Great Clare GAA Rivalries: St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield v Sixmilebridge

St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield v Sixmilebridge

It is no surprise that Clare’s golden era of 1995-2002 had a dramatic effect on club hurling in the county with Sixmilebridge (twice), Wolfe Tones, Clarecastle and St. Joseph’s (twice) going on to win the Munster club title and these two aristocrats claiming All-Ireland glory. Hurling was never in greater health with some of the club matches of that time living long in the memory of all supporters of the small ball. Of course, our ancient game brings passion, rivalry and skill to the table with one such fixture Sixmilebridge and St. Joseph’s a real appetiser during the 90’s and early 00’s.

The connection goes further back to the 50’s and 60’s where they met on three occasions with the likes of Matt Nugent, Mick Hayes (St. Joseph’s), Dick Barron and Mick O’Shea (Sixmilebridge) doing battle. 1956 was the year when they first crossed paths with the ‘Bridge prevailing before 1961 and 1962 produced similar outcomes. St. Joseph’s were county champions in 1954 while the ‘Bridge were no slouches either annexing two Clare Champion cup’s and contesting the 62 county final which gives us an insight into the quality of those involved. While Sixmilebridge prospered in the 70’s, St. Joseph’s went into a decline of sorts starting with their comprehensive 1974 loss to a ‘Bridge fifteen void the services of nine regulars. They did however amalgamate with some success with Kilmaley and Our Lady’s Hospital in 1979 with the PJ Purcell captained St. Brendan’s reaching the showcase final only for their future great rivals to give them a bit of a trimming. It was no surprise given all their underage glory during this period that the ‘Bridge would add a few more senior titles in the 80’s and early 90’s when Barefield were languishing at intermediate level.

Fast-forward to 1993, St. Joseph’s are crowned intermediate champions and on their first year back in the premier grade they contest the 94 final with Clarecastle. The young guard versus the experienced guard saw the Magpies win the day and the title but it was evident that St. Joseph’s were back where they belong. 1995 heralded a new era for Clare hurling with Munster and All-Ireland glory, that same season Sixmilebridge pipped Scariff in the final. They opened their shoulders up when they got to Munster with a crushing defeat of Éire Óg, Nenagh in the final before going all the way to All-Ireland success on 17^th March 1996 by virtue of seeing over Dunloy. Little did they know what it would kick start for other club sides. While all this was going on St. Joseph’s were making steady progress with the calibre of Ollie Baker, Seanie McMahon and Jamesie O’Connor meaning they need not wait long for that elusive title.

 Jamesie O'Connor (St. Joseph's) and John O'Connell (Sixmilebridge) during the 1999 final

The year of 1997 re ignited the rivalry between both clubs after St. Joseph’s robbed the ‘Bridge of a final appearance with a last gasp Ollie Baker goal. This came about after a Seanie McMahon long range free was doubled to the net by Baker in the final minute to see the Parish turn a one point deficit into a two point lead that they would never relinquish with Gerry McInerney tasting defeat in his final game for the ‘Bridge. A first final in four years ended in defeat to Clarecastle but all present could sense a new team would soon leave their mark. 1998 will always live long in the memory of all within the Doora, Barefield, Gurteen and Roslevan bounds, a first round win over great rivals Sixmilebridge set them on their way to glory with a final win seeing them edge out Kilmaley before they went on to greater things. First up they beat Toomevara to clinch the Munster cup before seeing off Rathnure in the All-Ireland equivalent, emulating their O’Garney counterparts.

Their fierce rivalry was exemplified again in 99 when they locked horns with the ‘Bridge men in the county final, having led for most of the game the Parish won out by two goals as they were beginning to have the Indian sign over the Christy “Rusty” Chaplin captained side. Another Munster cup was annexed at the expense of Ballygunner that before the double chasing Barefield lost out to Athenry in the 2000 March 17^th showpiece. Sixmilebridge were coming again and won the county title in 2000 with Éire Óg being vanquished before once again the Parish met them in the 2001 decider. Similar to the 99 one this was one that St. Joseph’s deserved as they made it three titles in four years. Names such as Ollie and Grey Baker, Seanie McMahon, Jamesie and Christy O’Connor, Ger and David Hoey, Ken Kennedy (St. Joseph’s), Niall Gilligan, Christy “Rusty” Chaplin, Davy Fitzgerald, John O’Connell, Pat Hayes, Martin Conlon, John Reddan and Michael O’Halloran (‘Bridge) spring to mind as some of those that made these games memorable. 2002 saw the ‘Bridge start to get on top shown by a comprehensive victory over the Parish in the group stages as they went on to win the county title.

Another victory followed for the ‘Bridge in 2003 before St. Joseph’s exacted revenge in 05. However by this stage both sides challenge had fizzled out somewhat with other clubs coming up to take their throne. All they could muster between 2003 and 2010 was a solitary final appearance between the two with the Parish reaching the 2004 final only for Kilmaley to get revenge for 98. Recent years proved fruitful for Joseph’s when they clashed with their former great rivals courtesy of a good win in 2008 followed by a narrow success the following year.

If we survey the two clubs’ now at this present time it is evident that Barefield are at the lower end of the spectrum having failed to emerge from the group while Sixmilebridge are a coming team, semi finalists for the past two years they will hope to reach the county final when they play Cratloe later today.

Daly Fires Bricks To Final

Kilmurry-Ibrickane 1-7 v 0-9 Cratloe

 

Senior Football Semi Final @ Lissycasey

As predicted the footballers from the barony of Ibrickane have qualified for their third county final in four years after a hard earned defeat of Cratloe. Over the past number of years the accuarte Johnny Daly has scored some vital points for his side and Daly's winner after 57 minutes could well prove to be their most important score of the year. The 2010 All-Ireland club finalists started brightly and a Michael O’Dwyer goal after 10 minutes gave the favourites a 1-1 to 0-0 advantage having had the better of the chances. This might not seem like a massive lead but in wintery conditions a goal is as good as anything and four points can be very hard to claw back. This goal was certainly the most important one of the seventeen scored over the hour and allied to the failure of their opponents to split the posts from play, save Podge Collins’ effort after 45 minutes, it showed the resourcefulness of a strong Kilmurry defence.

The favourites had an early scores with Noel Downes before O'Dwyer's goal. Centre back on the programme Enda Coughlan, who lined out in the forwards, was on the mark with the men from Quilty and surrounds showcasing their class with some crisp passing. It must be said Cratloe had their own share of possession but were not afforded the space they crave as all they could show after the first quarter was a Cathal McInerney free. McInerney swung over another placed effort only for his namesake and opposing wingback Ian McInerney to regain the three-point lead. One of the scores of the game efforts courtesy of Enda Coughlan gave the 2009 champions a seemingly comfortable half time lead only for Liam Markham  to kick over a free to give them a bit of hope.

Mark McCarthy (Kilmurry-Ibrickane) and David Ryan (Cratloe) in action

Mark McCarthy continued where he left off in the second half with a good score to increase the lead to five before they were guilty of some missed chances as they dominated the first ten minutes of the new half. Then Cratloe started to get back on terms with some ill discipline from the ‘Bricks gifting the Clare-Limerick border team scoreable frees which Cathal McInerney and Liam Markham sent over with McCarthy on the mark from a free for Kilmurry-Ibrickane. In the 45^th minute Podge Collins hit their first effort from play to reduce the deficit to two before by the 55^th they were level with McInerney and Markham nailing frees. Padraig Chaplin was guilty of sending a scoring chance wide from 20 metres before Markham levelled it. It was inevitable that the next score would decide the winner and while the momentum was with Cratloe the class of the ‘Bricks would eventually show again when some fluid and crisp passing produced a chance for the veteran substitute Johnny Daly who shot over from 35 metres. It was a score worthy of deciding any game and for the remaining few minutes the championship favourites showed some great composure running down the clock with short passes.

