Clare GAA Website

Clare collapse after promising start
Ladies Football league Division 2 rd 1
ARMAGH…………..2-14
CLARE…………1-4
By Michael O Connor.
CLARE:Emma O Driscoll,
REFEREE: Gerry Guinan (Galway).

Allianz GAA NFL Division Four

Clare began their Division Four campaign with a 1-9 to 0-11 win against
Wicklow at Cusack Park with David Tubridy hit a late winning point for
the Banner.

Meanwhile, John Murphy’s goal helped Carlow to a 1-10 to 0-10 win over
Longford at Dr Cullen Park.

Waterford claimed a 0-13 to 0-10 win over Leitrim, while Limerick did
their promotion hopes no harm with a 0-17 to 1-4 defeat of London in
Ruislip.

24.01.2010 (Sun)
AIB GAA Football All Ireland Senior Club Championship
2009/2010
Quarter Final
Ruislip 2.00pm Tír Chonaill Gaels v Kilmurry-Ibrickane Live TG4
(Londain) (An Clár)
Referee: Martin Higgins (Fear Manach)
(E.T. if Necessary)

TUESDAY JANUARY 26thMunster GAA Waterford Crystal Hurling Cup Quarter Final
@ Borrisoleigh -
Tipperary v Clare @ 7.30pm

Mc Grath Cup Q.Final Results
Tipperary 2-13 Limerick IT 2-6
Cork IT 2-8 Limerick 0-11
Kerry 2-12 Waterford 3-5
UCC 0-12 Clare 0-9

Banner hurlers win through to meet Tipperary
Waterford Crystal cup rd 1
CLARE……….0-15
Waterford IT………………1-9

By Michael O Connor.

Reigning Waterford Crystal champions Clare are safely into the quarter finals of the 2010 version after a battling unconvincing win over a WIT side few will be tipping for Fitzgibbon success later in March. The home side now move onto a meeting next Tuesday under lights against Tipperary who unlike last year will not have trained four times in 24 hours before the game.
Success at the first time of asking for Ger O Loughlin in the hotseat of Clare hurling manager. Having inherited a panel that many suggest needs rejuvenation the Clarecastle man has gone about his tasks in a low key manner and looks well capable given time of steering the banner county to a more consistent level of success. Ironically the impression that the Waterford Crystal is an insignificant competition does not ring true for Clare in 2010 unlike previous years. There is a public perception that it is good for Clare to be in Division two of the league but far from the truth lies this view. In horse racing parlance one does not enter a Derby horse in handicap races. Clare are playing leagues sides who cannot win the Christy Ring thus the Crystal cup offers grade A hurling and should Clare overcome Tipperary the Clare manager will be far happier man than playing four league games. The necessity to get out the lower division is crucial but the quality of games on offer are in the main of little benefit to a Munster senior title run. Cian Dillon was the only true debutant at senior level for Clare in this tie against Fitzgibbon cup specialists WIT in Meelick in a low key encounter that drew a fine attendance to the well marshalled South Clare venue. Former teen star Ray McLoughney opened the scoring with less than a minute played with Fergal Lynch back in a Clare jersey after an absence of a year responded with a like score for the counties first point in 2010. Timmy Hammersley and John Conlon swopped scores as Clare looked to be settled into the tempo of the game after five minutes. Aonghus O Brien who impressed albeit with much freedom on the wing and Colin Ryan with his first score stretched the banner men two clear after 12 minutes action as Clare even at this stage were struggling at midfield and full forward line. Ray McLoughney and Kieran Grehan levelled matters at the end of the first quarter as the Southern college began to play with more confidence as Enda Barrett, Noel Connors, Shane Fives, Fintan O Leary and PJ Rowe led the way. In the second quarter neither side dominated bar some solid displays by individuals with Pat Vaughan the dominant Clare defender aided well by Gerry Quinn and Domhnall O Donovan. Scores were arriving in tandem for both sides with Oige Murphy who struggled at corner forward more at home out the field, Aonghus O Brien, Timmy Hammersley and Fintan O Leary on target. 13 scores were created in the first half in a competition that is 30 minutes a side and Clare led by the minimum (0-7) to (0-6). A small sense of frustration was visible on the countenances of the Clare management as the second half matured. The Clare defence were holding the own but as the Waterford backs in their own half of the field began to dominate the balance of power switched towards WIT for most of the second half. WIT hit four wides in a row , most scorable chances as Clare hit on the counter for a hat trick of points in the opening ten minutes. The targetmen who sent Clare (0-10) to (0-7) clear included Colin Ryan, John Conlon and substitute Mark Flaherty with the sole response coming from Hammersley.. A comfortable win looked on the cards for Clare when a brace of points from Ryan and Gerry Quinn surged the home side five clear. Ger O Loughlin as planned introduced fresh blood into the team with Diarmuid McMahon, Colin Ryan, Pat Donnellan and Gerry O Grady making way. In the space of four minutes WIT dragged themselves back into contention and did look as possible winners when they struck for (1-2). Fintan O Leary and Timmy Hammersley once again pointed with Hammersley and Moloughney combining for a well taken goal. Perhaps it was the fear of a humiliating defeat that spurred Clare on to a much improved last ten minutes with scores from Mark Flaherty edging them home to their first win of the season. As one wag mentioned when glancing at the programme “ the league games look like a schedule for the footballers not the hurlers”, the need for an extended run in the Crystal cup is imperative. Best for Clare included Pat Vaughan and Alan Brigdale in the full back line even though (1-7) was scored by their direct markers as the pressure mounted from out the field. Gerry Quinn, Brian O Connell and Domnhall O Donovan did well for 45 minutes. John Conlon, Mark Flaherty, Oige Murphy and Colin Ryan did well up front. Strong performances on the WIT side were given by Wayne Hutchinson, Noel Connors, Enda Barrett, Kieran Grehan, Timmy Hammersley, Fintan O Leary and Ray McLoughney in a game they will rue the missed chances early in the second half.
CLARE: Philip Brennan, Pat Vaughan, Cian Dillon, Alan Brigdale, Domhnall O Donovan, Brian O Connell, Gerry Quinn (0-1), Pat Donnellan, Diarmuid McMahon, John Conlon (0-2), Gerry O Grady, Aonghus O Brien (0-2), Martin Oige Murphy (0-1), Fergal Lynch (0-1), Colin Ryan (0-5). Subs: Mark Flaherty (0-3) for McMahon, John Cusack for Ryan, David Barrett for Donnellan, Alan Markham for O Grady.
WIT: Adrian Power, Brendan Kenny, Wayne Hutchinson, Noel Connors, Shane Fives, Enda Barrett, PJ Rowe, Kieran Grehan (0-1), Mark Molloy, James Gahan, Fintan O Leary (0-2), Ronan Goode, Ray Moloughney (1-2), Stephen Power, Timmy Hammersley (0-4). Subs: Barry Johnstone for Power, Willie O Dwyer for Grehan,
REFEREE: Cathal McAllister (Cork

