Month: October 2011

TO say that St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield have navigated under the radar to reach a county final is putting it mildly, but their cover was well and truly blown by this command performance.

Underdogs beforehand they swept to a comprehensive victory that some afficionados in maroon could scarcely believe – those on the outside that is, because within the lair of the team they felt it coming as selector Kieran Kelleher explained afterwards.

“Even after losing the first two games in the championship there was ambition in this team,” he revealed seconds after their six-point win. “Before the Shannon Gaels game we had a challenge against Monaleen and the lads played well on that day and seemed to get more focused and get more of a drive in them.

“We knuckled down against Shan- non Gaels and got a good win. The lads have worked hard over the last month – they are a great bunch of lads and the just rewards are here today. We told them there was no point coming into a semi-final and not playing well. We had to go the whole way,” he added.

They were listening, especially Alan O’Neill, whose addition to the team in recent games has been one of the catalysts for a football uprising in The Parish not seen since the Doora Rapparees marked the cententary of the 1798 Rebellion by beating the storied Ennis Dals in the final.

“Alan came into us late, the fact that he’s involved in hurling and football in the parish and with the county, we didn’t want to bring him in too early. He came in very fresh and he has been a real driving force for us,” revealed Kelleher.

“The two goals were top class. He carried the ball 80 yards for that goal – the determination in him was something his father used to do, to inspired those around him and drag people into the game. It showed that if we ran at them we could open them up. The second goal was huge too because it came at a time when we were making a few mistakes and needed it to get over the line.

“It’s great to be there. We haven’t looked at Kilmurry yet but record is second to none. What they’ve achieved over the last few years is remarkable. Apart from winning seniors, a Munster club and contesting an All-Ireland they were going for six-in-a-row in under 21 a few years back.”

Who stopped them? St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield of course.

St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield 2-7 – Wolfe Tones 0-7 at Cusack Park, Ennis

WHEN Faughs ended 40 years of western rule when bringing Jack Daly east in 1994, a feature of that landmark campaign was Kieran O’Neill’s gut-wrenching runs from midfield.

If ever there was a case for like father like son, it was on Sunday as Alan O’Neill was his old man incarnate as he ran and kicked a standalone team from The Parish into their first county football final in 113 years.

Back then it was the Doora Raparees – on this day it was two raps of O’Neill’s right boot that produced wonder goals and completed St Josephs’ remarkable journey from relegation candidates to county finalists.

The first came 14 minutes into the game that put The Parish 1-1 to 0-1 ahead and in control, the second with nine minutes of normal time left killed the game and catapulted them into dreamland.

And, thoroughly deserved was this triumph too, because it was St Joseph’s who rose to the challenge on this penultimate round tie in a big way, while the Shannon men flopped – the second time in four years they’ve failed to take their quarterfinal form into a semi-final clash in Cusack Park.

Back then it was a driven Lissycasey who ended their hopes – St Joseph’s were certainly cut from the same cloth on this day because the combination of O’Neill’s goals and their point-taking ability from play elevated them onto a different class and proved far too much for a Tones side that miss-fired badly in front of goal.

Proof of the Tones’ problems came with the substitution of frontline forwards Gary Leahy and Kevin Cahill in the second half. Stephen Mona- ghan and Daniel Gallery also failed to score from play, as other than Chris Dunning’s 23rd minute effort all their scores came from frees.

Measured against St Josephs’ 2-5 from play, this was a miss-match, with The Parish cruising to the final frontier in a canter not seen in the club since the hurlers were in their pomp from 1998 to 2001.

A tense opening saw the sides miss chances before Daniel Gallery landed a 45 in the third minute, but St Josephs’ ability to score from play was showcased in the tenth minute when Enda Lyons and Cathal O’Sullivan teed up Cathal Duggan for a point.

There was more to come, with Alan O’Neill’s 60-yard run through the heart of a retreating Tones defence the stuff of legend, especially when he finished it off by drilling low to the net from 14 yards.

St Joseph’s never looked back with Cathal O’Sullivan, David O’Brien and Kevin Dilleen landing fine points from play, while O’Brien also stroked over a free from the hands to give his side a double-scores lead of 1-5 to 0-4 at the interval.