While Kilmurry deserved the win they were given a stiff test from Cratloe and should win this championship out. One worrying statistic for them is the way the seemed to go into comfort mode in the second period, they can't afford for this to happen next day out as in that period they did not replicate their commanding manner of the first. They will await the victors of the Wolfe Tones and Doora/Barefield semi final which will be played tomorrow. For Cratloe they will be dissapointed to have lost, naturally enough, with their double dream over but they have progressed again building on the quarter final appearance of 2010 which is a good return for the intermediate champions of just two years ago. They now turn their attention to the hurling next week when they play Sixmilebridge in the semi final.

Kilmurry-Ibrickane: Peter O’Dwyer Jnr, Martin McMahon, Darren Hickey, Shane Hickey, Evan Talty, Enda Coughlan (0-2), Ian McInerney (0-1f), Paul O’Connor, Peter O’Dwyer, Mark McCarthy (0-2, 0-1f), Michael Hogan, Declan Callinan, Noel Downes (0-1), Michael O’Dwyer (1-0).

Subs: Seamus Lynch, Niall Hickey, Johnny Daly (0-1), Keith King   

Cratloe: Jamie Joyce, Sean Chaplin, Barry Duggan, David Ryan, Martin “Ogie” Murphy, Michael Hawes, Liam Markham (0-3fs), Brendan Bugler, Conor Ryan, Wesley De Loughrey, Sean Collins, Sean Hynan, Cathal McInerney (0-5fs), Conor McGrath, Podge Collins (0-1).

Subs: Enda Boyce, Damien Browne, Padraig Chaplin.

Man Of The Match: Shane Hickey (Kilmurry-Ibrickane)

 

Referee: Rory Hickey (Eire Óg)

Hurling Team Of The Year + Young Hurler And Hurler Of The Year

It sure ain't easy to pick the fifteen standout hurlers in this years' championship as it is very easy leave out someone that will pick up the offical gong! No doubt not all of my fifteen will make it but here goes my own personal opinion on the the team and players of the year.

1. Gary Maguire (Dublin)
The Metropolitan netminder enjoyed a spectacular season between the nets on a year that brought him Walsh Cup and National League medals. Of course, Dublin were only a whisker away from a final appearance. Maguire beats off stiff competition with his saves against Galway, Kilkenny and Tipperary springing to mind.

2. Paul Murphy (Kilkenny)
What a way to finish your first year on the team than with Leinster and All-Ireland medals. The Danesfort clubman brought an injection of pace to the Kilkenny full back line where his sheer hurling class saw him slot in well with Noel Hickey and Jackie Tyrell.

3. Peter Kelly (Dublin)
The Dublin youngster is very versatile as shown this year where he eventually ended up at full back due to injuries sustained to team mates. He certainly held his own with the best there is and it will be interestingly as to where Dublin will play him when they report a full bill of health as he is a crucial player for them.

4. Michael Cahill (Tipperary)
Thurles Sarsfields have supplied many great hurlers throughout the years. Young Cahill is starting tomould himself into a quality corner back and his All-Ireland final exemplified this where he gave a solid display in the losers' defence.

5. Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
What can you say about Tommy? He has it all and for a man who is shorter in stature than a lot of his oppents his aerial presence and puress under the high ball is not bettered with himself and Padraic Maher the standout wing backs in the country. On top of this he is a tight marker and has all the hurling skills of a great player.

6. Brian Hogan (Kilkenny)
The Kilkenny captain had a fantastic year for the Cats ending with him scaling the steps of the Hogan stand on two occasions to recieve the Leinster and All-Ireland cup's. He gave a masterclass in the All-Ireland final and curtailed the skilled Noel McGrath.

7. Padraic Maher (Tipperary)
Maher was imperious all year long and maintains a very high standard. He is adept under the high ball and his general hurling play is flawless. This is his third All-Star in a row and if he maintains his exceptional standards he could be picking of this gong every year.

8. Michael Fennelly (Kilkenny)
Arguably the hurler of the year in many people's eyes. The Ballyhale man has blossomed into a hurler of fine skill which is no surprise considering his stock. Had an outstanding year capped off by a memorable All-Ireland goal which set his side on their way. His brother Colin also makes this team.

9. Liam Rushe (Dublin)
Hard to believe this lad is still U21 the Dublin ace can play anywhere to great effect and has lined out in four different lines in championship fare. Had an impressive season showing great work rate and skill as the Dub's clinched a first league title since 1946. Like Peter Kelly he is also very versatile.

10. John Mullane (Waterford)
The Deise ace is remarkable and his scoring average of five points per game is unreal considering he does not take the frees for his county. Mullane scored his teams all important goal against Limerick before being curtailed somewhat in their Munster final massacre. Scored 1-6 from play against Kilkenny in the semi final showing why he is one of the best. Can play to great effect at any position in the forwards.

11. Patrick Maher (Tipperary)
The "Bonnar" gets my nod after his unselfish displays all year long. Of course, he may not score what a forward is expected to but he makes up for this with his sheer work rate where he constantly sets up his team mates for scores. Had an excellent All-Ireland final and while he usually lines out at wing forward, he could easily slot in at number eleven.

12. Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
King Henry, what a player and what a man, to come back from two serious cruciate injuries and each time come back stronger shows the quality and skill of this player. Impressive all year long particularly in the Leinster final where he pulled the strings and in the All-Ireland semi and of course the final where he caused Tipperary many problems.

13. Paul Ryan (Dublin)
The top scorer in the championship for 2011, the Dublin maestro has really developed into a player of class and is a very accurate free taker. Ryan enjoyed a brilliant year with his county with the crowning moment being their league success. He gots my nod for the number thirteen shirt.

14. Lar Corbett (Tipperary)
Corbett had another excellent year despite being somewhat subdued in the All-Ireland final. Then again it was very hard to expect another three goals in 2011's penultimate stage. He set the standard all year long with his Munster final 4-4 up there with the best individual displays in living memory. Still, the best forward in the country.

15. Colin Fennelly (Kilkenny)
Young Fennelly gets my nod for the other corner forward berth thereby joining older brother Michael on the team. Had a fantastic season for the Cats and caused numerous problems for corner backs with his speed and skill. Two classy All-Ireland final points capped off a memorable year for the Ballyhale Shamrocks clubman.

Young Hurler Of The Year- Liam Rushe (Dublin)

Hurler Of The Year - Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)