Kilmurry-Ibrickane 0-7, Kerins O’Rahillys 0-6
By Jim O’Sullivan

Monday, December 07, 2009

JUBILATION for West Clare side Kilmurry-Ibrickane after a second title
success in yesterday’s AIB Munster Club SFC final at the Gaelic Grounds.
But it was utter desolation for a Kerins O’Rahillys side denied what
would have a winning goal by an umpire’s call in the 61st minute and
then hit with the sucker punch of conceding a winning score immediately
after the ball was kicked out. It was a cruel blow for the Kerry club
champions, all the more so when Declan Quill was adamant that his ‘goal’
should have stood - pointing out that he was outside the square when he
connected with a David Moran free. Putting up brave resistance after
going a man down six minutes into the second-half, the manner of their
defeat replicated what happened to them in last year’s county
championship decider when they were beaten by an injury-time penalty.

Controversy aside, it was noteworthy that apart from a promising opening
period and much improved play after having half-forward John O’Connor
when receiving two yellow cards in a three-minute period, it was
Kilmurry-Ibrickane who gave the more convincing display. Indeed, while
unhappy with the free-count, O’Rahilly’s selector Mark Fitzgerald said
that an interval wide count of nine lost them the chance of making a
winning debut. Kilmurry made the more confident start and despite
playing against a strong wind, created several scoring opportunities
before John O’Connor kicked the game’s opening score from a fifth-minute
free for O’Rahillys. David Moran (play) and Declan Quill (free) had
added scores and for a while they looked like establishing a grip.
However, while the returning David Moran (who was in Australia for the
semi-final game) was deployed at full-forward, the supply of ball to him
was limited. And, while he did manage a second score from play, his
influence wasn’t what it might have been. However, in acknowledging that
overall, their team play was not over-impressive and few individuals
other than Barry John Keane at centre-forward were strong on the ball in
the opening 20 minutes, it would have to be pointed out that the
strength of the Kilmurry-Ibrickane challenge was a major factor.

Deploying a short-passing game and offering continuous support for the
man in possession, they benefited from the consistency of a full-back
trio which had excelled in their semi-final win over Stradbally.
Additionally, Shane Hickey was heavily involved at wing-back and Peter
O’Dwyer’s work-rate - and in particular his mobility - countered much of
what the O’Rahilly’s captain Micheal Quirke achieved against him.
Further forward, they had more to offer than the opposition.
Centre-forward Ian McInerney was fairly reliable from the few scoreable
frees he faced up, while Odran O’Dwyer made a contribution in the
full-forward line, where some of the best work was done by Michael
O’Dwyer.

It was McInerney who opened their account in the ninth minute and
Kilmurry were to score three more points without reply in the next 11
minutes. In contrast, O’Rahillys were being frustrated by an inability
to even get close to maximising scoring opportunities, with brothers
Morgan and Barry O’Shea effective at the heart of the defence, Giles
O’Grady prominent after going from wing-back to half-forward and
midfielder Gavin Duffy very much to the forefront. Keane wasn’t on the
ball often enough to do real damage and the same applied to Declan Quill
and Barry-John Walsh, in the face of excellent covering from the inside
backs. Their poor finishing was reflected in the fact that they waited
until injury time before Moran got their first score in 24 minutes to
leave the teams tied at 0-4 each.

