championship golf course.

“T knew on my first visit to Wood- stock that we had an outstanding site on our hands, many natural holes on the land certainly encouraged the layout of a golf course. Woodstock will quickly become a magnificent

test of skill and shot making for play- ers of all handicaps,” said Spring of his creation.

“The exciting features of the site in- cluding the gentle rolling landscape, the river, the lakes and the splendid scenery will give pleasure to golfers throughout the twelve months of the year, this been made possible by the

rapidly draining terrain.

“IT have no doubt that Woodstock will be capable of housing champi- onships, both amateur and profes- sional in the not too distant future. The course in its short existence has received many praises from both members and visitors alike,’ Spring added.

The professional events haven’t come yet, but in 2006 the cream of Irish Ladies Amateur golf came to the Shanaway Road for the Irish Sen- ior Cup finals.

From the members point of view the highlight of the club’s short 16-year existence came in 2002 at Galway Golf Club when All-Ireland Pierce Purcell Shield honours were won.

In the semi-final Woodstock were drawn against Connacht champions Loughrea — victory in that contest teed them up for the final against Ul- ster champions Moyola Park.

Friday, September 6, became a red letter day in the history of Woodstock golf when the first green pennant came to the club thanks to a decisive 4-1 over the Ulster champions.

The squad managed by Luke Coote and Brian Dinan was: Brian McNa- mara, Michael O’Brien, Brian Ke- ogh, John Feehan, Darragh Lynch, Martin Nugent, John O/’Connor, Liam McInerney, Robert Dormer, Tony Coote, Mike Kelly, Frank Do- herty, club captain Jimmy Kelly and John Condon.

The final pairing were Darragh Lynch/Mike Kelly, who won 3 and 2, Liam MclInerney/Michael O’Brien who won 6 and 5, John Con- don/Michael Meehan halved, Tony Coote/Robert Dormer halved and Jimmy Kelly/Martin Nugent won 6 and 4.

ANOTHER sigificant scalp for Tub- ber who maintained their unbeaten start to the year with a comprehen- sive victory on Saturday. A powerful second half display in which they outscored their opponents by 2-8 to Q-1 eased Tubber to another valauble two points in their push for promo- tion but essentially it was their work- manlike opening half performance against the gale that laid the founda- tions for this win.

Led by their half-back line of county minor Patrick O’Connor, and Conor and Mark Earley, Tubber defied the storm to lead by the minimum at the break and really from that point on, it was only a matter of how big the winning margin would be.

It did take the home side a while to settle though as despite having a large share of the possession, they played

right into Corofin’s hands early on by hitting everything down the cen- tre that Gerry Quinn easily mopped up. In fact, Corofin could have go- aled with their very first attack when Quinn’s long clearance was not dealt with and Kevin Heagney should have finished to the net but Tubber some- how survived. Corofin led by O-3 to Q-2 by the turn of the opening quar- ter but with Barry O’Connor moving deeper out the field, Tubber finally came to life in the 17th minute when O’Connor converted a penalty after Jack Neylon was fouled. It had an inpsirational effect and points from David O’ Donoghue and a Clive Ear- ley free pushed Tubber four points clear by the 23rd minute.

It caused Corofin to shuffle the pack themselves, bringing out Kevin Heagney to the half forward line and in their most productive period of the game, that switch yielded three

late points as Corofin cut the deficit to only a point by the interval at 1-4 Kone nor

Any thoughts of a Corofin rebel- lion were son put to bed on the re- start as Jack Neylon opened the scor- ing with a goal in the 36th minute. After a number of wides, that goal kickstarted Tubber’s challenge once more and a flurry of points followed, with Corofin having to play the ma- jority of the second period in their OD seme lee

To signify their dominance, Tub- ber tacked on a further 1-8 for the remainder and could even afford to hit nine second half wides. Typifiy- ing their luck at the moment, an out of sorts Corofin could not even take advantage of three 20 metres frees awarded in the final ten minutes as they shipped their second successive heavy defeat of the campaign, a total contrast to high flying Tubber who

continue to lead the way in the divi- sion.

