Category: Sport

THE AGM of Sixmilebridge GAA club took place at the clubhouse meeting room last Wednesday evening. In what was a sizeable attendance, all those present reviewed the past year which saw the Under 21 title return to the parish and the seniors qualify for a first county final in nine years.

Those in attendance received a comprehensive and very well structured review of the past year’s activities by joint Secretary Louise Corbett. She also paid tribute to all those who helped throughout the year and congratulated the minor club on their success, the Under 21 winning team and the seniors on reaching the county final.

Club members who featured on the Clare minor and intermediate winning teams were also congratulated. Best wishes were extended to clubmen David Fitzgerald (Clare senior hurling) and Eamon Fennessy (Clare minor hurling) on their managerial appointments while another clubman Sean Stack was congratulated on leading Na Piarsaigh to the Limerick and Munster titles. A minute’s silence was held in memory of all those who passed away in the parish and club in 2011 including club stalwarts Noel Murphy, Fr. Hugh O’Dowd and Theresa Quinn.

Treasurer Joan Keogh, in her first year at the helm, gave an in-depth breakdown on the financial side of things. The meeting also heard from club Development Chairman, Paddy Meehan, who informed those in attendance that the ambitious club development is now complete.

Club Chairman, P. J. Fitzpatrick, then gave his end of year report and thanked all involved with the club for their help over the past year. After his report he informed the meeting that he would be stepping down from his position after three years in the throne. Many tributes were paid to the outgoing Chairman from the floor for his tremendous work during his term and indeed in the years gone by. Another outgoing officer, Sean Griffin, was thanked for his trojan and dedicated work over the last number of years with co-ordinating the club lotto.

On the night Paddy Meehan was reappointed as Under 21 manager. He will again have Niall Gilligan, John O’Meara Jnr and Leo Quinlan on his management team as they bid to retain the Under 21 A crown in 2012.

A reconvened AGM will take place on Sunday, January 8 at 3 pm. This meeting will elect club officers and team management for 2012. THURSDAY NIGHTS Galway card was an all graded eight race programme with heats of various Christmas Stakes the order of the night The opening three contests were the three semi finals of the Xmas Parties S7 Sprint Stake and in the opening heat both Black Dragon(T1) and Ollys Molly(T6) were away well and they disputed the lead ahead of Manus Fantastic(T2) approaching the opening bend. Rounding the bend Manus Fantastic carried his rivals wide which allowed the Robert Carkhill & James Browne of Ennis owned trap five runner Elwick Ragtag(Head BoundRaggletagglrosie) to sweep through and score by 2&1/4 lengths in 19.86 The concluding heat sawthe Martin Keane of Kilmihil owned debutant Joinedupthinking(T3) register a fine debut success as after striking the front rounding the opening bend the son of Royal Imapact & FaceValue powered clear of his toiling rivals to record a 12&1/4 length success in 19.42. Reneharney Crash(T6) had led the field in the early stages but once Joinedupthinking sorted himself out there was only ever going to be one winner. In race 7 Keane was on the mark once again in this A4 graded 525 yard contest as his Clapton Master(Royal Impact-FaceValue) recorded his maiden career success by 4&1/4 lengths over Wood Crash(T6) in 29.51. Fromtraps Blackstormlady(T5) was smartly away but she was outpaced by the black jacketed Clapton Master on the run up. Kicking clear turning down the back the winner had his rivals in big trouble passing halfway