It was much the same story over the course of the third quarter, which
was mainly notable for the fact of O’Connor being sent off, first being
carded following an off-the-ball incident and then disciplined after the
referee seemed to indicate as a foot tackle. Interestingly, in between
the two censures, he saw a fisted effort go wide off the upright and
Quill, similarly, wasn’t on target with a close-in free. But, to their
credit, they were in front - through a Quill free won by David Moran -
only to see the excellent Shane Hickey level scores for the third time
two minutes later. Again, Quill came to their rescue with another
pointed free in the 56th minute, after wing-forward Stephen Moloney set
up midfielder Paul O’Connor for a well deserved lead score. After a
great Kilmurry move ended with Noel Downes kicking wide, it appeared
that the game was heading for a draw until the drama of Quill’s
disallowed goal for O’Rahillys - which quickly turned into a nightmare
when substitute Evan Talty kicked over the winning point after a move
involving McInerney and Downes.

Scorers for Kilmurry-Ibrickane: I. McInerney 0-3 (0-2 frees); S.
Moloney, P. O’Connor, S. Hickey and E. Talty 0-1 each.

Kerins O’Rahillys: D. Quill 0-3 (0-2 frees); D. Moran 0-2; J. O’Connor
0-1.

KILMURRY-IBRICKANE: D. O’Brien; M. McMahon, M. Killeen, D. Hickey; S.
Hickey, E. Coughlan (capt,), D. Callinan; P. O’Connor, P. O’Dwyer; M.
Hogan, I. McInerney, S. Moloney; J. Daly, O. O’Dwyer, M. O’Dwyer.
Subs: E. Talty for Hogan (41st minute); N. Downes for O. O’Dwyer (48th);
P. O’Dwyer for Moloney (54th); M. McCarthy for Daly (60th).

KERINS O’RAHILLY’S: D. Hennessy; P. Begley, M. O’Shea, B. O’Shea; G.
O’Grady, B. Moran, R. O’Callaghan; G. Duffy, M. Quirke (capt.); J.
O’Connor, B.J. Keane, T. O’Sullivan; B.J. Walsh, D. Moran; D. Quill.

Referee: Maurice Condon (Waterford).

Attendance: 2,412

Talty keeps head after ‘goal’ storm

Monday December 07 2009

It’s best to deal with the manner in which this Munster club football
final was lost before accounting for how it was won. One minute into
injury-time, 14-man Kerins O’Rahillys, facing into a strengthening gale
that blew hard down through Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds, won a free about
30 metres out which David Moran, just back from Australia, elected to
take. That in itself was a surprise as his striking all afternoon hadn’t
been crisp and Declan Quill had already landed three points from frees.
Still, it was a kick that favoured a right-footer and Moran stood up to
it knowing that a point would probably win his club their first ever
provincial title. The kick hung in the wind, however, and hovered above
the square, almost coming to a standstill in mid-air before dropping
vertically for Quill to get a fist to it and punch a goal, almost out of
nothing.

A quick exchange of glances between referee Maurice Condon and both his
umpires soon pinpricked the celebrations as Quill was adjudged to have
been in the square when the ball flew into Kilmurry/Ibrickane
‘airspace’. In this opinion, at first glance, it looked like a goal
though perhaps the replay will reveal otherwise. Naturally, the Kerins
O’Rahillys players were livid, a feeling only compounded some seconds
later when Kilmurry substitute Evan Talty nonchalantly kicked the winner
from which there was certainly no comeback. Ignoring a possible foul on
Barry John Keane at the other end, Condon then brought the match to an
immediate conclusion, sparking more fury from the Kerry club champions.

At least two officials and the same number of supporters confronted
Condon as he made his way off the field and if it wasn’t for the
vigilance and protective instincts of Micheal Quirke who escorted the
Waterford official, in the presence of local stewards, off the field the
situation could have turned nasty. Quirke was on the wrong side of the
decision but he had the presence of mind and leadership to do what he
did and avert further conflict, something he should be commended for.
For Quill, the anger couldn’t be contained and he was certain the score
should have stood as he recounted his footwork in the build-up. “It was
a goal, straight and simple. I waited outside the square. I thought the
ball was going over the bar then when I saw it hanging up short, I went
for it. And then I was inside the square,” he reflected. Ironically, the
decision came just 24 hours after the GAA announced that experimental
playing rules will be used during the forthcoming leagues, one of which
is thought to be a modification of the square -ball rule.

Kerins O’Rahillys will despair at the turn of events. Almost 12 months
ago, they lost the Kerry championship final replay to a last-minute Mid
Kerry penalty when they led by two points. Now the dose was being
doubled. As much as they will lay the blame at the officials’ door, they
should make themselves more accountable for their failure to have any
impact when the wind favoured them in the first half.

Kilmurry/Ibrickane had managed to stay in touch and keep parity, 0-4
each, as they turned to take advantage of the wind that blew out towards
the city end. That rearguard action was critical to the Atlantic
seaboard club’s success. “We lost it in the first half,” acknowledged
the Tralee side’s captain Quirke afterwards. “We played heroically down
to 14 men in that second half against an experienced, battle-hardened
team. We kicked too many wides (nine in that first half) and that’s the
bottom line.” He was philosophical about the defeat and was willing to
be optimistic even minutes after the final whistle. “They are a
seriously experienced side at this level and we are not. We’re a young
side at this level. We just came up short. That’s life, that’s the way
it goes. “It’s the second kick in the stomach we’re after taking as a
team,” reflected the midfielder. “I was away during the week and I was
reading Ronan O’Gara’s autobiography and he talks about losing Heineken
Cup finals. They lost two and came back to win two. So who knows maybe
we can do something next year.”