The Tones were lethargic – despite Patsy Keyes’ best efforts at midfield – and just about stayed afloat when Stephen Monaghan landed two frees either side of a fine point from play by Chris Dunning.

The introduction of Aaron Cunningham at half-time did give them some impetus, but still, two Mona- ghan frees was all they had to show for the first 15 minutes of the half, while the difference in class between the sides was personified in the 37th minute when mercurial play-maker Colm Mullen ghosted up the shed side and arced a great point over the bar at the Stamer Park end of the field.

The Tones did have a chance to peg it back to a two-point game in the 50th minute but Monaghan missed an easy free, while inside a minute another surge by O’Neill settled the game. This time he thundered forward, latched on to a Paul Dullaghan pass and blasted low to the net once more.

You could say it was exhibition stuff when Enda Lyons floated over a great point in the 52nd minute to but St Joseph’s 2-7 to 0-6 clear and on the high road to the most significant win in their football history.

Hurling bluebloods in the stand and shed were even bellowing as The Parish navigated through seven minutes of injury time to reach the Promised Land of a county final.

Football GUBU you could call it, given where they were after their opening two championship games and four points down 25 minutes into their third game.

Back from the dead, you could say.

Richly deserved though.

Tubber 0-11 – Crusheen 0-06 at Cusack Park, Ennis

A BETTER balanced and physically stronger Tubber side overcame a spirited challenge from Crusheen’s third string side to secure the Junior B hurling league title. Both sides who lost at the semi final stage of the championship met in Corofin on Saturday with Tubber strongly fancied to take the laurels.

Crusheen started without the services of three key players Conor O Brien, Paul O Donnell and Keith Lenihan due to injury as Padraic O Malley opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. Declan Ryan who ended the game with six points, two from play opened Tubber’s account after five minutes. Over the course of the hour each score was hard won with Tubber benefitting from continuous Crusheen fouling and poor shot selection.

Niall Kearney and Edward Fogarty (free) responded for Crusheen as Ryan did likewise for Tubber. Ger Brohan and Damian Quinn was also on target with a point each to leave the winners (0-7) to (0-5) ahead at the break. Crusheen brought on two substitutes for the second half restart and Tubber were most fortunate not to concede at least one goal in the opening five minutes of the new half as Crusheen had three clear goal opportunities through the efforts of Ni- all Kearney, Alan Griffin and Philip O Donnell but spurned each chance.

Tubber rallied with points from Ryan and Paddy O Connor as Crusheen despite ample possession could not create scores thanks to a strong Tubber rearguard. Evan O Donoghue and Ryan rounded off the winners scoring as Niall Griffin managed a late consolation point for Crusheen whose third team has been promoted in the junior b league in the last two years. Tubber, will for their successful efforts be plying their trade in the junior A league next season.

Best for Tubber were Cathal O Grady, Oliver Taaffe, Francis McCormack, Mark Waters, Shane Mc- Mahon, Micheal Kelly, Declan Ryan, Ger Brohan and Damian Quinn. Crusheen had strong displays from the excellent Darren O Connor at corner back, John Hanrahan, Emmet O Connor, Ethan O Donnell, Edward Fogarty, Niall Griffin and Youen Horner.

After the game Irish officer of clare county board Tom Burke presented the Junior B league hurling cup to Tubber captain Cyril Cunningham.

Tubber
Cathal OGrady, Dermot Taaffe, Oliver Taaffe, Mark

Waters, Micheal Kelly, Shane McMahon, Kevin Conroy, Francis McCormack, Cyril Cunningham, Declan Ryan (0-6), David Fogarty, Damian Quinn (0-1), Ger Brohan (0-2), David Conroy, Nigel Naughton.

Subs
Paddy OConnor (0-1) for Conroy, Evan O Donoghue (0-1) for Nigel Naughton.

Crusheen
John Hanrahan, Darren OConnor, Emmet O Connor, Eoin Ryan, Enda OBrien, Damian Murphy, Edward Fogarty (0-2), Ethan ODonnell, Philip O Donnell, Padraic OMalley (0-1), Niall Griffin (0-1), Alan Griffin, Niall Kearney (0-1), SeanWeir (0-1), Brendan Keehan.

Subs
Youen Horner for Alan Griffin, Paul O Donnell for Keehan, Raymond Hassett for Murphy, Damian OConnor for Kearney Anthony Rodgers for OBrien.