Cats Purr To All-Ireland Glory

Kilkenny 2-17 v 1-16 Tipperary

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final @ Croke Park, Dublin

Sunday the 4th of September 2011

"What a difference a year makes", that well said quote is often apt in sporting circles and it is perfect to assess this result. Cast your minds back to this time in 2010 where Kilkenny were gunning for a record five titles on the trot. Everything was going to plan down on Noreside until the All-Ireland semi-final win over Cork where their orchestrator Henry Shefflin suffered that well documented cruciate injury. Of course, Shefflin is a bit like Superman and got back in the frame for the All-Ireland where he opened up with a pointed free before suffering the injury and thereby ending his participation in the early stages. Other injuries to Tommy Walsh (shoulder) and John Tennyson (cruciate) raised questions over whether or not they would be able line out (2011 Kilkenny captain Brian Hogan was injured last year), both did with the latter perhaps paying the price for it as he has since suffered a recurrence which ruled him out of action for this years championship. While the dissapointment was unbearbale for Kilkenny supporters there was plenty of excitement over the border in Tipperary as they clinched a first title since 2001. Now come back to the present time and after this display the Cats are back as a result of this hard fought victory over a Tipperary side that could not reach the heights of their performance last year and similarly on their displays up to this point in championship 2011. This is not to say that Tipperary did not show up, they did, but more to the fact of the brilliance of Kilkenny. Brian Cody certainly had his work done with the first half in particular seeing his side showing great work rate, winning a lot of possession and more importantly for them snuffling out the threat of Lar Corbett and Eoin Kelly. Corbett hardly saw any ball during this game and when he did black and amber defenders quickly surrounded him. Likewise, Kelly (unerring from placed balls with eight from nine) hardly got any ball that he craves and on the one or two occasions that he did, again he like Lar was bottled up. A tactic of Kilkenny during this half was to play Henry Shefflin on his wing where he was up against All-Ireland debutant John O’Keefe. By doing this they simultaneously kept the ball away from Padraic Maher although the Thurles Sars man was impressive all through in particular the second half when he was imperious. Furthermore, the Kilkenny back line were immense with newcomer Paul Murphy enjoying a great first half along with Jackie Tyrell who marshalled Lar Corbett to great effect while full back Noel Hickey was very good. Outside that trio, Brian Hogan held the centre well with Noel McGrath having an ineffective first half and outside him JJ Delaney was prominent as was my man of the match, Tommy Walsh (who had another great contest with the Bonnar Maher) was a sight to behold – in this half alone he caught four Tipperary puck out’s on a day when Brendan Cummins’ distribution was not as effective as in previous games. While, up the field the two Michael’s - Fennelly and Rice had the better of the duel here so much that Tipp’s influential Shane McGrath was withdrawn at half time. On to the forwards and the work rate of his sextet was very impressive at times with all six in scoring form. For Tipperary only Michael Cahill, Padraic Maher, Gearoid Ryan at times, Patrick "Bonnar" Maher, John O'Brien in patches and perhaps Eoin Kelly from frees played to form but on the day there was no denying Kilkenny as Tipp's back to back All-Ireland bid failed. 

Kilkenny enjoyed the better of the opening minutes with scores from Shefflin (free), Eoin Larkin and Richie Hogan to lead 0-3 to 0-0 by the eleventh minute. Larkin seemed to have the measure of Paul Curran beating the Mullinahone man to a 50 – 50 ball after just two minutes (the Cats were 0-1 up by this stage) the James Stephens club man turned and headed for goal but before he could get in this strike he was thwarted by an excellent intervention from Michael Cahill who flicked the sliotar from Larkin’s grasp just as the Kilkenny man was set to pull the trigger. Indeed, Hogan and Larkin combined in the twelfth minute as great vision from Hogan saw him send in a lofting high pass to Larkin with Cummins contesting the high ball with the Kilkenny full forward who managed to get a flick on the sliotar. This sliotar was destined for the net only for Paul Curran to stop it from crossing the line with a crucial intervention. Kilkenny were certainly on top during this half with more scores from Richie Power and Henry Shefflin to go into a five-point lead by the end of the first quarter as Tipp’s only scoring chance ended with Eoin Kelly’s 65 from the sideline underneath the Hogan Stand going wide as they craved a score to settle them. It took the Premier men fifteen minutes and fifty seconds to get this score when Padraic Maher found Noel McGrath who sent over a rangy point from out near the Cusack Stand. This score boosted Tipp and they hit back with two frees from Eoin Kelly to narrow the gap to two. As stated, Henry Shefflin was seeing a lot of ball and gave marker John O’Keefe a torrid time. Time and time again Shefflin was the receiver of cross-field balls, which saw him turn O’Keefe for his first score from play to put the score line at double scores. It must be said that Shefflin has bounced back admirably from last years’ career threatening injury but he will be somewhat disappointed that in the opening half he did not make the most of his chances, hitting wide of the posts twice from score able positions and sending another short into the hand of Cummins.  On other times, and in fact throughout the match, the Ballyhale Shamrocks maestro showed great intelligence to set up his teammates for scores. A Tipperary attack in the nineteenth minute produced an unusual bit of action where after a small melee referee Brian Gavin received an accidental strike of a stray Tommy Walsh hurley to the nose which held up play for a few minutes as the Offaly official received attention. When the action resumed Kelly arrowed over his third pointed free. Eddie Brennan extended the Cats lead after being set up by Michael Fennelly in the twenty-fourth minute before Eoin Kelly replied through a converted free. Tipperary introduced 2010 young hurler of the year Brendan Maher for O’Keefe at this point as they hoped to finish the half strongly. Shefflin then arrowed over a free before both he and Richie Hogan combined to start the move from where the first goal of the 2011 All-Ireland came from. Ace midfielder Michael Fennelly capped off a great move when he gathered the ball thirty five yards out before racing through and unleashing a low and powerful shot from inside the twenty one yard line to beat Brendan Cummins. Incidentally Cummins was playing in his sixty seventh-championship game, a fine achievement. The next scores of the game came from Templederry and Carrickshock respectively as Gearoid Ryan, with a crisp score on the run from underneath the Cusack, and Fennelly’s midfield partner Michael Rice traded points. On thirty nine minutes (there were five minutes of added time) Patrick Maher tried to get in for a well needed Tipp goal but the Lorrha/Dorrha clubman was impeded by Noel Hickey preventing the Bonnar from getting through. As a result of this foul referee Brian Gavin awarded the Premier county a free, which was a bit too far out for Kelly to go for goal, with Kelly sending it flying over David Herity’s crossbar for to leave the champions trailing 1-8 to 0-6 at the interval. Interestingly by the end of this match we would see every Kilkenny player from 8-15 get on the score sheet with all bar Colin Fennelly scoring in the first half.

Kilkenny attacker Henry Shefflin under pressure from Tipperary duo John O'Keefe and Shane McGrath

Tipperary were under severe pressure and needed to freshen things up as manager Declan Ryan wielded the axe with Shane McGrath and Seamus Callinan not returning for the second half. In their place came Benny Dunne and Pa Burke as followers of the premier yearned for a better second thirty. Tipperary also had a few positional changes with Padraic Maher following Shefflin. Toomevara greyhound Dunne gave the defending champions the first score of the new half when he made a trademark run before firing over on the run. Henry Shefflin replied back with a good score from play before some pressure from the Premier forced a 65 which their ace Kelly duly sent flying over the cross bar. The nippy Colin Fennelly, whose participation was in doubt through injury, showed no ill effects and got a deserved score when he rifled over to join his older brother Michael on the score sheet. Richie Power extended the Noresiders lead with his second of the hour before Shefflin again converted a placed ball to give the contenders a 1-11 to 0-8 advantage. Tipperary fought back with Conor O’Mahony showing his forwards how to do it as he pointed from play before Kelly punished ill discipline with another free. Ultimately the winning of this game arrived in the forty-ninth minute of the game when Richie Hogan goaled with a fine strike, Hogan showed his skill with this goal, which was something out of the armoury of his first cousin and Kilkenny legend DJ Carey. Eddie Brennan set up Hogan for this major when the wing forward won a ball just inside the 65 before making a piercing run through the Tipperary defence and offloading to Danesfort’s Hogan who from a difficult position controlled the ball on the hurley before then striking first time to the right hand corner of the net. Many teams in recent times have fell to pieces once the Cats start to open up the lead but not this Tipperary team who fought back gamely to provide spectators with a truly tight and exciting contest. John O’Brien started the fight back a minute later with a nice point after Lar Corbett got his first clean ball of the game before smartly hand passing to O’Brien who did the rest. It must be said that O’Brien was winning his share of ball during the final twenty minutes before eventually running out of steam near the end. The Premier were attacking in waves as Padraic Maher was starting to stamp his presence on the game making numerous clearances while up front Patrick Maher was showing immense work rate to set up chances. Henry Shefflin got the next score with a free before Noel McGrath showed his skill with a beautiful line ball that sailed over the cross bar. Then came exactly what Tipperary people from Borrisokane to Ballyporeen (and all over the country and the world of course) were baying for when Pa Burke got through for his first ever championship goal and more importantly the score their supporters were crying out four. This score came about after Brendan Maher cleared from defence finding the Bonnar Maher who tried to bore his way through before offloading to Lar Corbett who showed another deft hand pass to set up the on rushing Burke. The Sars man still had it all to do as he soloed through before hitting a low shot to the net from inside the twenty one. Some people may feel that David Herity might have done better with the shot as it went straight at him but it most definetly was well struck by Burke to set up a pulsating last few minutes. Kilkenny were now 2-13 to 1-12 up and needed to stem this tide to which Colin Fennelly stepped up to the plate to send another deft score between the two uprights. Tipperary replied through Noel McGrath, who had a quiet game by his standards even if he did contribute three points two of which came from play, and a Kelly free as followers of both teams and the neutral alike were going to be in for an exciting finale. Approaching the last five minutes and with just a goal between the two, Henry Shefflin made it a two score game when he fired over another free. Tipperary were not going to let Liam McCarthy exit from their grasp without one heck of a battle with Patrick Maher again showing excellent work rate before being fouled which yet again Eoin Kelly excellently converted in sniper like fashion. TJ Reid marked his permanent introduction with score similar to one he got in the 2008 final before a good Tipp move saw Pa Burke shaping up for a pot at goal but the Cats backs flung around him like a swarm of wasps. Next it was the turn of Tipperary to deny Kilkenny a score when Michael Cahill produced another good block to deny Larkin again. We were being treated to excellent defending further exemplified when Kilkenny captain Brian Hogan denied Tipp sub John O’Neill a certain point with a superb block before clearing the sliotar from the danger zone. On the next attack Gearoid Ryan got Tipperary’s last score of the game to make it a three-point game with normal time up and two minutes of injury time to play. The champions badly needed a second goal but they could not muster this, as Eoin Larkin sent over the insurance score in the seventy-first minute to bring back Liam McCarthy to Kilkenny to make up for the disappointment of their failed five in a row bid of 2010.