Kilmurry were as battle-hardened as their opponents suggested and once
again their defence was magnificent, superbly marshalled by captain and
centre-back Enda Coughlan. In three Munster club championship games,
they have conceded just 17 points, a serious reflection of how they
defend. It looked grim for them early on when they trailed by three
points inside eight minutes, a significant lead in such testing
conditions. One of those trio of points was scored by Moran who started
at full-forward but gradually made his way out to provide plenty of
energy around midfield for the Strand Road outfit. Kilmurry hung in
however and midway through the half they were level as Coughlan and
Declan Callinan made the opening for Stephen Moloney to score the
equalising point (0-3 each). They had the temerity to then take the lead
through a Johnny Daly free as O’Rahillys repeatedly got turned over in
possession and only a well-worked Moran point from a quick Quill free
spared them some blushes as half-time approached.

The second half was robust, manly and, most of the time, honest. The
Tralee side lost John O’Connor to two yellow cards in quick succession
on 36 minutes but it only served to strengthen their resolve. Kilmurry
half-back Shane Hickey fired over a superb point on the three-quarter
mark to level it again at 0-5 each after a Quill free had given the
Kerry side a slim cushion. It looked to be heading for a draw, then a
Kerins O’Rahillys win but Kilmurry manager Michael McDermott sensed fate
was at play after their defeat in last year’s final to
Dromcollogher-Broadford. “It took us 12 months to get back here and we
knew we would be in a battle. But we knew we had to put them under
pressure out the field to stop the quality ball going in,” figured
McDermott. Getting breaks like that disallowed goal was as much as they
deserved. “Last year we came here to a Munster final and the breaks
didn’t go for us all. When your day is in, it’s in. I always say fate
plays a huge part in everything. It’s a wonderful achievement for a west
Clare club to win two titles in a decade.” No one could disagree with
that.

Scorers — Kilmurry/Ibrickane: I McInerney 0-2 (0-2f), P O’Connor, S
Hickey, J Daly, E Talty, S Moloney all 0-1 each. Kerins O’Rahillys: D
Quill 0-3( 0-3f), D Moran 0-2, J O’Connor 0-1 (0-1f).

Kilmurry/Ibrickane — D O’Brien; D Hickey, M Killeen, M McMahon; S
Hickey, E Coughlan, D Callinan; P O’Connor, P O’Dwyer; M Hogan, I
McInerney, S Moloney; M O’Dwyer, O O’Dwyer, J Daly. Subs: E Talty for
Hogan (41), N Downes for O O’Dwyer (48), P O’Dwyer for Moloney (54), M
McCarthy for Daly (60),

Kerins O’Rahillys — D Hennessy; P Begley, M O’Shea, B O’Shea; G
O’Grady, B Moran, R O’Callaghan; G Duffy, M Quirke; J O’Connor, B J
Keane, T O’Sullivan; B J Walsh, D Moran, D Quill.

Ref — M Condon (Waterford)

Contact the Clare GAA Office at mailto:clare@gaa.ie

As another weekend of celebration spilled into a Monday, a voice rang up
from from beside the fire in Setrights last week, “they better get bate
soon of we’ll be f****n broke”!

Well rest assured turkey will be back on the tables of Cratloe households
this Christmas as the parishes fairytale year came to an close in the
Munster Intermediate Football Final at the resplendent Mallow Complex on
Sunday.

Along with their obvious talent, Cratloe’s trump card in 2009 was pace.
Hunger can come with a wait, aggression is often stoked with a dressing
room oration, but pace….pace is unmarkable. And from the middle of May
Cratloe’s was the rock upon which every opposition perished on. Every
opposition except Killarney’s Spa. Because on Sunday the Kerry champions
had it too. In spades, and they werent long showing Cratloe how much of it
they had.

When five minutes had elapsed Cratloe fans were still recoiling their jaws
at the sight of possibly the greatest G.A.A complex on the Island while
The Spa were busy scything through their sides defense like knife through
butter. Like when ‘les Bleus’ of the 80’s played Rugby in their pomp,
every heroic lunge at a tackle from a defence was nearly sneered at with a
deft handpass to yet another free runner. The Spa had them queing in
droves in the opening quarter and to quench the flames Cratloe had to
spread themselves. Ten minutes in it was clear that players like Michael
O Donaghue, Niall O Mahony and Cian Tobin were a different breed of player
than any met on the road to Mallow.

O Donaghue found himself standing as the extra man at the edge of the
Cratloe square after seven minutes when another interchange from midfield
resulted in the former Kerry U/21 billowing the net. Spirit wouldn’t be
enough here.

The next ten minutes however belonged to the underdogs. Three unanswered
points from Conor McGrath, Sean Collins and Liam Markham’s pointed free,
put Cratloe within two points. Further points before the break from Tomás
Lynch and livewire captain Niall O Mahony put the Killarney outfit back
into the ascendency but Cratloe refused to be shrugged off and responded
with McGrath’s second and a hardearned score from Cathal McInerney’s left
boot. Sitting in the dressing room with a two point gap would have been
just reward for Cratloe’s comeback but every fairytale has a villian and
another handpassed exchange started at midfield by Kevin Healy, finished
with O Donaghue raising his second green flag. 2-4 to 0-5 at the break.

