Posts Tagged ‘Clare’

Munster Hurling Semi Final Preview – Clare v Limerick

Monday, July 25th, 2011

Bord Gáis Energy Munster Hurling U-21 Semi Final
Clare v Limerick
Tuesday, 26th July, Cusack Park, Ennis, 7.30pm


Clare and Limerick take to the field for the first time at this level in 2011, with the prize a home fixture against Cork in the Bord Gáis Energy Munster Hurling U-21 Final on 3rd August.

The fixture was originally scheduled for last week, but was pushed back to allow for Limerick’s progression to the quarter finals in the Senior Championship. Their defeat at the weekend at the hands of Dublin may spur Limerick on to secure a victory for the county’s hurler tomorrow evening, but with three of the U-21 panel having been on the receiving end at Thurles it also means manager Leo O’Connor will have a job lifting the spirits of key players Kevin Downes, Declan Hannon and Graham Mulcahy.

The good news for O’Connor is that the three influential forwards came away from Semple Stadium injury free and all made their mark on the score sheet, with Declan Hannon securing 11 of Limerick’s total of 18 points. The manager will wait to name his team until this evening.

Clare have had a longer window to prepare for this tie, but are without star player Darach Honan who has a long term groin injury. The towering forward, who was named Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year in 2009, will be a loss to the Banner County who are hoping to reach their third provincial final in a row. Fergus Kennedy comes in at full forward as replacement.

However, with four of the senior panel amongst the U-21 ranks, manager John Minogue has talent on board. Patrick O’Connor, Cathal Chaplin, Cathal McInerney and Conor McGrath all start in Ennis for what will be a close encounter.

Clare: K. Brennan, D. Nash, P. O’Connor, P. Flanagan, K. Ryan, C. Chaplin, S. O’Halloran, L. Markham, C. Ryan, S. Golden, C. McInerney, T. Kelly, P. Collins, F. Kennedy, C. McGRath

Limerick: Team to be named this evening.

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It’s a Long Way to Tipperary…especially when stuck in traffic!

Monday, August 16th, 2010

Am handing over the reigns to Marty again this week as he seeks to impart some crucial match day advice in particular with regard to arriving on time! Over to you Marty! Joe

Well…here we are in the middle of August already and unbelievably heading into the last of the Hurling Semi Finals. I don’t know about you but I find time is going way too fast for me. Could someone put the brakes on please and give us all a chance to draw breath? Mentioning speed and drawing breath…what did you think of Kilkenny?

I was Sideline Reporter for RTÉ last Sunday at Croke Park so I was up close and personal to the action and the sheer speed and intensity of the Cats was so impressive. If they win their drive for five, then they will have deserved it but even if they don’t, they are still the finest hurling team that has been my honour to see.

I couldn’t get over the lack of impact the injuries Brian Hogan and Henry Shefflin had on the Kilkenny performance. Any of us involved with teams will fully appreciate the loss of a centre back or centre forward to any team’s performance but quite honestly, it didn’t upset the Cats balance one little bit.

I am so sorry that Henry will miss the Final. This is cruel luck but it will probably drive on his colleagues even more. Some people have said to me this week, that this Kilkenny team have so many quality players that they probably won’t miss him! Hello?! This is Henry Shefflin we are talking about.

He’s the best player I have ever seen and my favourite by a country mile so his loss is indefinable. If it’s a battle against Tipperary or Waterford, people won’t be long mentioning about the loss of Henry Shefflin. I wish him well and a speedy recovery from that awful cruciate injury.

The Kilkenny minors really impressed me in their All-Ireland Semi Final victory over Galway. The Connacht boys had given the P45 to the Déise in the Quarter Final so I expected a good performance in this Semi Final joust with the Cats. But what a performance by Kilkenny…again!!!

It was brilliant hurling and the team captain led by example. You might remember the No.12?  His name is Cillian Buckley. He’s a young lad from Dicksboro but he scored a goal in the first half at the Hill 16 end that will linger long in my memory.  You will hear a lot more about him and what about the rest of the team I hear you ask! Any pedigree there?