and although tiring close home he scored with plenty in hand. Race 4 was an A8 graded affair and as they raced towards the opening bend Susie Longsoxs(T2) and Lurgan Drifter(T6) raced neck and and neck before the latter took a definite advantage rounding the bend despite moving wide on the track. Racing down the far side Lurgan Drifter led by two lengths fromthe improving Jacksies Maeve(T4). With the leader again moving wide off the home bend the Martin Sexton of Miltown Malbay owned Jacksies Maeve(Ballymac Maeve-Jacksies Nicki) slipped through on the rail to score by half a length in 30.03. All six runners were away pretty much on terms in race 5 for this A4 graded 525 yarder with the red jacketed Sues Princess just showing the best early toe to lead round by a length fromDromoher Snoopy(T2). Racing down the back the order remained unchanged as the Johnny &Aoife Burke of Tubber owned Sues Princess maintained the tempo out front and the daughter of Head Bound & Boozed Lorraine gamely held her rival at bay by a head in 29.70. Races 7 & 8 on Friday nights card were heats of the Race Dogs A5 Stake and as the closely bunched field approached the opening bend in the first heat Clairwell Jewell(T3) and Manus Snowdrop(T4) just shaded their rivals with Slim Away(T1) and Contentious(T2) just in behind themas they turned down the far side. Racing past halfway Clairwell Jewell held the call but all the while theThomas Flanagan of Ennistymon owned Contentious was getting closer with every stride and striking the front turning for home the daughter of Droopys Kewell and Coldwar Baby scored by 3&1/4 lengths in 29.84. In the second semi final the Michael Costello & Douglas Culligan of Ballyvaughan owned Pinnacle Roxy(T3) was very smartly away fromtraps and the daughter of Boherduff Light & Coldwar Baby quickly opened up a three length lead on her rivals rounding the opening bend. Racing down the far side Pinnacle Roxy was clear of Willbrook Queen(T6) but fromthe third bend the gap began to close as Pinnacle Roxy began to tire in front but she summoned enough courage to last home by half a length in 29.57. Races 2-5 were all heats of an S5 Sprint Stake and in the opening heat Capuka(T2) was first to emerge but as the runners raced towards the opening bend the Ger Manley of Cratloe owned Confused Mark(T1) showed pace along the rail to take command approaching the opening bend. Despite running slightly wide on the crown of the home bend the son of Galway Mark & Confused Shasa stayed on well to defeat Willrose Junior(T6) by 1&1/4 lengths in 19.62. In heat three both Loyal Sue(T1) and Mythical Tar(T3) were both away quite well and the raced stride for stride to the opening bend two lengths clear of MissThe Sunset(T6).As the leaders rounded the bend the John Keane & Frank White of Ennis owned Mythical Tar cut to the rail and the son of Boherduff Light and Coldwar Baby quickly settled the contest as he drewaway to score by 4&1/4 lengths in 19.35.

IN keeping with the harsh economic times that has seen budgets cut across all sectors of society, Clare GAA has continued to slash its expenditure on county teams.

Clare County Board finances for 2011 reveal that expenditure on teams was cut by nearly € 70,000 from the 2010 figure. In the 2011 inter-county year, the sum of € 560,329 was spent on teams, a figure that represents a € 66,904 cut from the expenditure of € 627,233 in 2010.

According to county board sec retary, Pat Fitzgerald there will be more cutbacks to come on team expenditure in 2012 as the executive faces up to what he calls “a bleak financial position” the county board finds itself in. “Over the past two years we trimmed back to the tune of almost € 150,000 on investment in the preparation of county teams and that policy will prevail going forward,” Fitzgerald says in his annual report to Convention.

In 2011, travel expenses made up the bulk of expenditure on teams, with players receiving € 204,209 in expenses during the year, as compared to € 201,432 in 2010.

The main savings were made by the board in the area of catering, gear/ equipment/laundry and buses/overnight stays. The catering bill was cut from € 154,799 in 2010 to € 126,250 in 2011; gear/equipment/laundry reduced from € 105,701 to € 77,053, while expenditure on buses/overnight stays was shaved back from € 42,780 to € 34,959.

The big expense increase for team affairs came in expenditure of training facilities which jumped from only € 3,798 in 2010 to € 13,746 in 2011.

Lifford 4 – EnnisTown/Rock 2 at Cassidy Park, Ennis

A STORMING second half performance saw Lifford make light work of Ennis Town/Rock on Sunday.

The teams were level at half time with the home side drawing level shortly after Town had taken the lead. It was shaping up to be a close and tightly contested affair after the break but two quick goals accelerated Lifford into a winning position.

First Ruairi Norrby’s clever free kick deceived Town goalkeeper Stephen Loftus to find the bottom corner. Clearly re-energised after taking the lead, Donal Magee’s side sought to press home their advantage.