A notable achievement of this thirty third All-Ireland title for Kilkenny is that of their quartet Henry Shefflin, Eddie Brennan, Noel Hickey and substitute Michael Kavanagh who picked up an eight celtic cross to join the legendary duo of John Doyle (Tipperary) and Christy Ring (Cork) as players to achieve this feat. Shefflin and Brennan have garnered all eight on the field of play just like Doyle and Ring. Of course, they are one behind fellow Kilkenny man Noel Skehan who has nine medals, but unlike Ring and Doyle, three of which were won on the field of play. GAA president Christy Cooney from Cork presented the Liam McCarthy cup to Cats captain Brian Hogan after the game as for the fifth time in six years the cup will be residing on Noreside. Referee Brian Gavin had a good game officiating in his first All-Ireland final despite picking up a nasty but accidental blow to his nose.

Kilkenny: David Herity (7); Paul Murphy (7), Noel Hickey (8), Jackie Tyrell (7); Tommy Walsh (9), Brian Hogan (8), JJ Delaney (8); Michael Fennelly (8) (1-0), Michael Rice (7) (0-1); Eddie Brennan (7) (0-1), Richie Power (7) (0-2), Henry Shefflin (8) (0-7; 0-5fs); Colin Fennelly (7) (0-2), Eoin Larkin (8) (0-2), Richie Hogan (7) (1-1).

Subs: TJ Reid (7) (0-1) for C.Fennelly (blood sub), Reid for Brennan, John Mulhall (6) for Hogan. 

Tipperary: Brendan Cummins (7); Paddy Stapleton (7), Paul Curran (7), Michael Cahill (8); John O’Keefe (6), Conor O’Mahony (6) (0-1), Padraic Maher (8); Gearoid Ryan (7) (0-2), Shane McGrath (6); Seamus Callinan (6), Noel McGrath (7) (0-3; 0-1 sideline), Patrick Maher (8); Eoin Kelly (7) (0-8; 0-7fs, 1 65), John O’Brien (7) (0-1), Lar Corbett (6).

Subs: Brendan Maher (7) for O’Keefe, Benny Dunne (6) (0-1) for S.McGrath, Pa Burke (7) (1-0), David Young (6) for O’Mahony, John O’Neill (6) for O’Brien.  

Referee: Brian Gavin (7) (Offaly)

Man of the Match: Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)

Cratloe and Crusheen win

Senior Hurling Championship Round 3

"Cratloe Eventually See Off Whitegate"

Cratloe 0-20 v Whitegate 2-12
@ Cusack Park, Ennis

In what looked to be a one sided affair particularly when they extended their lead to ten points early in the second half, Cratloe were lucky to escape with the two points in this one. At the end of a dour first half the South Clare men led by 0-11 to 0-3 with Damien Browne hitting five from play in that period alone. Whitegate were fighting to no avail as the end product was simply not present and it must be said their first touch and a lot of the striking was woeful. Thankfully for the neutral match goer they were a changed side during the second half and started to hurl with abandon and run at the Cratloe men. That said Cratloe were much the better side in the first thirty and produced some lovely hurling with Browne hitting some good points along with his compatriots. Indeed, Conor McGrath was causing trouble during this half but he blazed wide on three occassions when he would have been expected to score. McGrath started to find form in the second period and verall his side can thank him in part for two outstanding scores near the end to knock Whitegate back. The East Clare revival started after Andrew Fahy goaled from a 21 metre free midway into the second half as Sean Hayes could not get a strong block to the sliotar as it spun into the net. This woke the Whitegate boys from their slumber and some fine efforts from George Waterstone (1-4) and Micheal O’Brien (3) made it an edgy final run in for the 2009 champions. Waterstone got a brilliant goal when he pounced to pot the ball into the goal after he appeared to be bottled up by two opposing defenders. It could very well have been a drawn game when into injury time O’Brien soared in from the stand side before unleashing a shot that narrowly flew over the crossbar. Cratloe had good games from David Ryan in the first half, Michael Hawes, Liam Markham, Sean Chaplin, Damien Browne, Conor McGrath and Sean Collins. Whitegate will rue their bad first half with Brendan Bugler, the returning Tommy Holland, Cathal Mulvihil, Pat Minogue when moved to wing forward, Andrew Fahey, Micheal O’Brien and Waterstone doing well.

Cratloe: Sean Hayes (6); John O’Gorman (6), Barry Duggan (6), David Ryan (7); Enda Boyce (6), Michael Hawes (7), Liam Markham (0-1; 65) (7); Sean Chaplin (7), Sean Collins (7); Cathal McInerney (0-2) (6), Conor Ryan (0-2) (7), Damien Browne (0-6) (8); Podge Collins (6), Padraig Chaplin (0-1) (7), Conor McGrath (0-8; 0-5 fs) (8).

Subs: Philip Gleeson (6) for O’Gorman, Thomas O’Connor (6) for P.Chaplin.

Whitegate: Andrew Fahy (1-0; f) (7); Cathal Mulvihil (7), John Bugler (6), Trevor Kelly (6); Tommy Holland (7), Brendan Bugler (7), Jason Malone (6); Pat Minogue (7) (0-1), Ian Fahy (7); Eric Minogue (6), Raymond Cahill (6), Tomas McNamara (6); Micheal O’Brien (0-4) (7), George Waterstone (1-7; 0-6fs) (7), Shane O’Rourke (6).

Subs: John Minogue (6) for Kelly, John O’Brien (6) for E.Minogue (injury), Christy Jones (6) for Malone.

Man of the Match: Damien Browne (Cratloe).

Referee: Seanie McMahon (Newmarket).