Well, you have John Power, younger brother of Richie, and what about centre forward Padraig Walsh? What a hurler he is. His older sibling is none other than Tommy Walsh and how about centre field and Ollie Walsh? He is the son of Michael and grandson of the great Ollie, former goalkeeper and manager.

Clare or Dublin will play them in the All-Ireland Minor Final and they will have to be at their very best to beat them. By the way, I have great time for the Kilkenny Minor Manager Richie Mulrooney. He’s a gentleman and calls it honestly.

Prior to last Sunday’s Semi Final, he said openly in an interview with me for the Sunday Game that he had a really good team and that five or six of his players would become huge names in the game. This is BEFORE the Minor match. I love people who talk straight. No beating about the bush…and “if we get the bounce of the ball, if the wind is behind us “etc etc. It’s refreshing when people have their own minds and convictions so well done Richie.

The Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 Championship hasn’t disappointed either. The Dublin and Wexford Leinster Final was riveting throughout and it was only in the latter stages of the second half that Dublin crossed the finishing line with a degree of aplomb and style. I really like the look of Dublin this year.

I like Martin Quilty….he’s a good hurler but his surname is also the name of my home village. So…come on Quilty every time! But then you have others like Daire Plunkett who was outstanding at wing forward and would have been my Man of the Match. His work rate and scoring touch was the difference between winning and losing.

The Dublin captain is goalkeeper Finn McGarry and his ball handling and general control of his area was most impressive. Peter Kelly at wing back was equally impressive and gave great support to the midfield efforts of Conor Clinton and Peter Buckeridge.

While the recent loss of both David Treacy and Shane Stapleton to injury will be of some concern to their manager Richie Stakelum, Liam Rushe has class while Niall McMorrow will pose serious problems for Galway in their All-Ireland Semi-Final.

The Clare and Tipperary Munster U-21 Final was of a higher standard and in all honesty I can’t see Tipperary being stopped at all this year. They are strong on every line and in Paddy Kennedy and Brian O’Meara they have hurlers par excellence. Their battle with Clare was pulsating but despite Clare’s great start and Darrach Honan causing the Premier lads a few early problems, there is no doubt the better team won on the night.

I had my own pulsating adventure that night in Thurles as the traffic from the Nenagh side (and thus the Clare side) backed up for miles beyond The Ragg and Borrisoleigh.

I never saw anything like the pile up of cars and I was genuinely surprised to hear the match started on the button of 7.30pm. I accept that people should be at the venue on time but a mid week game always has the added difficulty of people getting away on time from work, farmers getting all the jobs done before heading to Semple etc.

To be honest there are sufficient reasons for the Authorities to be more flexible on occasions like this and surely in the worst case scenario, we can always switch on the floodlights! But to be fair to everyone, nobody could have anticipated the massive crowd that turned up so hindsight is a wonderful gift that we all possess!

I was very lucky because a kind Garda on a motorbike guided me through the traffic jam from the Newport Cross to the Greyhound Stadium entrance and thus had a few minutes to spare before starting the Crossbar Challenge at half time.

The Bord Gáis Energy Crossbar Challenge has once again been a huge success. The skill of hitting the sliotar off the crossbar is not easy but when you hear the clang off the crossbar, the crowd always respond with a massive cheer.

At the Leinster Final in Parnell Park, the winner was Craobh Chiarain’s James Ryan who hit the black spot on his third and final shot. The other competitors were Cuala’s Stephen Butler, Shelmaliers Thomas Barron and Sliabh Bhui Gaels’s Billy Nolan.

In Thurles the winner was a local lad, Stephen Maher from Thurles Sarsfields who hit the crossbar on his first shot while Sixmilebridge’s Kevin Lynch, Eire Og’s Graham Glynn and Clonoulty Rossmore’s Paudie White were desperately unlucky with their efforts.

Our next Bord Gáis Energy Crossbar Challenge will take place on Saturday August 21st in O’Connor Park, Tullamore when Tipperary will play Antrim in the first U-21 All Ireland Semi Final at 4pm and Galway will play Dublin at 6pm.