They did so by ruthlessly capitalis- ing on a couple of careless moments of Town defending. Scott Hennessy breached the rearguard to slam home a half volley to make it 3-1.

The points were in the bag when Lunga Balman seized on a half chance to bury a shot that cannoned in off the crossbar. Town upped their performance and were rewarded through Stephen Hickey’s power- fully struck consolation goal.

After defeating Avenue United in the league cup final, Sunday’s convincing victory shows Lifford, in their 50th year, are genuine title contenders.

That said they had a bit of work to do before taking control of a game played out on a surface in remarkably good condition considering the amount of rainfall in recent weeks.

The visitors took the lead when Town’s most impressive performer Marty McLoughlin toe poked home from close range.

The lead didn’t last too long as Pat Darcy drilled home from outside the area to equalise minutes later.

Chances were few and far between before the floodgates and the skies opened in the second half.

Norrby’s clipped free kick was swiftly followed by Hennessy’s half volley.

With Hamed Kuku having a fine game at centre back, Balman made it 4-1 late one before Hickey blasted home in the closing moments. A great goal but not enough to deny Lifford a third league victory.

Lifford
Jean DeSilva, Eoin Murphy, Hamed Kuku, Mickey Joe Sullivan, Dylan Blake, Ruairi Norrby, Pat Darcy, Pa Mannion, Lunga Balman, Ryan Boyle, Scott Hennessy

Subs
Darren O’Neill for Boyle

Ennis Town/ Rock
Stephen Loftus, Barry Woods, JasonWhite, Shane Daniels, Ronan Judge, Richie Neylon,AdrianWalsh, Daryl Eade, Marty McLoughlin, Stephen Hickey, Niall McNevin

Subs
GaryWalsh for McNevin, Michael Dinan for Woods, Ethan Considine for A Walsh

Referee
Padraig Sutton

CALLS for Clare GAA administrators to come down hard on clubs and individuals who abuse referees will be sounded out at this Thursday night’s Clare GAA Convention, with the Clare Referees Administration Committee leading the charge against the perpetrators of abuse.

The report submitted to the Convention by the referee’s body says that “the abuse of referees has to be severely dealt with at all times and all our referees have to be protected and get the support they deserve”.

In returning to a theme that has been familiar to Convention in recent times, the report says that the scourge of abuse comes between the committee and the recruitment of new referees.

“This is an area I have great concern over, because when we manage to get a group of candidates in a room to do the foundation course and have completed it, on every occasion we find that all our efforts count for naught as a result of abuse,” it says.

“Everyone wants a referee for their game, but no one gives the beginner a chance to develop. The referee is expected to know all the rules from the very first game he does, and there is very little tolerance for mistakes.

“The abuse factor has an even deeper knock-on effect because as referees administrator for the county and charged with responsibility of recruitment of new referees, it has become increasingly more difficult to convince someone to become a knight of the whistle.

“The amount of abuse being di rected at new referees in games is seriously damaging our effectiveness in recruiting referees and is turning them away from refereeing. We have some very competent referees in Clare and they can hold their own with the best in the country.

“We also have some referees in our ranks at the moment, who are showing good potential and everything should be done to allow these to develop and progress to the stage where we will be able to avail of their services right across the whole spectrum of refereeing in Clare.”

Continuing, the report says, “The promotion of refereeing and recruitment throughout the county has come a long way over the past number of years. This needs to be broadened and developed more and the members of the County Executive have a major role to play in this.

“I firmly believe that there are lots more potential referees in the county if they were given the right signals and encouragement.

“It is most important that the perpetrators of the abuse of referees are dealt with in a manner, which will clearly show that this will not be tolerated at any level and I appeal to all clubs, team coaches and supporters to give the ref a chance.”

In 2011 the Clare Referees Administration Committee consisted of five members – County Administrator and chairman Ger Hoey, Michael O’Regan, Michael McGann, Ger Lyons and Seanie McMahon.