SHERRY FitzGerald McMahon, En- nis has announced a massive reduc- tion in price on the remaining units at Cul Na Coille, the select, luxuri- ous development of five-bedroom family homes at Cappahard, off the Tulla Road, Ennis.

Prices now start from €399,000, representing a drop on the original asking price price of a staggering €250,000.

Cul na Coille is an eye-catching development of only seven stylish houses, which boast a range of top quality, contemporary finishes, with an exceptional fit-out throughout.

The spacious accommodation ex- tends over three floors and comprises four reception areas, five bedrooms and an extensive open-plan beau- tifully crafted kitchen, fitted by a kitchen specialist.

Each of the two different house types are of high insulation timber frame construction with an excep- tional level of workmanship and specification including natural gas central heating, zoned under floor heating, fully pressurised water sys- tem, maintenance free K-Rend exte- rior with limestone sills, extremely generous PC sums, two en-suite bed- rooms.

Other extras and finishes include wiring for an alarm, internally painted, seeded gardens and capped boundary walls.

The location – close to the En- nis bypass and the shopping centre at Roslevan and just a few minutes from Ennis town centre — is sure to

appeal to families looking for a high quality, bargain priced family home, close to all key amenities.

A GOAL, one minute into injury time, from Damien Kennedy sealed a dramatic first league victory for St Joseph’s Doora Barefield on Sat- WIKOE AYA

In an exciting and incident-packed final quarter, Joseph’s were reduced to 14 men and then saw their three point lead wiped out.

Paddy Meaney’s goal gave Crush- een a 1-13 to 1-12 lead before Joe Meaney’s point in the 29th minute looked to have capped a stirring comeback from the men in red.

But there was still final one final twist to come. And it arrived when the Crusheen defence failed to clear Michael Cullinan’s highball and Kennedy pounced to bury the match- BUON Coe

Kennedy’s first goal in the 40th minute had put Barefield five points clear and firmly in the driving seat.

While not’ totally dominant, Joseph’s were still the better team for much of the game, leading by two points at half time and playing with evident hunger and determination.

Crusheen looked a few yards off the pace throughout but did enough to stay in touch when Niall White was sent off for Barefield and the momentum of the game shifted in the visitor’s favour.

Fergus Kennedy scored the first point of the game in the 2nd minute. Three well taken points from Conor Hassett swept Joseph’s into the lead before David Hoey launched an ex- cellent strike over the bar in the 15th minute.

Crusheen were struggling to gain a foothold but hit back with two points from Joe Meaney and Cian Dillon.

Points from Hassett, Diulleen, Kennedy and Enda Lyons were just reward for Barefield’s dominance. Three superb points, into a strong breeze, from Gearoid O’Donnell kept Crusheen within striking dis- tance and left the half time score 0-8 to 0-6, in Joseph’s favour.

It was tit for tat after the break be- fore Barefield really took control.

Full forward Declan Malone helped on Greg Lyons’ pass before Damien Kennedy nipped in and made just enough contact to force the sliotar over the line from two yards, despite the best efforts of Alan Brigdale.

Crusheen hit back with points from Ciaran O’Doherty and Paddy Meaney before White’s dismissal in the 47th minute.

Joe Meaney added another point before Hassett converted a free in the 55th minute. A free from O’Doherty left Crusheen trailing O-13 to 1-12 before Paddy Vaughan breached Joseph’s defence and teed up Paddy Meaney to finish well from close range.

Paddy Meaney passed up two further goal chances but Crusheen still looked set for victory after Joe Meaney’s free.

The fat lady was warming up but there was no song. Joseph’s and Kennedy had other ideas.

THE GREAT P Joe Hayes was re- membered in the way he would have liked best at the weekend in Feakle, with three days of music, song and dance.

Fight years after his passing, P Joe was remembered by throngs of mu- Sicians and music lovers, who came to the village for a celebration of his hater

On Sunday night, the Tulla Céili

Band, of which P Joe was leader for more than 40 years, played.

