This article is from page 67 of the 2011-07-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 67 JPG
NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS and Crusheen will face off for top spot in Division 1 following the play-off draw on Monday evening. Inagh/Kilnamona’s late surge meant that there is a three way play-off for two semifinal places in the Clare Cup along with Newmarket-on-Fergus and Crusheen. Those sides were drawn first, allowing them to play off for top spot while Inagh/Kilnamona will play the losers of that tie to decide the second semi-final place.
What is certain is that last year’s promoted sides Broadford and Wolfe Tones will be back in the second tier for the 2012 campaign and will be replaced by the two sides that were relegated from the top tier last year, Clonlara and Cratloe. However, while promotion is ensured for the 2008 and 2009 county champions respectively, Clonlara still have one game outstanding against Corofin that could have a huge bearing on both ends of the Division 2A table. With Cratloe beating Clonlara in the league, Clonlara will need to get something out of the Corofin game in order to claim a last four spot in the competition that they won backto-back in 2008 and ‘09. Equally Corofin require the points to avoid the drop to Division 2B and if they can avoid defeat, Scariff and Ballyea will be relegated. If they are unable to get anything out of the game, then it will come down to scoring difference.
Killanena earned a late reprieve to consolidate their Clare Cup status on Saturday by beating Parteen and leapfrogging Bodyke in the process, thus relegating the east Clare side along with neighbours Ogonnelloe while Kilmaley and Éire Óg will move up to Division 2A for 2012, with Kilmaley awaiting the winners of the first play-off in Division 1 to confirm their opponents in the Clare Cup semi-final.
Meanwhile, the Intermediate League semi-finals go ahead this weekend with the winners securing promotion to the Clare Cup. Inagh/ Kilnamona and Meelick will face off in Shannon on Saturday while the mouthwatering repeat of last year’s Junior A championship final between Crusheen and Newmarket will decide the other finalist.
In Division 4, last year’s finalists Clonlara will take on Whitegate for advancement to the final while Doora/Barefield and the Mills second strings pair off for the other place.