Referee
John Dolan (Clarecastle)

Kilrush Shamrocks 0-11 – Shannon Gaels 1-08 at Cooraclare

IT WAS the result that neither side wanted but in the cold light of day, it was possibly the fairest outcome of what was overall an entertaining encounter. Perhaps it wasn’t the most glamourous of end-of-year prizes but Kilrush and Shannon Gaels played as if it was the main decider in Cusack Park, such was the desire to finish the year on a high.

Essentially, both sides could pick through the bones of where this game could have been won or lost. Shannon Gaels led for over three-quarters of the contest but still had to scramble for a 62nd minute Sean Reynolds 40 metre equalising point.

On the flip side, Kilrush will probably feel that they had done enough after kicking four points without reply late on to usurp the lead for the first time in over 30 minutes but where their real regret will lie is that they were unable to pass goalkeeper Keith Ryan over the hour.

Ryan was simply immense for the Gaels, making three top class saves to keep his side in the contest, with the highlight being his 52nd minute smothering body block that denied Ruaidhri O’Connor a certain goal. Indeed, goal chances were to play a major part in proceeedings, with Kilrush guilty of wasting five golden opportunities.

However, it was Shannon Gaels who would have the first sight at goal in the fifth minute amidst a very bright start that saw John Paul O’Neill, Bryan Cunningham and Shane Tubridy hoist them to a three point advantage. Noel Kennedy picked out O’Neill whose shot beat goalkeeper Tony Burke but was kept out by the legs of Niall Gilbride.

Kilrush finally found their feet and in the next 15 minutes, they would kick five points without reply with their lively full-forward line of Stephen Sweeney, Owen Tarrant and Ruaidhri O’Connor beginning to cause major headaches for the Gaels’ rearguard. It should have been more too as after points from O’Connor and Padjo McGrath, Tarrant pulled a shot just wide of the goal. Four minutes later, the full-forward turned provider for the onrushing Sweeney whose stinging effort was excellently tipped over by Ryan.

A Jim Young free finally gave Kilrush the lead in the 22nd minute but the one man wall in the Gaels goal continued to frustrate them. In the 24th minute an O’Connor shot appeared destined for the top corner of the net, only for Ryan to get a hand to it and tip the ball onto the post while a minute later, Tarrant came raiding once more but opted for power over placement and his effort flew over the crossbar to give his side a 0-5 to 0-3 25th minute advantage.

That plethora of missed chances was magnified when against the run of play, Shannon Gaels would show them the way to goal two minutes later. Again Noel Kennedy and John Paul O’Neill combined but this time the full-forward was prevented a goalscoring opportunity and was deservedly given a penalty that captain John Neylon duly disptached.

With that, the Gaels began to motor once more, with Kennedy and O’Neill adding points before the interval to hand them an unlikely 1-5 to 0-5 half-time lead.

Kilrush needed a spark to reignite their flame and it came in the form of substitutes Peadar McMahon and Donal O’Sullivan who would make a decided difference in the second period. Progress was slow initially as the Gaels were able to match what the Shams could throw at them, despite another goal chance for Sweeney that went straight at Ryan. However, as the half wore on, the Gaels tired and Kilrush used that opportunity to slowly reel them in during the final quarter.

Of course, realising that the goal option was pointless, especially after Ryan’s breathtaking 52nd minute save from O’Connor, Kilrush cleverly took their chances over the bar after getting the ball rolling in the 48th minute through Sweeney.

With five minutes remaining, two points still separated the sides but as fatigue set in, the Gaels also lost their discipline as Peadar McMahon gladly converted three late frees to snatch the lead in the 59th minute.

In truth, the Gaels didn’t look like they could muster up an equaliser but in a last gasp attack John Neylon and Fergal Kenny did the spadework for Sean Reynolds to unleash a 40 metre final punt that just about stayed inside the left post.

With that, the final whistle sounded and while both managers looked for extra-time, the subsequent intermediate final meant that there was no time for that to happen and the sides must do it all over again.

St Joseph’s Miltown 1-15 – Kilmihil 0-11 at Pairc Naomh Mhuire, Quilty

MILTOWN Malbay will once again play senior football next season after securing their status in Clare’s club football premier division last Sunday afternoon. The prayers and novenas were all answered as Miltown finally located a performance worthy of the prize of survival.