Limerick FC 5 – Cobh Ramblers 0 at Jackman Park, limerick

MANAGER Declan Farmer moved his Limerick U19s team further clear at the top of the Under 19 National League Southern Division with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over their closest rivals, Cobh Ramblers. Their presence at the top of the table has been bolstered greatly by the presence of Clare players including Steven McGann, Sean O’Callaghan, Rob Shier and Fatmadh Dunisha.

Cobh started brightly and could have scored early in the game, but for fleeting periods Limerick FC totally dominated this match. The home side opened the scoring after good play up the left by Limerick’s left back Anthony O’Donnell, who passed inside to centre forward Colin Daly and his perfect through-ball played to his fellow centre forward Cian Collins in who scored from a tight angle. After 20 minutes Limerick were two up: the impressive Colin Daly again put Cian Collins through and he put the ball across goal for wide-right centre forward Darragh Rainsford to tap in at the far post. Steven McGann dominated centre midfield closing down and not allowing any space for both of Cobh Ramblers centre midfielders David Curran, Dillon McNamara.

Five minutes into the second half Limerick FC took full control of the game with the third goal. A ball over the top appeared to be running through to Cobh Ramblers Goalkeeper Shane Hallahan, but as the keeper hesitated and Darragh Rainsford stole the ball to square to Col- lins who had the simple task of stroking the ball into the empty net. The visitors had a chance to get back in the game but Cobh’s centre forward Dan Santry’s header was taken off the line by Barry Sheedy.

After 20 minutes Cian Collins rounded off a ‘man of the match’ performance as he scored two in the space of a minute. On both occasions he beat the offside trap to go one-on-one with Cohb Ramblers goalkeeper Shane Hallahan and on both occasions he finished with great composure. Cobh Ramblers pushed for a consolation but came up against an outstanding defence of Stephen Walsh in goal protected by a back four of Alex Scully, Andrew Cowpar, Sean O’Callaghan and Anthony O’Donnell, who fully deserved their clean sheet.

Declan Farmer’s Limerick FC U19’s team, has developed into the form team in this division with an average of three goals per game and now four points clear of Cobh Ramblers at the top of the table.

Limerick FC

THE current state of Cusack Park is set to come up for debate at Thursday night’s gathering of the county’s Gaels, with the St Joseph’s Miltown and Sixmilebridge clubs leading the charge for the seat of Clare GAA.

These two clubs have tabled motions relating to Cusack Park, which this year celebrates 75 years as the home of Clare GAA – a landmark anniversary that was also marked by a decision by Croke Park authorities to downgrade its status by reducing the ground capacity to an all-time low of 14,864.

The first general motion on the Convention Clár comes from St Joseph’s Miltown, with their longtime county board delegate and Cusack Park loyalist, Noel Walsh set to speak on behalf of the club.

St Joseph’s want Clare County Board chairman, Michael O’Neill to “appoint a sub-committee at the first County Committee meeting in 2012 to deal with the report that has re- duced the capacity of Cusack Park”.

In addition to this, the motion calls this new sub-committee of the board “to take in all aspects” of the report which was commissioned by Croke Park and carried out Slattery & Company and make “particular reference to the re-construction of the main stand”. St Joseph’s also want any new Cusack Park sub-committee to “report to the County Committee in three months” with it’s findings and recommendations.

Meanwhile, motion number 38 on the Convention Clár from Sixmilebridge says that “when finances allow, Cusack Park be given a facelift beginning with dressing rooms, showers, toilet facilities etc.”.

The motion could be inspired from Sixmilebridge’s own experience from their county senior hurling final against Crusheen in October when there were no hot showers available after the game.

Inagh/Kilnamona will table a motion calling for an electronic scoreboard to be installed at Cusack Park.

THE CLARE Ladies Football Under 14 trials, which are run in conjunction with the Marian Keane Memorial Cup, were played out over the last three weeks and concluded this weekend at Clarecastle. 65 girls were called to attend the trials and included players who had participated in the Under 13 twelve week development program, any other interested 13 year olds and a selection of Under 12 development squad members.

The trials were well attended in very adverse weather conditions showing a massive interest in representing Clare in gaelic football. Four teams played for the Marian Keane Memorial Cup, which was accepted for her team by captain Chloe Moloney and the Shield which was accepted by captain Katie Considine for her team.