There was a musical Mass at which he was remembered in Kilclaren Church and a graveside oration by Paula Carroll.

On Saturday night, there was a lively session in McNamaras, with Eion O’Sullivan, Pat O’Connor and Mary McNamara and, on Sunday, P Joe’s son, Martin, led the session in Pepper’s.

The Tulla Céili Band had another

outing in Pepper’s on Sunday while Andrew McNamara and Brendan Hearty led the session before that.

Vincent Griffin, Seamus Bugler and Mary Corry all took part in the Bank Holiday Monday session in Pepper’s.

P Joe was born in Maghera, in the parish of Killanena, in 1921. He came from a farming background and spent all his life in the Maghera area.

His mother,

Margaret Hogan,

played the concertina.

He began learning the fiddle at the age of 11, taught by Pat Canny of Glendree, a near neighbour and fa- ther of the fiddler Paddy Canny.

There was a gramophone in the Hayes household and they listened to the fiddle-playing of Coleman, Kil- loran and Gillespie.

P Joe and Paddy were to play house dances together in the following years around Killanena, Feakle and Tulla. Both P Joe and Paddy were

also founder members of the Tulla Ceili Band in 1946.

With them in the band then were Theresa Tubridy, Bert McNulty, Ag- gie White, Jack Murphy, Jim and Paddy Donoghue and Joe Cooley.

P Joe took over as leader in the eK

The organisers said that the week- end festival was “very well support- ed” and the “quality of the music was second to none, It was very enjoy- able.”

ENNIS rugby is on the cusp of a fa- mous double this week as they go into battle against storied Garryo- wen in the final of the North Munster Under 18 Cup final.

Already this season the Ennis side coached by Frank Considine, John Colleran and Niall McGann have claimed the league title.

‘To win the cup would be great and we have exceeded all expectations since starting out last July with this team,’ Frank Considine told

WITH exactly one month until the European Elections, Fianna Fail has just one candidate in the race for Ire- EE TteM Condom one

Party members in Clare now be- lieve that it is not possible to find a candidate to replace outgoing MEP and formerly declared candidate, Sean O’Neachtain.

Geographically, the party’s only candidate, Paschal Mooney, is in Leitrim and miles from the Banner County, and many in Clare feel he is unlikely to have any significant im- pact here.

While Fianna Fail has just one can- didate named, Fine Gael launched all of its European candidates, including two for Ireland North West, on Sun- day.

Eleven counties in total make up the Ireland North West Constituency – Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscom- mon, Sligo, Clare, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan Longford and _ West- meath.

None of the eight candidates de- clared are from Clare, however, with the nearest candidate hailing from Galway in the form of the Libertas founder and party leader.

Sitting MEPs Marian Harkin (Ind) and Jim Higgins (FG) are now the

only two MEPs hoping to retain their seats in this three-seater con- stituency.

Other candidates seeking election include Senator Joe O’Reilly for Fine Gael, Padraig Mac Lochlainn for Sinn Fein, Fiachra O Luain will run as an Independent and Susan O’Keefe has declared for Labour.

Ms O’Keefe is the journalist who exposed malpractice in the beef in- dustry that led to the establishment of a tribunal of inquiry in the 1990s.

In 1995, she was threatened with prison for refusing to reveal her sources on the beef industry story.

Senator O’Reilly, from Cavan will join Jim Higgins on the Fine Gael ticket.

A former schoolteacher, Sena- tor O’Reilly was elected to Seanad Eireann (Industrial and Commercial Panel) in July 2007 and polled al- most 10,000 first-preference votes in General Election, 2007.

Sinn Fein’s Cllr Mac Lochlainn is from Donegal, as is Independ- ent candidate Fiachra O Luain. Mr O’Luan, who is the founder of the website www.dearmrpresident.eu, has invited European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and all of the candidates from the North West to a debate in Donegal on the eve of the election.