"Crusheen Defeat The Blues At Third Attempt"

Crusheen 3-10 v Newmarket 1-11

@ Cusack Park, Ennis

Reigning county champions Crusheen all but assured their place in the knockout stages after this hard fought win at Cusack Park on Saturday evening. Honours even coming into the last seven minutes the Blood and Bandages got through for a crucial score when former Clare star Gerry O’Grady hit the ball low into the corner of Kieran Devitt’s net to give them a three point lead. This was to be a defining score and ultimately it gave Crusheen the fuel they needed to motor them to victory. Newmarket fought back with Colin Ryan sending over a minor to set up an exciting final five minutes. Then their hopes were dashed when a long and high ball into the Newmarket full back line saw Paddy Meaney and Blues duo Kieran Devitt and Stephen Kelly contest the dropping ball with Meaney soaring highest to execute a spectacular overhead pull to the net on the stroke of full time. Meaney’s major sealed the contest for what was the third meeting of these two in the past three weeks (incidentally Newmarket won those two meetings in the league). These two Crusheen goals were the defining scores in a game that saw the ‘Blues go in one ahead at the interval when David Barrett found the net near half time. It was neck and neck for the majority of the second period save for a rich spell for Newmarket with Enda Kelly (2) and David Barrett sending them three clear 1-9 to 1-6 before Crusheen clawed back the deficit thanks to the efforts of Pat Vaughan (2) and Fergus Kennedy. Then came the final furlong, which proved to be a fruitful one for the champs who had Cian Dillon in imperious form at centre back. Others to impress were Alan Brigdale, Ciaran O’Doherty, Cathal Dillon, Pat Vaughan, Fergus Kennedy and Gerry O’Grady. The ‘Blues had good displays from James McInerney, Enda Barrett, Enda Kelly, Colin Ryan in patches and both Shane O’Brien’s.

Crusheen: Donal Tuohy (7); John Brigdale (7), Cronan Dillon (7), Alan Brigdale (8); Ciaran O’Doherty (7), Cian Dillon (8), Cathal Dillon (7); Shaun Dillon (6), Pat Vaughan (0-3; 0-2fs) (7); Tony Meaney (6), Gerry O’Grady (1-2) (7), David Forde (6); Gearoid O’Donnell (6) (0-1), Joe Meaney (1-0) (7), Fergus Kennedy (0-3) (8). 

Subs: Paddy Meaney (1-1) (7) for Vaughan (injury-blood sub), Jamie Fitzgibbon (6) for S.Dillon, Meaney for O’Donnell, Conor O’Donnell (6) for Forde.

Newmarket: Kieran Devitt (6); Shane O’Brien Jnr (7), Stephen Kelly (6), Padraig Kilmartin (6); Alan Barrett (6), James McInerney (7), Enda Barrett (7); Colin Ryan (0-6; 0-4fs) (7), Martin O’Hanlon (6); Sean O’Connor (6), David Barrett (1-1) (7), Enda Kelly (0-2) (6); Martin Murphy (6), Shane O’Brien Snr (7) (0-1), Tommy Griffin (6).

Subs: Darren Duggan (6) for Griffin, Eoin O’Brien (6) for Murphy, Noel Frawley (6) for E.Kelly.

Man of the Match: Cian Dillon (Crusheen)

Referee: Ambrose Heagney (Corofin)

Minor Hurling Championship Rolls Into Action

The 2011 Clare minor hurling championship finally gets underway this Friday evening with a number of fixtures down for decision in the A and B grades. A few weeks ago the first round was postponed due to the fact that the county minors were contesting the Munster final. Of course this fixture change proved to be an inspired choice as the minors won a second title on the trot last Sunday when overcoming Waterford. Below are the previews for all of these round 2 games.

Minor A - Round 2

Eire Og v Ballyea @ Eire Og, Ennis

The Eire Og club grounds will be the venue for this clash between the Ennis side and near neighbours Ballyea. Eire Óg are going through a transition at the moment and will look to Clare and St. Flannans's player Shane O'Donnell to lead the way. A number of both sides' are schoolmates having represented St. Flannan's over the past few seasons and will be more than familiar with one another. In addition to Shane O'Donnell others players expected to be in the Townies starting line up are Paul Moynihan, David Reidy, James Sweeney, Martin Melican, Joel Hanna and Bryan Nestor. In the view of many people Ballyea are one of the teams to beat in this year's competition. Recent years have seen great strides made by the Mid Clare outfit accumulating A titles at underage grades. Such is the talent available to Ballyea that they also have four county representatives in the shape of Clare captain Tony Kelly, Jack Browne, Gearoid O'Connell and Niall Deasy amongst their side. Indeed, all four featured heavily in their U21 B success back in April where they beat O'Callaghan's Mills in the final. Furthermore, Ballyea will again have assistance from a few isolated players including Kilmihil trio Martin O'Leary, Stan Lineen and Allyn Dalton who are also crucial to their hopes. Overall it is hard to see Ballyea being beat as they look to be the better-balanced side.

Verdict: Ballyea

       Clare minor captain Tony Kelly will be in action for Ballyea against Eire Óg

Newmarket v Clarecastle @ Newmarket-on-Fergus

Defending champions Newmarket will have home advantage in this local derby with Clarecastle. Last year the "Blues" surprised Sixmilebridge in the final and still possess a number of that side. They have been dealt a blow before a ball is pucked as county minor Shane Liddy is out injured while doubts remain over the fitness of fellow county man Frank Melody who in recent weeks has been sidelined with a shoulder complaint. In addition the Newmarket men have two other county minor men in their team namely in Niall O'Connor and Shane Kelleher while other players they will hope to lead the way will be Evan Keogh, Sean Gleeson and James Warren. In 2010 Clarecastle blooded a number of U16's and having contested the U16 final back in October they will be confident to qualify for the last four. Clarecastle will include Conor O'Gorman, a member of the Magpies senior side, in their ranks along with Jamie Coughlan and a number of those who played in the 2010 U16 final against Sixmilebridge such as Conor Clancy, Gearoid Ryan, Stephen Ward, Aidan McGuane and Bobby Duggan. It has the makings of a good game of hurling with the greater experience of this Newmarket team expected to push them over the line in what should be a tightly contested affair.

Verdict: Newmarket

Clonlara v Sixmilebridge @ Clonlara

This tie is a clash of the 2009 U16 B champions and the U16 A champions of the same year. In recent years both clubs have had their fair share of success at underage level and will both hope to be in the shake up for this title. Clonlara have key players in the shape of Colm Galvin and Cathal "Tots" O'Connell who both played important roles in last Sunday's county side that regained the Munster title. They also contain two other panellists in brothers Oisin and Shane O'Brien while they will also be looking for big performances from Ryan Morris, Eoin Meehan and David Begley. Earlier this year the "Bridge" clinched the U21 A title with names such as Jamie Shanahan, Seadna Morey and Brian Carey featuring prominently in that success. All three are Clare minors along with Alan Mulready with all four expected to man the central positions while their side will hope others such as Evan McInerney, Mark Hehir and Sean Lynch hit form. They have won the last four U16 A championships and have a conveyor of talent coming through. Add in that they have also lost the last three minor finals so they will want to atone for that this year. It is being touted as the game of the round and should be a close one but come the full time whistle Sixmilebridge should be ahead.