I’m not one for giving out advice…I did after all miss the whole of the first half in the Munster U-21 Final…but if you want to see great hurling, then leave early, get the jobs done, the cows milked, the hay saved, the dogs fed and head to Tullamore on August 21st!  

It really is the place to be and you can also enjoy another round of our enjoyable Crossbar Challenge!! I might even give it a go myself!!

See you in Tullamore!!

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Hard times!!!!

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

It’s hard to take. Sometimes sport is cruel and to have lost again by a point for the second year running, it is depressing. Personally, I had one of the worst games ever. I know that things did not go well for me at all. I let Galway down. I just hope I will get a chance to redeem myself again.

The players put everything into it along with the management. We prepared well and thought we were ready for it. We had the chances near the end to finish the job and just didn’t take them. Fair play to Tipp they stuck at it and got the bit of luck on the day. It’s not getting easier talking about it but I will just have to get on with trying to play well for the club and right now that can’t come soon enough.  

We (Portumna) have won all of our group matches in the Galway Senior Club Championship so we are guaranteed to progress to the knock out stages and to be honest I can’t wait for it. But it is a bit of a wait ‘til that game.

19th September has been mentioned as a possible date for the next round of fixtures, so it is a while away yet. But to get back playing competitive hurling with the lads in the club will be great.

While training with the lads in the club has been a great way of getting away from the Tipp loss, I have also enjoyed the Galway races which finished at the weekend and have been able to dip in and out of it as the week panned out. It’s always a great festival and it was great to see the crowds at it. But my week wasn’t all about the horses as I took time out of the Races to watch the Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Final and I am glad I did because it was a great game.

Clare took it to Tipp in the first five minutes and were it not for Darach missing that goal maybe it would have been a different story in the end?

Between that missed chance and what I thought was a throw ball from Brian O’Meara for the Tipp goal you almost sensed it was going to be Tipp’s night. They showed their class in the end and I thought their half forward line was brilliant in the second half. Padraic Maher was unreal throughout the match. They will be very hard stopped in the semi-final.

Antrim are the ones facing that task and they will be no pushovers and will give it 100% but it will be a major surprise if they toppled the Premier. Antrim have some fine quality hurlers and that showed when their seniors beat Dublin earlier in the year. In the quarter-final they also ran Cork closer than many people thought with the duel between Cormac Donnelly and Aisake a match in itself! Antrim will be ready and Tipp don’t want to take them for granted as I am sure they won’t. 

In the other semi-final Dublin take on my own county Galway in what should be a hard, tough, close game. I am really looking forward to it because they are two exciting teams to watch. Dublin have been very impressive in their run so far this year. A brilliant win over Kilkenny and a late rally against Wexford was enough for them to win the Leinster championship. They will have to be slight favourites going into this one as Galway are coming into the championship cold again.

It will be tough for Galway to get to the intensity of championship hurling but I am sure the management will have them well prepared. If the likes of David Burke, Richie Cummins and Eoin Forde perform for Galway then I see us in with a great chance of upsetting the odds. Dublin will be hard to stop and players like Oisin Gough, Peter Kelly and Liam Rushe will be hard nullify but that’s the challenge that lies ahead for the lads. 

The two semi-finals should be exciting and great to watch and hopefully you, the supporters, will come out and give the games that extra edge when a huge crowd is present at the big games. I expect two tight games but Tipp to advance against Antrim and of course I hope it’s a maroon and white win in the other!

Best of luck to everyone involved and I am hoping to see lots of you there at the games.

Chat ya!

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Tipp take another step forward

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Tipperary 1-22
Clare 1-17
By Fintan O’Toole

THE winning momentum generated by their senior side’s pulsating success last Sunday was maintained by the Tipperary U21 hurlers in Semple Stadium last night as they swept to victory over last year’s All-Ireland champions Clare in the Bord Gáis Energy Munster U21HC final.