A robust wind favoured The Spa in the second period but with both side’s
fondness for working the ball forward through the hand, it was never going
to be the edge between winning and losing the tie. Cratloe opened the
second period brighter than their opponents. Joseph O Connor, who
soonafter pointed a free, entered the game at left half forward and gave
Oige Murphy and Michael Hawes a further attacking option as they tried the
Kerry champions at their own game. Sean Collins burst into the tie on the
forty and his runs had two further points on the board through McGrath and
McInerney.

The Spa drew their defence closer to their goal and in doing so often
invited Cratloe to attack. Still, one always felt Cratloe needed to hit
the rigging to peg back the first half damage and in a crowded goalmouth
patrolled by vetern defender Fergus Clifford half chances were the best
they could do. Nobody does match salvage like Padraigh Chaplin and when
Liam Markham played the substitute through with ten minutes remaining
Chaplin looked like garnering more headlines. The ball didn’t behave
itself in his hands however and Chaplin had to make do with a white flag
instead of green. The gap was down to two points and a nervous finále
looked in store for the men from the kingdom, now without the services of
their captain O Mahony and centrefielder Healy. If they were uneasy
however, they’d make super poker players.

A barnstorming finish saw the Killarney men rifle three unanswered points
to put a cruel falsehood on the scoreboard. Michael O Donoghue again the
executioner. When on the rare occasion O Donoghue stole from the shelter
of Barry Duggan he had the guile to make it count on the scoreboard. For a
man well marshalled for most of the contest, 2-3 is hardly a poor day at
the office! And therein lay the divide between the two teams. The ability
to find scores.

As has always been the case with Colm Collins side this season, and every
Cratloe team that has pulled on the blue, the Clare champions left
themselves absolutely empty of effort leaving the field. The Spa knew they
were in a contest and what more can be asked of a team who lit up 2009
like no year in the clubs 122 year sojourn.

Thank god says you. Now we might fit in a pint on the medal presentation
night.

Cratloe:

Wesley De Loughery, John O Gorman, Barry Duggan, Barry Gleeson, Martin
Óige Murphy, Michael Hawes, Sean Chaplin, Kevin Browne (Capt.), Conor
Ryan, Liam Markham, Sean Collins, Sean Hynan, Cathal McInerney, Conlor
McGrath, Padraigh Collins.
Joseph O Connor, Padraigh Chaplin

Cratloe’s footballers shocked Cork’s fancied representatives Valley Rovers
to qualify for the Munster Club Football Championship following a clinical
display in wintery Clarecastle on Sunday last.

On paper, this was expected to be the swansong for Cratloe’s historic year
but a clinical first half display when assisted by a strong wind gave
Cratloe a six point command at the interval and when two second half goals
cancelled the threat of a comeback from the Inishannon outfit, Colm
Collins’ troops extended their glorious season a week longer with the
chance for yet more silverware.

The movement of Conor McGrath and Padraig Collins caused the visitors as
much trouble as the breeze in the opening half and when Collins kicked his
second point after 12 minutes Cratloe had stormed into a three point lead.
More trouble was to follow for the Cork Champions when forward Fiachra
Lynch was shown a straight red card for striking.

Exploiting the elements with their running game instead of direct ball,
Cratloe deployed Sean Hynan in a more attacking roll from wing back and
the defender justified the move when his looping long ball deceived Cork
netminder Alan Quirke to push Cratloe further infront with a goal before
the interval.

The favourites pressed hard to turn the tie in the second half but an
inspired Cratloe defense limited them to two Hugh O Donovan points and
another from full forward Eamonn Collins.

Cratloe manager Colm Collins spoke afterward of Cratloe’s need to hang in
there under Valley Rovers’ second half pressure and take their own chances
when they came. Indeed after holding their opponents at bay for the
majority of the second half Collins’ prophesy came true when the
introduced Padraigh Chaplin fisted a goal for his side with ten minutes
remaining before Conor McGrath put the semi final beyond the visitors with
a first timed shot to the net in the final five minutes.

Cratloe now prepare for a provincial final, a first for the club, in a
weeks time against The Spa of Kerry. At the moment the game is scheduled
for Mallow. Best of Luck to all involved.

Cratloe; W De Loughrey, S Chaplin, B Duggan, B Gleeson, M Óg Murphy, L
Markham, S Hynan (1-0), K Browne, M Hawes, P Collins (0-2), S Collins, J O
Connor, C McInerney, C Ryan , C McGrath (1-2).
P Chaplin (1-0) 40 mins, D De Loughrey 55 mins, K O Shea 56 mins, J Conroy
56 mins.

Munster Intermediate Club Football Championship Q/F
Cratloe 0-12 v 0-6 St. Patricks, Limerick.

Cratloe’s footballers showed very little tiredness and certainly no desire
to bring an end to the clubs heady days as they ran out impressive six
point winners in the Munster Intermediate Club Football Quarter Final in
Templederry Co. Tipperary yesterday.