Verdict: Sixmilebridge

 

          Seadhna Morey will be in the Sixmilebridge team this Friday

Clooney-Quin v St. Joseph's Doora/Barefield @ Clooney

This is another local derby with Clooney-Quin playing host to St. Joseph's Doora/Barefield this weekend. Clooney-Quin have impressed at this grade in recent years and each year are improving having contested the quarter final in 2010. They contain a well-balanced side and will be hoping to get through to the semi finals as it is well within their reach. Their man light will be the skilful Peter Duggan who played his part in Clare's recent Munster success at this grade. Duggan is deadly from placed balls and will be joined by Dave Barry, Keith Hogan (both of whom are also Clare panellists), Jason Ryan, Brian Clune, John Reynolds and Niall Hehir in the Clooney starting line out. Doora/Barefield seem to be in a period of transition at the moment but none the less they will be hoping to get off to a winning start. The "Parish" can call on Clare minor duo Jarlath Colleran and Alan O'Neill who are also regulars on their senior side. These two are their key players while they will also seek good performances from other players such as the likes of Donal O'Halloran, Kevin Maloney, Fiachra Tuohy, David Conroy and Aaron Landy. Overall Clooney-Quin appear to be the better balanced side and should get their campaign off to a winning start in this one.

Verdict: Clooney-Quin

Minor B - Round 2

Group 1

Inagh/Kilnamona v Broadford @ Inagh or Kilnamona

It was not that long ago that Inagh/Kilnamona won the A championship but this year they will compete in the second tier. Last year they had three county minor representatives and fielded a young side in the championship with a number of these players expected to fill central roles this year. Key players for the Mid Clare outfit are Patrick Healy, Gerry Coote, Cathal McConigley, Ciaran Devitt, James Keating and Joseph Gallagher. Their East Clare opponents Broadford will fancy their chances of doing well at this level and will also field a youthful side most of whom will be underage next year. Clare minor panellist Donie Whelan is sure to be their man score getter with the likes of Damien Keniry, Craig Shanahan, Brian Taylor, Micheal McInerney and Danny Reddan also expected to be in their line up. It is sure to be an entertaining game with Inagh/Kilnamona expected to justify favouritism.

Verdict: Inagh/Kilnamona

Kilmaley v Scariff/Ogonnelloe/Whitegate @ Kilmaley

Minor A champions as recent as 2009 Kilmaley will face a stiff test from this Inis Cealtra combination. Kilmaley can still call on a few of that minor winning side and will look to Clare minor Eoin Enright, Cillian McNamara, Paul Kennedy, James Maloney and Miltown duo Conor Cleary and Aidan McGuane to show the way. The amalgamation will seek good performances from county minor panellist Rory Skelly and his Ogonnelloe club mate Peter English, Eoin Quirke, Paul O'Rourke (both Whitegate) and Scariff duo Barry Nash and Enda Nugent. It is a hard one to predict but giving Kilmaley's experience of playing at A level this might swing it their way.

Verdict: Kilmaley

Parteen v Meelick @ Parteen

A local derby between two clubs that in times past played under the same banner and in more recent times amalgamated to great effect. It is a pity that they have not joined forces to compete in the top tier as there is a good bunch of players between both sides. Parteen will have Clare minor Martin Moroney in their team along with Noel Bridgeman, David Small, Eoghan Kelly, Gavin Higgins and Cian McCarthy. Meelick will call on two county minors of their own in Oisin Hickey and Damien Moloney while Colin Ryan and the Ryan triplets Gavin, Evan and Darren are other players they will be looking to show the way. In a local derby anything can happen but Meelcik with Hickey and Moloney might sneak it.

Verdict: Meelick

Group 2

Feakle/Killanena v O'Callaghan's Mills @ Feakle or Killanena

In this East Clare clash Feakle/Killanena will be fancied to overcome O'Callaghan's Mills. Both sides contain a number of players that featured in their respective ill-fated U21 county finals earlier this year with the "Mills" losing out in the B decider and their opponents losing out in the C. Feakle/Killanena can call on Clare minor and Feakle duo Eibhear Quilligan and Shane McGrath along with Colin McNamara, Martin Glynn, Eoin McMahon and Padraig Brady from Killanena. O'Callaghan's Mills will hope Clare minor panellist Sean O'Gorman, his brother Aidan, Kevin O'Callaghan, Jamie Lynch, Eoin McInerney and Darren Cooney are on form. Another tight contest is expected with the amalgamation getting the nod.

Verdict: Feakle/Killanena

Wolfe Tones v Crusheen/Tubber @ Shannon (W/O to Crusheen/Tubber)

This game is down for decision but by all accounts the Shannon town club of Wolfe Tones has pulled their team from the competition due to small numbers. This is a shame to see and means that those players interested in hurling will have to play junior or senior for the remainder of the year. Last Sunday saw Wolfe Tones very own Aaron Cunningham play his part in the minor’s Munster success, it is a pity he and those that were due to play won’t see action at this grade in 2011. As a result Crusheen/Tubber are set to get the walk over but they will have preferred to claim the points on the field of play. It is a shame as players such as Cunningham, Eoin Collins, William Flynn, Darragh Downes and Sean Reidy (Wolfe Tones) along with Jamie Fitzgibbon, Rory Halpin, Sean Weir, Gerry Rosengrave (Crusheen) and Tubber duo Paddy O'Connor and Kevin Fawle would have featured in this tie.

Corofin v Smith O'Briens @ Corofin

The last fixture in this group sees Corofin take on Smith O'Briens. The Killaloe and Bridgetown men will be hoping to go all the way this year and certainly they contain some players amongst their ranks that are capable of going all the way. They will face a stiff test from Corofin who will look to Manus and Jamie Malone, Gearoid Kelly, Liam Corbett, Luke Conroy and St. Breckan's club man Declan Stack to show the way. Smith O'Brien's have a Clare minor panellist in the shape of the speedy Michael Ryan while other players they will be hoping to hit form are Mark Stritch, Mark O'Halloran, Noel McInerney, Jason and Christopher Monahan. Expect Smith O'Brien's to win this one.

Verdict: Smith O'Briens

Clare and Galway – The Banner versus the Tribesmen

“Win or bust” is basically the mantra for these two great rivals as they go in search of the crucial victory that would ignite their championship flame for 2011. Both are coming into this game with a heavy burden of expectation harrowing over them. Of course, the form of each one is different, in Clare the reputation of this young team is glowing after the fight they put up against Tipperary after being wrote off. In that said tie Clare out hurled the All-Ireland champions for the first twenty minutes but alas when did hurling for just that short period of time ever win a game? If the Banner men can sustain that level of performance for the full seventy then they will win but they do face a wounded animal in the shape of near neighbours Gallimh. The Galweigans were poor against Dublin and save for a goal from Joe Gantley the scoreline would have been greater. Approaching that game three former starts were outspoken on the current team which failed to initiate a response from the hurlers in the Leinster semi final. Much of Galway’s hope lies on the shoulders of 22-year-old Joseph Canning from Portumna, against the Metropolitans he did not enjoy his greatest day in the Maroon gansai. True, he notched 1-3 with the goal coming after a slip by full back Tomas Brady that as it transpired curtailed Brady’s involvement in the match and the points coming from placed balls. In addition, he also hit at least 7-8 wides but remember he has had his fair share of injury problems so far this year. However, one of the games most promising talents certainly wont have an off day like that again and come this Saturday evening you can be sure he will be rearing for road. Galway have Canning, Clare have Honan. Again, Darach Honan was suffering from injury coming into the Clare versus Tipperary game and he did not endure his best day but again when Honan is fully fit and on fire he is unmarkable. He won't be able line out in this one due to injury but there is another forward in Clare making a name for himself. 

