This article is from page 73 of the 2011-06-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 73 JPG
DOONBEG AND West Clare Gaels will contest the Div. 3 league final on Saturday. Doonbeg had a comfortable win over Kilrush last Saturday while it was a different story for West Clare Gaels who finished with a point to spare over Éire Óg on Sunday in a match that produced nine goals.
Last year for the first time, West Clare Gaels fielded a second team and reached the final of this competition but were defeated by Burren Gaels. Fiona Troy and club secretary Deirdre Kenny Downes are in charge of this group and they will be hoping for good performances from Tracey Downes the team captain, Lisa Harte, Andrea Kenny, Grainne Harvey, Becky O’Farrell, Lorraine Ryan, Colette Keniry and Marybeth Downes.
Doonbeg this year are back in competition action at adult level. They have been unable to field a team in this age group since 05. However, a number of their players assisted other clubs, mainly Kilmihil and Shannon Gaels.
Edel Conway is the team captain, she along with Linda Russell, Sarah Cahill and Yvonne Downes were part of the Kilmihil set up that went on to win the All Ireland Junior Club Championship in 08.
The Madigan sisters Edel and Mairead and Amanda Ryan all played with Shannon Gaels in recent years and have experienced contesting a number of Intermediate Championship Finals. Players like Lorraine Tubridy and Caroline Haugh who have not played for a number of years will also feature for the magpiesTeam.
Manager Cathal Hayes and his assistant James Stack will be hoping that those experiences will stand to their side who will be strong favourites to win the league and championship double at junior level.