A more than stern opposition in the opening half, St. Patrick’s of
Limerick crowded out Cratloe’s midfield early on and managed to gain
control on the scoreboard chiefly through their freetaker and corner
forward John Mullane.

A tit for tat opening quarter saw Cathal McInerney, Sean Collins and Liam
Markham keep their side in touch but the Rhebogue side were handed the
initiative after 17 minutes with the harsh dismissal of Markham.

It was fourteen man Cratloe who upped the tempo after the interval however
and once St Patricks found no way through a Barry Duggan, Sean Chaplin and
John O Gorman inspired defence Cratloe exploited the room they found once
the game opened up. Covering for Markham, Sean Collins and his brother
Padraig motored from 40 to 40 setting up scores for McInerney and Conor
McGrath in the opposite corner.

Cratloe introduced fresh legs in the final quarter and the tiring Limerick
champions found the pace of the Blues simply too hot to handle. Two of the
replacements introduced, Joseph O Connor and Sean Hynan were amongst five
new scorers in a blistering finish. Martin Oige Murphy chipped in with
another after roving from half back, half forward Podge Collins capped off
his work with a score and Cathal McInerney added to his freetaking with a
superb left footed strike from his corner berth.

Next up for Cratloe, who are beginning to look very comfortable with the
winning feeling, is the sobering challenge of Cork Intermediate Champions,
Valley Rovers of Inishannon. The tie is fixed for a home Clare venue but
its date is unlikely to be finalised until after Cratloe’s tie against
Ballygunner in the Munster Club Hurling Championship next week.

Cratloe;
W De Loughery, J O Gorman, B Duggan, B Gleeson, S Chaplin, M Hawes, M Óg
Murphy (0-1), K Browne, C Ryan (0-1), L Markham (0-1), S Collins (0-1), P
Collins (0-1), C McInerney (0-4), P Chaplin, C McGrath (0-1).
S Hynan(0-1) and J O Connor (0-1) 47 mins, D De Loughery 55 mins.

Ar Aghaidh Linn

M Donnelly Inter-Provincial Final
Ulster finish strongly to claim deserved 29th title

By Larry Cooney
Ulster 0-15 Munster 1-8

Ulster are the Martin Donnelly inter-provincial football champions after
a deserved four-point victory over Munster at Ruislip yesterday. Before
a sizeable attendance of just under two thousand on a cold but dry
afternoon in West London both teams served up an entertaining encounter
that was tied at 1-6 to 0-9 with fourteen minutes of normal time
remaining. But six unanswered points in reply to a late point from
Munster substitute Aidan Walsh gave the Northerners a deserved
record-breaking title 29th title.

Playing into the pavilion end in the opening half the winners had the
benefit of the elements and were on the score-sheet within thirty
seconds of the throw-in. Pivotal full-forward and captain Stephen
O’Neill broke the ball to the on-rushing Paddy Bradley and he made no
mistake for the opening point. Although late selection Daniel Goulding
equalised for Munster within two minutes the scores were still tied at
0-2 each after ten minutes.
But Ulster appeared to have the cutting edge in terms of finishing and
aided by another Bradley point and two each from Kevin Hughes and
Michael Murphy, Joe Kernan’s Ulster side deservedly led by 0-8 to 0-4 at
half-time. A pointed free each from Daniel Goulding and captain Donncha
O’Connor and another Goulding point from play were Munster’s first-half
scorers.

The first-half was also marred by a serious injury to Ulster centre-back
Ciaran McKeever eight minutes before the interval and he was replaced by
Conor Gormley after which a Kevin Hughes brace of points put Ulster in a
comfortable position by half-time when the score was: Ulster 0-8 Munster
0-4. Munster made a significant double substitution at half-time with
Limerick’s James Ryan replacing an off-form Paul Kerrigan and
Tipperary’s Robbie Costigan replacing Maurice O’Corman. Ulster also
introduced Ryan McCloskey for Karl Lacey.

The Southerners need a good start to the half and within four minutes of
the restart it was looking for them when Gary Hurney rifled to the net
before a long range point from Nicholas Murphy tied the scores. But
Ulster refused to panic even after a Daniel Goulding point in the 48th
minute gave Munster the lead for the only time of an interesting match.
With Ulster through their clever use of the bench stepping up the tempo
they hit the last five points of the game, two of them from impressive
substitute Daniel Hughes to leave the final score Ulster 0-15 Munster
1-8.

SCORERS:
Ulster - P Bradley 0-3(0-1)f, M Murphy, K Hughes, G O’Kane and D Hughes
0-2 each, S O’Neill, P Finlay, D Gordon and R McCloskey 0-1 each.

Munster - D Goulding 0-4(0-1)f, G Hurney 1-0, D O’Connor 0-2(0-1)f, N
Murphy and A Walsh 0-1 each.

TEAMS: Ulster - J Devine; K Lacey, J McMahon, G O’Kane; Aaron Kernan, C
McKeever, R Flanagan; K Hughes, E McGinley; P Finlay, B Coulter, Joe
McMahon; P Bradley, S O’Neill, M Murphy. Subs: C Gormley for McKeever
(inj) 22, R McCloskey for Lacey h/t, D Hughes for Joe McMahon 40, D
Gordon for Murphy 42.