Conor McGrath will be in action this Saturday evening when Clare meet Galway

That forward being Conor McGrath who has been unearthed as their most potent forward after hitting 1-6 against Tipperary, 1-2 from play and what a way to start your career with an excellent individual goal less than a minute in. The nippy Cratloe youngster is still 19 years of age but is well able to hurl, indeed he is also an accurate free taker which is crucial to Clare after the retirement of Niall Gilligan in 2009 and before that Jamesie O’Connor. Both Gilligan and O’Connor were key forwards for the Banner and excellent free takers. It is expected McGrath will be watched today by David Collins and that will certainly be the duel to watch. Another interesting duel will be Conor Cooney versus Joe Canning, old LIT team mates they will know each other fairly well and have marked each other in the past when WIT and LIT faced off in the Fitzgibbon Cup most notably in 2008 but also in 2007 and 2009 when they met in the group stages. When both counties clashed in 2009 James McInerney earned the plaudits for a good hours defending against Canning and both LIT boys could be in direct opposition at some stage come 7 pm in Pearse Stadium. Galway boss John McIntyre has made five changes from the Dublin game the most talked about one being the axing of captain Damien Joyce while Clare guru Ger “Sparrow” O’Loughlin has one enforced change with the injured Honan being replaced by Sixmilebridge clubman Caimin Morey. As for the preditction? Well, it’s like this if Clare can replicate the opening twenty minutes against Tipperary and keep it going for at least another thirty then they will win. Still, it’s hard to call as Galway with home advantage and all this criticism being levelled at them are bound to come out with all guns blazing. They have six forwards that on paper can cause damage but when did six Galway forwards ever click? Save the 2005 clash with Kilkenny, they never really do, will that change this weekend? The experience of Galway might just shade it but really it's hard to call. The man target for the Tribesmen is Canning while Clare’s main man on Saturday will be McGrath, big expectations for two young and talented hurlers. Let’s hope it’s good and more importantly that the result be in Clare's favour. Up the Banner!

U21 football championship results and previews

After last week’s opening round there are three more games in the U21 football championship this weekend. Three teams will make their first appearance of the year with reigning champions Ennistymon doing battle with Wolfe Tones while the 2010 runners up Cratloe will also be in action whey they square up to Clondegad on Sunday. The other game sees Miltown and St. Breckan’s facing each other in Ennistymon on Saturday. Below are the results from the previous round with the previews for this round of games underneath it.

U21 Results

U21 A

St. Breckan’s 1-14 v Kilmurry Ibrickane 0-5

Clondegad 2-8 v St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 3-4

St. Joseph’s Miltown 2-17 v Kilrush 3-4

U21 B

Kildysart/Coolmeen 3-10 v Kilmihil 2-8

Doonbeg 1-12 v Kilkee 0-14

Corofin 2-12 v Cooraclare 0-6

U21 A Previews

St. Joseph’s Miltown v St. Breckan’s @ Ennistymon, Saturday 3.30 pm

Two up and coming bunch of players here on either side that makes for an interesting and exciting game. In round 1, Miltown racked up 2-17 against Kilrush with St. Breckan’s hitting Kilmurry Ibrickane for 1-14. It is no wonder why this is being labelled as the game of the round considering the high scoring both racked up last time out. Key to the St. Breckan’s cause are the Cormican twins and Stephen Tierney, if Miltown are to win this one they will need to combat this trio. Other important figures for Breckans are the Sean Howley, Michael Reddan, John Stack and Noel McDonagh. However, Miltown have some quality performers of their own including Joe Curtin, Peter Cleary, Micheal Malone, Darragh McDonag and the Cleary twins Conor and Eoin. It is a hard match to call and is shaping up to be the game of the round. Both teams have a good win under their belts and will be hoping to gather more momentum as they go in search of glory. Miltown seem to have the better balanced side and will hope to get one step closer to last year where Lissycasey upset them in the semi final. They will however need to contain Breckan’s main men who on their day are match winners. Expect Miltown to advance here with a win in what should be a tight affair.

Verdict: St. Joseph’s Miltown

Ennistymon v Wolfe Tones @ Eire Óg, Sunday 1 pm

A first outing for both these two sides that in the recent few years have made great strides at underage level. Ennistymon clinched the county title last year with a good win over Lissycasey. Prior to this they claimed a number of underage titles and actually got to the U21 final in 2009 as well where they were well beat by Cratloe. On the other hand Wolfe Tones from Shannon have also reaped the rewards with underage glory including an U16 A championship last year after a lapse of six years. It is expected a few of that side will see action this weekend. Interestingly both clubs met in the senior B final last year where the Shannon side proved too strong on the day for their North Clare opponents. A notable feature was the presence of youthful exuberance on both panels for that game with a number of those expected to take to the field for this tie. Most of the victorious 2010 Ennistymon side are available again as they try defend their crown at this grade. They have county experience in the shape of Micheal O’Loughlin, Sean Driscoll, Sean McConigley, Michael McDonagh, Ronan Linnane and Joey Rouine who are all expected to be in their team as they go in search of glory yet again. Clare U21’s Daniel Gallery and Sean Brennan will be the key men for Wolfe Tones who will also look to county minors Craig O’Brien and William Flynn along with Stephen McInerney and Aaron Leahy for inspiration. It will be interesting to see how this game enfolds but on paper anything other than an Ennistymon win would be a surprise as they have so many of their 2010 team available.

                                   Joey Rouine will be in the Ennistymon attack on Sunday

Verdict: Ennistymon

Clondegad v Cratloe @ Gurteen, Sunday 7 pm

This is another interesting tie with some quality footballers expected to be on display. Clondegad impressed last time out against a fancied St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield while Cratloe had a bye in the previous round. However both sides will be sweating on the availability of key players for this game. For Clondegad It remains to be seen if Tony Kelly and Gearoid O’Connell line out as both are key players on the Clare minor hurling side that will be in action in the Munster final next week while county senior panellist Shane Brennan is struggling with injury. If these three are not available for Sunday then it would represent a huge blow to the hopes of a victory for the Mid Clare outfit. In addition to the above trio they will look to chief score getter Paudge McMahon, Conor Gavin, Cormac Ryan and Kevin Donnelly to spring a surprise here. Cratloe are tipped by many to go all the way this year, in the 2010 semi final Ennistymon got revenge for the defeat Cratloe inflicted on them in the 2009 final. Similar to their opponents Cratloe have worries of their own, they will hope that key men and Clare senior hurlers Liam Markhan, Conor McGrath and Cathal McInerney will come through the All-Ireland senior hurling championship qualifier game against Galway on Saturday unscathed. They have a quality side with players such as Conor Ryan, Padraig Collins, Jamie Joyce and the De Loughrey twins Dean and Wesley amongst their team while Markham mans the middle with McInerney and McGrath their most potent forwards. Although Clondegad are an up and coming team it is very hard to look beyond Cratloe who should have too much in the tank for last years U21 B finalists.

Verdict: Cratloe

Clare U21 football championsip rolls into action

It’s that time of the year once again when the crème de la crème of the county’s best U21 footballers go in search of glory in the respective grades. For football followers there is an action packed round of fixtures in the A and B championship this Saturday and Sunday. Firstly let’s look at Saturday which plays host to one 1^st round game in the base championship with two more down for decision in the second tier. Meanwhile on Sunday there are three ties in the A grade and two more in the B competition with the game between Lissycasey and Eire Óg potentially the pick of the round. Anyway enough of the chitchat here are the previews for this weekends action.

Saturday

U21 A Championship Round 1

Kilrush Shamrocks v St. Joseph’s Miltown at Doonbeg 6:30 pm M Talty

There is nothing like a good battle between two footballing hotbeds to get the ball rolling for this championship. In Kilrush Shamrocks and St. Joseph’s we certainly have that with the two club’s having proud histories and of course success with the big ball. It is fair to say that both will fancy their chances at this level this year with both having made strides in recent years. Miltown will start this game as favourites which is hardly surprising considering the amount of inter county experience that lies within their ranks. Underdogs Kilrush will feature Clare U21 back man Chris Dixon who will provide leadership and the Shams will also need Clare minor Darragh Bolton and the likes of Eoin Tarrant, Callum Bond and Conn Prenderville on form if they are to upset the odds. Since they won the U21 B title in 2008 the men from Mount Callan and surrounds have blooded a number of players in with the guile and class that remains from that team. In Joe Curtin, Micheal and Seanie Malone they have key performers from that 2008 team, add in exciting minors such as the Cleary twins Eoin and Conor and you have a well balanced side. Expect the Miltown boys to advance here.