For Kilmihil however sheer and utter despondency is a mere understatement in describing the brutal reality of relegation that they now have to live with. Their new life as intermediate footballers has now begun and who knows when such a curse will be lifted off again if ever.

This clash proved to be the hard fought battle that both sets of supporters would have expected and demanded from their players. Every single player who took part in this struggle for survival have to be commended for their mammoth efforts and the pride they maintained in their club jersey even those brave football soldiers who fell at the hands of an unfortunate seven point footballing defeat.

It was those very same eventual heartbroken losers who found the ideal start to this game after forty five seconds on the clock. Shane Mangan displayed no early nerves before dispatching a terrific point thirty metres out from goal to nudge Kilmihil into an initial lead.

Miltown however quickly responded. Micheal Malone was allowed far too much space without being challenged by a Kilmihil defender and he also immediately levelled this encounter with the first of his three very impressive scores from play.

Miltown’s momentum now began to roll into motion. Kevin Keavy soon pointed to steal the lead for the first time while Seanie Malone and David Talty also added their names to an ever increasing St Joseph’s score sheet. Paul Reidy Kilmihil’s primary marksman kicked two frees in the space of a minute to keep his side in touch on a score of 0-5 to 0-3 after the opening quarter of this match.

The next score in this game was probably the most crucial of all. A powerful bursting run by Graham Kelly through the heart of the Kilmi- hil defence caused panic and chaos around the scoreboard side goalmouth which culminated in Kilmihil’s worst fears materialising with the awarding of a penalty kick to Miltown. Corner forward Eoin Curtin was given the responsibility of converting this crucial chance and he certainly did not let his side down.

Any soccer play in the world from the past or present would have admired his net bursting top right hand corner drive which left the helpless Keith Considine with no chance. This was now a five point game and an early fear for the worst encircled the Kilmihil Kop in the stand at Quilty. This anxiety proved to be a little premature as a Reidy inspired Kilmihil amazingly regained a foothold in this tie. Point after point was converted by this classy full forward.

Whether from a placed ball or free it did not matter as the newly promoted vice principal of Spanish Point Secondary school taught some of his former students a lesson on the field of play.

Incredibly they entered at the break trailing only by the minimum and with the absences of even a gust of wind everything was still to play for in the second half.

Or so everyone thought! Miltown in truth found another gear after the restart that their Kilmihil rivals could not match.

The commitment of Kilmihil did not decrease but Miltown’s extra class began to shine through the more this match progressed. Dessie Molohan and Curtin took their frees with ease. Gordon Kelly captain fantastic as always even managed one after a rare scramble into attack from the defence he marshaled so well throughout.

Their skills levels were equal to their hunger for success and this lead ultimately to victory on a score of 115 to 0-11 with Micheal Meade finding the final point of the game.

A seven point margin was harsh on Kilmihil but Miltown conveyed no mercy and the celebrations at the sound of the referee’s final whistle were well deserved.

They will now be hoping for a 2012 free of anymore relegation finals but before the thoughts of next season really intensify a celebratory “miniWilly fest” will probably occupy the players’ minds.

St Joseph’s Miltown
Miltown Niall Quinn (7), Brendan O’Brien (7), Michael Talty (7), Enda Malone (7), Conor McKenna (7), Gordon Kelly (8) (0-1), Darragh McDonagh (7), Sean Meade (7), Kevin Keavey (8) (0-2), DavidTalty (7) (0-1), Dessie Molohan (7) (0-3 2f), Micheal Malone (8) (0-3), Seanie Malone (7) (0-2), GrahamKelly (7) (0-1), Eoin Curtin (7) (1-2, Pen. 2f)

Subs
Gearoid Curtin (6) for Talty, Enda O’Gorman (6) for McKenna, John Meade (6) for Talty, Kevin Burke (6) for Malone

Kilmihil
Keith Considine (7), Laurence Murray (7), Declan O’Shea (7), Derek O’Connell (7), Stan Lineen (7), Mark Coughlin (7) (0-1), Eamonn Ryan (7) (0-1), Timmy Ryan (7), David Ryan (7), Enda O’Halloran (6), Shane Mangan (7) (0-1),Anthony Downes (6), Noel Downes (6), Paul Reidy (9) (0-8, 6f), Mark O’Connell (6)