Munster - P Fitzgerald; T O’Gorman, J McCarthy, P Reidy; M O’Gorman, M
Shields, P Ranahan; Nicholas Murphy, P O’Neill; P Kelly, Daniel
Goulding, Donncha O’Connor; P Kerrigan, G Hurney, L O’Lionnain. Subs: J
Ryan for Kerrigan h/t, R Costigan for M O’Gorman h/t, A Walsh for
O’Lionnain 56.

REFEREE: D Fahy (Longford)

MURPHY POINTS THE WAY FOR CRATLOE -
Peter O Connell, The Clare Champion

Cratloe 0-7 Corofin 0-6

PERHAPS the debate at the Cratloe GAA Club AGM last year, which centred on
whether the club should continue playing football seriously or not,
motivated those whose first sport is the big ball one.

Since then, Cratloe have won their first U-21A football title and have now
added an intermediate crown, last won in 2004.
In sneaking past Corofin in Clarecastle last Sunday, Cratloe fought their
way back to senior football, even if the quality of the game didn’t
indicate that either would be capable of immediately prospering at senior
level.
Yet while the standard wasn’t very high, the closeness of the scoreline
ensured that there was plenty of excitement.
Cratloe wing-back Óige Murphy crowned it all when he kicked a sublime
championship-winning point, from an acute angle on the left wing, three
minutes into injury time.
It was Murphy’s second point from play and a score that he will have no
trouble regularly recounting in the weeks and months ahead.
Cratloe led 0-5 to 0-2, three minutes into the second half, after Joe O’Connor
had pointed a soft free won by Liam Markham.
They didn’t score again until the 21st minute though, when Cathal
McInerney calmly pointed a 21-yard free from a tricky angle on the 21-yard
line near the sideline.
Although they had dominated most of the second half, Corofin were now 0-6
to 0-5 down. Two minutes from full-time, Damien Ryan, who played excellent
football following his introduction, equalised after Colm Clancy had been
fouled by Seán Chaplin.
A draw, which would have caused fixture problems in both hurling and
football, looked inevitable until Murphy struck for glory.
The winners had led 0-4 to 0-2 at the interval. Murphy, Seán Collins with
an impressive solo effort, Cathal McInerney and Murphy scored their
points, while Darren Malone pointed both of Corofin’s scores from
first-half frees.
Twelve minutes into the second half, Colm Clancy won but then missed a
21-yard free, dead straight in front of the Cratloe goal.
After O’Connor’s early second-half pointed free, scores from Darragh
Clancy, Dara Shannon and Damien Ryan from a free, tied the scores at 0-5
each, 11 minutes from full-time.
The final 10 minutes, along with injury time, were incident packed. After
Murphy’s ultimately winning score, John Keane kicked a wild shot wide,
when maybe a small bit more composure could have rescued Corofin.
They were deeply unhappy with referee Michael Fitzgerald’s display. A
minute into injury time, with the teams level, Corofin were denied what
looked like a certain free, when a decision was made to throw the ball in.
Earlier, Dara Shannon appeared to be fouled while kicking but he wasn’t
awarded a free. Corofin missed several scoreable chances and only scored
two points from play in total.
The winners had a couple of gripes too, notably when Seán Hynan was
buckled by a mammoth hit, which appeared fair from this reporter’s angle
but others felt was high.
Fielding eight U-21s from the start and four minors, Cratloe manfully went
toe to toe with Corofin, although the winners didn’t produce the flowing
football they are capable of.
Barry Duggan played outstanding football at full-back and his second-half
block-down on Darren Malone contributed as much as any incident towards
Cratloe’s win. His early involvement had also set a very positive tone for
his side.
Elsewhere, Óige Murphy and Podge Collins played well for the winners,
while Conor McGrath added zest and direction to the Cratloe forward line
when he was brought on. Liam Markham was much more effective at wing-back
than in the Cratloe full-forward line.
Diarmuid Daly defended resolutely for Corofin at corner-back, using his
speed and anticipation very effectively. Ollie O’Loughlin, Dara Clancy and
Damien Ryan were the best of the rest for Corofin.
Surely now, the forthcoming Cratloe GAA Club AGM will adopt a more benign
approach towards the big ball game?

Cratloe: Jamie Joyce; Barry Gleeson, Barry Duggan, Seán Chaplin; Wes de
Loughrey, Michael Hawes, Óige Murphy; Kevin Browne (captain), Conor Ryan;
Liam Markham, Seán Collins, Joe O’Connor; Cathal McInerney, Padraig
Chaplin, Podge Collins.
Subs: Seán Hynan for Padraig Chaplin, Conor McGrath for Joe O’Connor and
John O’Gorman for Jamie Joyce (injured).
Scorers: Óige Murphy 0-2, Cathal McInerney and Joe O’Connor 0-2f each and
Seán Collins 0-1.
Frees won: 25. Wides: 4. 45s: 1.
Yellow cards: Conor Ryan.

Corofin: Kieran Carkhill; Ollie O’Loughlin, Donnacha Kelleher, Diarmuid
Daly; Eamon Dunne, Darragh Clancy, Neil Killeen; Luke O’Loughlin, Dara
Shannon; Brendan Keane, Eamon Malone, John Shannon; Darren Malone, John
Keane, Colm Clancy (captain).
Subs: Damien Ryan for Brendan Keane and Kevin Heagney for Eamon Malone.
Scorers: Darren Malone and Damien Ryan 0-2f each, Darragh Clancy and Dara
Shannon 0-1 each.
Frees won: 19. Wides: 5. 45s: 1.
Yellow cards: Dara Shannon, Colm Clancy and Diarmuid Daly.