Trudy Davenport, chairperson of Doora/Barefield Ladies Football Club presented the Cup, Shield and medals for every participant.

Mentors Eimear Considine, Aine Kelly, Johnny Hayes and Alan Copley wish to thank all the players, their parents and their clubs for participating in the trials.

The panel will be selected in early January and will reassemble on Sunday, January 15 in preparation for the Under 14B Munster Championship which begins on Saturday, March 3, with fixtures to be confirmed.

CLARE GAA will be obliged to have a county board meeting every month of the year, with one notable exception to this rule – the month in which the annual County Convention takes place.

That will be the way of the future if the St Joseph’s Miltown club has it’s way when tabling a motion at this Thursday’s Convention calling for the Clare GAA by-laws pertaining to county board meetings to be amended.

The move has its genesis in the fact that after Clare’s exit from the AllIreland series in both hurling and football in late June, it wasn’t until September that a full meeting of the Clare County Board took place.

This state of affairs won’t be allowed to occur in the future if the St Joseph’s motion which says “Meetings of the Co. Committee will be held each month with one exception of the month in which the convention is held” wins the backing of a majority of clubs in the county.

St Joseph’s motion also goes further, calling on the Clare Gaels to give their support for a raft of other changes to the structures, procedures and practices that govern monthly and special county board meetings.

The west Clare club is calling for “agenda for meetings to be made available a minimum of five days before meetings”. In addition to this St Joseph’s will put forward a number of other recommendations.

“A special meeting may be called on the written request of at least four clubs from different parishes, who shall specify in their request, the reason for which the meeting is being called.

“Three days notice of ordinary meetings must be given, but in the case of a special meeting, two days shall be sufficient. Secretaries of particular sub-committees, with the approval of their chairman, may call a special meeting if deemed necessary.

“The secretary of a particular committee shall be obliged to summon a meeting provided the chairman is satisfied that the subject matter is in order. Three members shall be the quorum for all other committees, with the exception of the disciplinary committee,” the motion continues.

Meanwhile, Sixmilebridge are set to table a motion calling for six monthly meetings to be held annually. At these meetings they say the “county chairman, secretary and board delegates and manager for the most senior team in the club” be present.

“At each meeting one hour should be devoted to dealing with football matters and one hour to hurling matters. The duration of the meeting to be three hours, with the final hour for general business discussion,” the motion adds.

OUTOING County Underage PRO Alan Copley is poised to take up the role as Chairman of Clare Ladies Football at this evening’s (Tuesday) annual convention in The West County Hotel.

The Banner Ladies delegate is expected to succeed outgoing chairman Johnny Hayes who served in the role for the last four years in what was his second term at the helm.

Fergus Rovers clubman Hayes announced his decision to step down at the November board meeting and with the only other nominee, Mary Keane not standing for the position, Alan Copley is anticipated to take up the appointment while also continuing as County Underage PRO.

Outgoing Secretary Michael Fitzpatrick is the only nominee for his position as is outgoing Development Officer Michael Edwards Murphy (Kilrush) but there will definitely be a change of treasurer after Coolmeen’s long-serving county finance officer Christy O’Connor announced his intention to step down from the position recently.

Mary Kenny (Coolmeen), Colette Corry (Shannon Gaels), Johnny Hill (Fergus Rovers) and Bernie Brennan (Banner Ladies) have all been nominated for the vacancy but no clear frontrunner has yet been singled out.

There are several nominees for Vice-Chairperson (Davy Browne, Doonbeg, Johnny Hayes, Fergus Rovers and Trudy Davenport, Doora/Barefield), Assistant Secretary (James Lafferty, Bernie Kelly, Edel Conway and Trudy Davenport), Assistant Treasurer (Colette Corry, Mary Kenny, Edel Meaney, Deidre Jordan and James Lafferty) while outgoing Adult PRO Mary Keane is again nominated for the position as is Kilmihil’s Kay Considine.

There could also be changes to the overall structure of the domestic adult championships if Fergus Rovers and Doonbeg’s motions are passed on Tuesday.