Subs
Shane Egan (6) for Downes, Martin O’Leary (6) for Downes, ColmCallinan (6) for O’Connell

Man of the Match
Paul Reidy (Kilmihil) Referee Pat Cosgrove (Corofin)

Corofin 2-14 – Doonbeg 1-06 at Hennessy Memorial Park, Miltown

HOT favourites Corofin justified those expectations on Saturday with a comprehensive victory to win their first Under 21B title in 17 years. A powerful finish that was sparked by Gearoid Kelly’s second goal saw the north Clare side ease to victory but in truth, they held the whip hand throughout.

A hattrick of Kelly points along with scores from Stephen (2) and Kevin Heagney pushed the winners 0-6 to 0-1 clear by the break and once Kelly scored the opening goal in the 43rd minute, Corofin appeared to have put paid to any hopes of a Magpie comeback.

However, a Jamie Russell goal gave Doonbeg a glimmer of hope to bring back the deficit to five in an impres – sive overall scoring display of 1-3 but that fightback was short-lived when Kelly raided for his second major in the final quarter. And with that, Doonbeg’s heads dropped as Corofin ease clear to secure the silverware.

Ruan 2-7 – Crusheen/Tubber 2-5 at Clarecastle

ONE OF the better hurling games played over the Under 15 championship saw two evenly matched sides pitted against each other in the Under 15C title decider in Clarecastle on Sunday morning. Many clashes between these clubs in various forms over the decades will have rarely more been keenly contested, with the impetus switching between the teams with regularity. Ruan were the strongly fancied side to win the laurels but would be first to admit that they were fortunate with a late rally to take the honours as Crusheen/Tubber were the better side for most of the game.

The opening score fell to Ronan Monahan after two minutes and in- deed he was one of the better players on view over the hour and was top scorer for the defeated having been used in a number of positions. Liam O’Donovan opened Ruan’s account before Crusheen/Tubber corner forward Ross Hayes scored his sides first goal in the sixth minute. At the interval Crusheen/Tubber held the advantage at 1-5 to 0-4.

Ruan failed to score a goal until the 40th minute when Lee O’Donovan hit the target and Crusheen responded positively with scores from Donal McMahon and Monahan. O Donovan’s second goal put Ruan ahead and from there they held out despite a late rally from the vanquished. The champions had sterling performances from Michael Lyons, Conal Ó hAiniféin, Lee O’Donovan, Liam O’Donovan, Colm Rice, Jason Courtney and Tim O Connor. Crusheen/Tubber were served well by Ronan Monahan, Colin Waters, Donal McMahon, Cillian Droney, Simon O’Donoghue, Brian McDonagh and Sean Culligan.

Ruan

COUNTY Board chief Michael O’Neill led the tributes to Michéal McDermott at Tuesday’s meeting of Clare GAA, saying that his commitment to Clare football was second to none.

His comments came at the end of McDermott’s lengthy address when he reviewed his two years in charge of the team, in which he parsed Clare league and championship displays in 2010 and 2011.

“As someone who has worked with Michéal McDermott over the past two years, his commitment has been second to none,” said O’Neill.

“The player he had on the panel gave it their all. His commitment, his knowledge of football is very good and I wouldn’t fault Michéal in any way.

“If there was an issue during the year we sat down and discussed it. We didn’t always agree but we worked for the betterment of Clare football,” added the county board chairman.

St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield delegate Joe McNamara also gave an insight into McDermott’s passion for football.

“Last Saturday I was in Gurteen – two mothers came up to me and said there is a seriously long session going on down there. Who was it who was training a group of girls? It was Michéal McDermott,” revealed McNamara. CLARE HURLING REVIEW

MONALEEN! To be or not to be? That is the question.

To be manager of the Limerick City club in 2011 as they chase down their fourth county senior football title since 2002?

Or not to be manager of the Limerick City club in 2011 in tandem with being manager of the Clare football team?

This elephant in a room full of county board delegates was broached towards the end of last Tuesday’s September monthly meeting of Clare GAA by Kilrush Shamrocks representative Colm Browne.

“Do you think it is appropriate that the manager of the Clare team should be managing a club team in a neighbouring county,” asked Browne of outgoing manager Michéal McDermott.