Verdict: Miltown

 Conor Cleary in action for the Clare minor footballers

U21 B Round 1

Kilmihil v Kildysart-Coolmeen at Labasheeda 6 pm M Fitzgerald

The Shannon Gaels club grounds in Labasheeda will play host to this clash of a youthful Kilmihil and the estuary amalgamation of Kildysart-Coolmeen. Kilmihil are likely to include a number of minors in their side including Stan Lineen and Martin O’Leary both of who are Clare minor players while the likes of Daniel Blake, Colm Callinan and Mark Coughlan are other key players who will provide experience. Their opponents Kildysart-Coolmeen partook in the A grade last year putting it up to 2009 champions Cratloe before fading away. Indeed, they will be hopeful of success at this level and with players such as Keith O’Connor, Kieran Leahy, Damien Hill (Kildysart) and Coolmeen duo Jason O’Leary, Kevin Corry amongst their side they will be quietly confident of advancing to the next stage. The amalgamation should have just enough to advance to the next round.

Verdict: Kildysart-Coolmeen

                            Kildysart-Coolmeen will look to Keith O'Connor to show the way

Clarecastle v Shannon Gaels at Ballynacally 6 pm D Fox

Who can forget the two classic duel these two neighbours played out last year? Eventually it was the Magpies led by the skilful Aaron Considine that prevailed on the right side of a 2-10 to 2-9 finish in the replay. Interestingly, Considine could have been facing his own club if his transfer to the Gaels earlier in the year was not withdrawn. A member of the county junior panel he will lead the well known hurling club’s charge for success at the big ball most likely from centre back or midfield. Other players of note for the men from Clarecastle are Fergus Ryan, Jamie Coughlan, Conor O’Gorman and Cormac Donnellan. Once again, the Gaels will have assistance from neighbouring club Killimer who again are not fielding at adult level this year. Killimer native Ruairí Norby is their danger man and he will need good support from ex county minor Micheal O'Donnoghue, Sean Reynolds, Diarmuid Lorrigan and Nigel Hehir if this young side are to reverse the scoreline from the aforementioned 2010 game. A number of their team were part of their minor winning outfit that claimed the C title last year in their amalgamation with Killimer and should see off the Considine led Clarecastle here.

Verdict: Shannon Gaels

Sunday

U21 A Championship Round 1

St. Breckan’s v Kilmurry-Ibrickane at Ennistymon 12 noon T Stackpool

A repeat of the 2008 county minor B football final with a clash of St. Breckan’s Lisdoonvarna and Kilmurry-Ibrickane. On that occasion it was Breckan’s who won the day. That will be firmly etched on the back of these Ibrickane minds come Sunday where they will be eager to inflict revenge on Breckans who are making the step up having won the B title last year. They certainly have a strong side a number of whom were introduced to the adult football scene when they were just out of U16, three such figures are the fulcrum of this bunch namely Stephen Tierney and the Cormican twins Conor and Sean all pacey, skilful and composed footballers. Factor in other players such as John Stack and Sean Howley, and see why they are being touted as the side to keep an eye on. However, they will be up against a talented Kilmurry Ibrickane pack that included a number of lads that have worn the saffron and blue at minor over the past couple of years. A number of these are currently featuring on the panel of thie flagship team in the fishing village including main score getter Niall Hickey; factor in fellow senior panellists and medalists John Willie Sexton, Thomas Lernihan, Graham Johnson and Seamus Lynch and you have a well drilled side. This is expected to be tight game with only a kick of a ball between the two. If the Bricks can keep the Cormican’s and Tierney under wraps and keep Lynch and Hickey supplied with the ball then they have a chance. However, that trio are a handful to watch so the shout goes to Breckan's.

Verdict: St. Breckan's

            Graham Johnson is expected to be in the Kilmurry defence this weekend              

Clondegad v St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield at Eire Óg 12 noon J Hannon

This is another tie that has all the makings of a good free flowing game of football. Clondegad have a number of players that are key to their intermediate side while St. Joseph’s have a good bunch coming through having won the minor A championship in 2010. Footballers of the calibre of Padraig McMahon and current senior panellist Shane Brennan would make any club side in the county. They are important men for Clondegad who can also call on the likes of Cormac Ryan, Clare minor football captain Conor Gavin and his hurling counterpart Tony Kelly. Doora/Barefield are traditionally a hurling club but in recent years have made great strides at football including U21 success in 2008 and of course the minor win less than 12 months ago. The likes of Stephen Collins, Shane O’Connor, Alan O’Neill, Jarlath Colleran and Cathal Duggan are all good footballers and they will fancy their chances against the 2010 B finalists in this one. Again, it is hard to call but you would give a hesitant nod to Barefield.

Verdict: St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield

Eire Óg v Lissycasey at Ballyea 12 noon P. Cosgrove

Lissycasey will look to make up for the disappointment of last years final defeat with a win over an Eire Óg side that on paper are capable of ruffling a few feathers. The West Clare team will start as favourites but they will be up against an Eire Óg team featuring current Clare senior Darren O’Neill, who is an injury doubt, and two others with senior experience in the shape of Dean Ryan and Sean Crotty. These three will fill central positions on the town sides fifteen with the likes of Darren O’Meara and Graham Glynn. As for Lissycasey who came up just short last year, they have the majoirty of that corp of players available again this year. They will seek good performances from Enda Finnucane, Martin O’Connor, Dermot Nagle, Matthew O’Shea and Francie Hayes if they are to move a step closer to getting back to the final. It could very well be a close game and the game of the round but it really depends on whether or not the Townies get going, if they don’t then expect Lissycasey to win it with no fuss. On the other hand, if they do then expect a ding dong battle.

Verdict: Lissycasey

               The Lissycasey team that lost out to Ennistymon in the 2010 final

U21 B Round 1

Corofin v Cooraclare at Miltown 12 noon B Kelly

Another interesting tie will be held at Hennessy Memorial Park where Corofin will face Cooraclare. This particular Corofin side has a number of players that are regulars on their adult side while Cooraclare have a nice blend of youth and experience. In 2010 Cooraclare got to the last eight of the A championship with help from Kilkee while Corofin came up short in the semi final in the B equivalent. You would expect the Milesians to advance with Thomas Downes, John and Gearoid Looney, Joey Martyn and Damien Burke available. However Corofin also have good potential in the likes of Luke O’Loughlin, Kevin and Stephen Heagney, Fionn Clancy and Darren Malone. It is another hard one to call but while it is difficult to predict a winner Cooraclare’s experience of playing in the premier tier might steer them to victory.

Verdict: Cooraclare

Doonbeg v St. Senan’s Kilkee at Kilrush 6 pm G Keane

This local derby is bound to bring out supporters of each clubs to Kilrush on Sunday when they go into battle for a place in the next round. Given the rivalry that exists between these two you can expect a battle with very little expected to be between the two come the final whistle. Last year Doonbeg had a year to forget in the A grade prompting them to go down a grade while Kilkee didn’t even field a team of their own instead assisting Cooraclare in their quest for A honours. Doonbeg will have Clare U21 corner back Joe Blake leading their charge while youngsters such as James McInerney, Nathan Capon, Eoin Conway and Cathal O’Keeffe will be expected to step up to the plate if they are to get bragging rights. St. Senan’s certainly won’t want to lose this one and with players like Eoin Talty, Darren Owens, Chris Williamson and Conor King they have senior experience while others such as Ronan Browne will need to put in a good shift if the Blues are to advance. It will be closely fought but St. Senan’s should dispose of their old foes.

Verdict: St. Senan’s Kilkee