Referee: Michael Fitzgerald

Style, Class and Skill prevail in historic Cratloe win.
Under 21A football final
CRATLOE…………….2-19
ENNISTYMON…………..3-6
By Michael O Connor.
Cratloe score another first in the football fields. The under 16A and minor A titles have been annexed and now the prestige of brining home to South Clare the under 21A title in the most comprehensive and stylish way possible playing freeflowing team football that could have ended with the champions scoring half a dozen goals. With ten minutes remaining in the 2009 Under 21A football final two warriors Colm Collins and Joe Joe Rouine laughed and chatted on the sideline looking out on the two teams playing. Pressure was not an issue for either man as the result was already decided as we waited for the full time whistle. In a surreal first half in which Cratloe played football as it should be played but would have been regretful at the break that for all their poise and confidence up front were only five points clear. Three clear goal chances spurned would have cost the winners against any other side. Ennistymon never got near the pitch of the game and whenever Cratloe stretched the game to the wings Ennistymon were struggling to stay close. The opening two scores in this game were goals as Ennistymon started brightly with a penalty goal from David Davenport after three minutes. Within two minutes Cratloe had the net shaking when Sean Collins raced down and cut in to set up Paudge Collins who scored from three yards. The Collins brothers were on target with the opening points of the game before David Davenport and Michael McDonagh responded for the North Clare challengers. Tadgh Malone had the ball in the Cratloe net but it was adjudged to be a square ball as Cratloe were beginning to stretch Ennistymon to their limits with scores from Sean Collins, Conor Ryan, Conor McGrath, Enda Boyce in a five minutes spell.David Davenport broke up this passage with an Ennistymon score before Sean Collins and Cathal McInerney were on the scoresheet. Indeed the goals missed were the only saving grace for Ennistymon as their netminder Noel Sexton must be mentioned for his efforts. The final two scores of the first half were shared with Joe O Connor and David Davenport on the mark as McInerney and McGrath were a two man full forward line with Paudge Collins foraging outfield with eagerness. Half time score Cratloe (1-9) Ennistymon (1-4). Cratloe were the dominant side throughout the second half allowing Ennistymon only a teasing glance at the ball. They kicked six of the opening seven points of the new half in a twelve minutes spell to lead (1-15) to (1-5) to race ten clear. Dean DeLoughrey, Conor McGrath (2), Cathal McInerney and Joe O Connor (2) were the sharpshooters. Davenport hit the single Ennistymon effort. Sublime movement, interpassing and point taking symbolised Cratloe as they took the foot of the pedal and indulged in exhibitionism with ease. Sean Hynan, Sean Collins and O Connor stretched the lead to 12 points before Davenport scored a second penalty goal. Within a minute Sean Hynan hit back with Cratloe’s second goal from 20 yards before the most popular score of the night was reserved for stalwart John O Halloran. Cathal Malone scored a third consolation goal but the winning speech was already being moulded in Barry Gleeson’s mind. This mould breaking success for Cratloe was all the more noteworthy as prior to this win the club never before won an under 21 title, the nearest being suffering defeats in the C grade on a number of occasions. In hurling Cratloe are of a select band to have won all grades win the A final going their way in 1992 when the legendary referee Flan O Reilly was the team trainer. The champions had sterling displays from the magnificent Enda Boyce, Sean Hynan, Sean Collins who ran the length of the field for the hour as an effective link man with younger sibling Paudge busy throughout with intelligent passing and a cheeky goal. Cathal McInerney and Conor McGrath did as they wished in the full forward and with greater accuracy if needed could have doubled the champions winning tally. Ennistymon never got off first base with few of their many capable players performing to their high standards of recent years.
CRATLOE: Wesley DeLoughrey, John Laurence Boyce, Joe Conroy, Barry Gleeson, Enda Boyce (0-1), Liam Markham, Dean DeLoughrey (0-1), Conor Ryan (0-1), Sean Hynan (1-1), Kane O Shea, Sean Collins (0-4), Joe O Connor (0-3), Cathal McInerney (0-3), Conor McGrath (0-3), Padraic Collins (1-1). Subs: Patrick O Gorman for O Shea, John O Halloran (0-1) for D DeLoughrey, Sean Hayes for McGrath,
ENNISTYMON: Noel Sexton, Darragh Conneally, Michael O Loughlin, Michael Houlihan, Mickie Rouine, Martin Barry, Cathal Malone (0-1), Francis O Loughlin, Ronan Linnane, Michael McDonagh (0-1), Tadgh Malone (1-1), David Davenport (2-3), Danny Rouine. Subs: Dara Ralph for Houlihan, Aidan Slattery for M Rouine, Sean O Driscoll for Malone, Brian Houlihan for F O Loughlin,
REFEREE: Michael Talty (Kilmurry Ibrickane).
After the game the under 21A cup was presented to Cratloe captain Barry Gleeson by county board vice chairman Johnny Hill.