“I take your point on board,” responded McDermott, “but number one I was never manager of Monaleen. When I was appointed manager of Clare back in October 2009 and was ratified by the delegates in this room, at that time I was manager of Kilmurry Ibrickane and it wasn’t an issue then.

“As regards as where my commit- ments lie. Kilmurry Ibrickane had an All-Ireland final on March 17 (2010), the first in their history. On that Wednesday we played in an All-Ireland final, the previous weekend we played in a Division 4 match against London in Ruislip.

“When I was manager of Kilmurry Ibrickane it wasn’t an issue. During the year when I was manager of Clare I was asked to help out Monaleen, because they had lost their manager. I said I would because a good friend of mine was involved. I ended up doing a favour for a fella and I don’t have it in my heart to say no. That’s me. I enjoy football six, seven nights a week. Should that be taken away from me?, he asked.

However, Browne responded by saying “it’s different, you were actually the incumbent (with Clare) when you were appointed to Monaleen.”

“My commitment never waned when I was involved in Monaleen,” retorted McDermott. “When I was appointed day one I was with Kilmurry Ibrickane and it never affected my performance with Clare.

“Anthony Cunningham managed Galway under 21 hurlers to an AllIreland final and won. On Sunday he’s manager of Garrycastle in the Westmeath senior football championship. Pat Flanagan is manager of Westmeath football team, he is also manager of Clara who are in the Offaly football final.

“If I had felt my responsibility with Clare and not given 100 per cent I would be the first to put my hands up. My involvement with Monaleen did not detract whatsoever from my commitment to Clare.

“I was never manager and despite being quoted in media circles I am not manager – I’m there helping out, but I never missed a training session with Clare, I never missed a gym session with Clare. I give 100 per cent to Clare. It wasn’t an issue when I was appointed day one.”

MICHÉAL McDermott is prepared to walk away from Clare football if county board delegates feel that he’s not the man to lead the county senior team into the 2012 season.

McDermott first became involved with Clare teams in 1996 under John O’Keeffe’s senior management reign and has now put it up to delegates to decide if he’s still the right man for the senior job.

“Is it time for change?,” he asked delegates. “That’s for people in the room here tonight. If you feel there’s change needed, so be it. If I’m not the man to bring forward Clare football for one more year, so be it.

“I will walk away with my hand held high and say that I’ve given it everything and I couldn’t have given it anymore. The long and short of it is that it’s up to you guys to decide. Is Michéal McDermott the man to bring Clare forward? If I am, I would be proud to do it and would give 100 per cent.

“If it’s decided that Michéal McDermott isn’t the man to bring Clare forward, I have no problem in walking away and saying fine, so be it. I’ll say I gave it my best shot. I’ll say I thought I did what was right and I’m never going to fall out with anybody over football.

“I’m living in Clare for 15 years. I have given time for Clare juniors, to Clare under 21s and seniors. What I do is I love football. Without football I don’t know what I’d be doing.

“For my two years with the Clare football team, I’ve done everything in my power to try and bring success, not for Michéal McDermott, not for these men at the top table, but for the players,” McDermott added in his impassioned appeal to win the backing of county board delegates.

And, in making his case for a third year in charge, McDermott has forecast that success is around the corner for Clare – citing the DNA of current Clare players, their commitment to the cause and the ageing profile of the Kerry team as rays of hope for the future.

“People will say league was a disaster for Clare this year,” said McDermott, “but if anything I think we played better football this year in the league than we did the previous year but we didn’t get results.

“What ever people say about Clare football, it’s not as bad, if the breaks would only come our way. If we had every player out there of the quality that’s out there, willing to give everything to Clare, it would be brilliant.

“Most of all you want to have 25 or 26 players who have the DNA to give everything for Clare football. That’s what it’s all about. It’s about the players, to have a bit of pride.

“There is no given right to come out of Division 4. Every game is like an All-Ireland final. It’s a rat-race to get out. They are so close to coming out of Division 4, if a couple of breaks go our way. That’s what we need. We are not far off the mark.

“At the present moment Cork and Kerry are strong but things could level out. Look at the Kerry team this year – five of their six backs are over 30 years of age.

“There is not the same conveyor belt of talent coming through in Kerry. They could be coming down to a level.”