Fergus Rovers’ motion proposes ‘that a review of the junior, intermediate and senior championship takes place.

At present, there are only three teams in the intermediate grade. More games are needed to have a meaningful competition.’

Doonbeg will look to take the issue a step further when proposing that Junior A and Intermediate teams be combined for next year’s championship.

On the committee front, Fergus Rovers have submitted a request to set up a PRO committee for the coming year while Doora/Barefield have done likewise on the fixtures front.

Doora/Barefield have also tabled motions to administer a designated night for ladies football matches as well as dividing development squads into two regions, one for west Clare and the other in the Ennis urban area.

The Clare Ladies Football AGM will take place in The West County Hotel in Ennis at 7pm this evening (Tuesday) and all clubs are requested to have two delegates present.

WHEN Noelle Comyn’s name was announced as Clare Senior Ladies Football Manager at a specially convened meeting of the county board on Tuesday, there was universal approval from the floor.

After all, during her lengthy playing career in both Clare and Dublin, she constantly strove for perfection and was the epitome of what a county player should be. Whether winning nine county senior championships for Fergus Rovers; National Leagues, Munster senior and All-Ireland junior and senior B titles for Clare or more recently when finally capturing an All-Ireland senior crown with Dublin as well as county, provincial and national clubs championships with Ballyboden St Enda’s, the former All-Star was never less than one hundred per cent committed to the cause and promises to carry that attitude into management as well.

“Saying yes was not a simple or easy decision but having taken the job, I am ready to commit to the task and have accepted the responsibility of such a role. We will focus on devoting all our energies and commitment that are required to make a success of the task ahead.

“I have been out of the cutting edge from a player’s perspective since August 2010 having sustained a serious injury and following up with a double blow earlier this year when I ruptured a second cruciate. But I have taken it all on board, stayed positive and am now four months post op and back jogging straight lines. That maybe doesn’t sound much to some but for me personally, I’m over the worst and mentally tougher and stronger in my thoughts about sport and life.

“Going from being a player to being a manager is a big responsibility nowadays. As a player you are protected and you only have yourself to look after for all the extra work involved in preparation and diet but as a manager, you are responsible to coordinate all of these aspects for your squad and apply the appropriate measures required.

“Management is something that has always been part of my plans but up to now it was not possible as I have had to put all my energies into ex- tending my playing career and overcoming injuries. I believe in playing at the top level for as long as you can if your mind and body allows, while your thoughts will develop on how you would like to see things move towards the next step of your career.

“I am still in players mode but can also relate to the overall bigger picture of managing an inter-county team and what is required to make them develop as a team and as individuals.

“I am currently involved with Trinity College ladies team which has brought its own set of responsibilities in dealing with players. I have been considerably driven as a player and hope to bring some of these qualities to the Clare set-up, while also being practical in that everybody is different.

“Having spoken recently to another current young inter-county manager, one can never replace the will and desire to represent at the cutting edge but for those who dare to venture outside the zone, the next best thing is to be a leader in a different capacity.”

With the former dual star also based in Dublin, there is the added learning curve of commuting from the capital on a regular basis but she is quick to quash any problems in that regard either, even offering a light hearted solution.

“Who knows maybe Dalo can schedule his Dublin hurling sessions around the Clare ladies to share responsibilities of traveling.”

So what are her initial aspirations for her native county?

“The National League commences on February 5 versus Waterford in a very strong Division 2 that also includes Mayo, Kerry, Galway, Tipp, Cavan and Fermanagh. So there is no time for sitting back as this is a very strong and competitive division and will provide us with an opportunity to play against some of the top teams in the country, These games will hopefully benefit us going into the championship campaign. We will be looking to retain our Division 2 status which will not be an easy task.

“All in all we will be looking for everybody to be the best they can possibly be, starting with the players who will commit, the backroom team, county board and everybody who will contribute or influence the path of ladies football in a county which has a earned a massive respect both on and off the field. As a quote from a very important person in life states:

“Excellence is caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical, expecting more than others think is possible”

If Noelle’s opening gambit as manager is anything to go by, Clare ladies football is indeed in safe hands.