The result did not create the ebullient post-match scenes that had greeted Clare’s momentous triumph in last year’s final but it represented an important step forward by Tipperary in front of a crowd of 11,450.

Clare rocketed out of the traps at the start of the game and only required 200 seconds to construct a formidable 1-3 to 0-0 advantage. That opening spell was characterised by some dazzling play by Clare and Tipperary were rocked by the ferocity of the early Banner challenge. John Conlon lofted over a classy point after only 30 seconds and that set the tone for a scoring burst, the centrepiece of which came from Conor McGrath in the 3rd minute as he availed of indecision on the part of Tipperary goalkeeper James Logue to bundle the ball to the net.

But they struggled to maintain the early standards of that play and in retrospect it was a cause for regret that they failed to increase that lead with a flurry of attacking activity in the 8th minute providing them with clear opportunities. Firstly Darach Honan smashed a fierce shot against the body of Tipperary goalkeeper James Logue and although Honan collected the rebound, he was wrestled to the ground by Tipperary full-back John Coghlan. The resultant penalty provided no joy for Clare either with Logue again proving equal to John Conlon’s drive. The Ballingarry netminder atoned for his earlier error decisively during this time and all over the pitch Tipperary regained composure after an opening which had been fraught with nerves.

They never looked back thereafter. Pádraic Maher went on to exert an enormous influence on proceedings at the heart of the Tipperary backline but it was not a night when their marquee names were to the fore as previously peripheral figures occupied the limelight. Injuries have stalled Brian O’Meara’s development since he was parachuted into the senior line-up back in Páirc Uí Chaoimh in May but the Kilruane McDonagh’s man offered a timely reminder of his abilities here.

He inflicted terror on the Clare defence and his final return of a single point masked a display where his aerial prowess was key to creating several scores. Outside him Paddy Murphy was outstanding at centre-forward, proving equally proficient at claiming possession in the air and rifling over five points. That scoring spree included four inside the closing seven minutes as he ensured Tipperary powered for the finishing line.

A six-point deficit after only three minutes would have spooked plenty teams but Tipperary remained calm and trusted the abilities they had to offer. It was critical in the overall context of the game that they had regained equality on the scoreboard by the 21st minute. Attackers Michael Heffernan, Sean Carey and John O’Dwyer buzzed with intent, as Tipperary’s marksmanship was sublime. Their hopes soared in the 25th minute when, despite the suspicion of a throw ball by O’Meara in the build-up, Heffernan struck a fabulous shot in the air for a vital Tipperary goal. Despite suffering a myriad of blows, Clare stayed in the hunt as the magnificent freetaking of Conor McGrath enabled them to only trail 1-12 to 1-9 at the break.

Clare emerged in the second-half to produce another strong start to the action that yielded stylish points by Honan and Sean Collins. But as Clare moved to be only one adrift, Tipperary upped the ante. Noel McGrath, Hennessy, O’Dwyer and Carey all split the posts with points and their lead could have been swelled further when Hennessy lined up a 39th minute penalty, only for his blistering shot to be tipped over by Cathal Chaplin.

Being in arrears by 1-16 to 1-11, the match threatened to move completely away from Clare. But their spirit and resilience never allowed that prospect to materialise. Liam Markham swept up plenty ball in defence while Honan and the excellent Eoin Hayes had their eye in when it came to converting chances. Clare got within three points of Tipperary on a couple of occasions but Murphy’s storming finish saw Tipperary pull clear by five.

Scorers for Tipperary: M Heffernan 1-3, S Hennessy (two frees, one ‘65, one pen), P Murphy 0-5 each, J O’Dwyer, S Carey 0-3 each, N McGrath 0-2, B O’Meara 0-1.

Clare: C McGrath 1-8 (0-7f), E Hayes, D Honan 0-3 each, J Conlon, S Collins, F Kennedy 0-1 each.

TIPPERARY: J Logue; M Cahill, J Coghlan, K O’Gorman; J Barry, Padraig Maher, B Maher; S Hennessy, N McGrath; S Carey, Patrick Maher, P Murphy; J O’Dwyer, B O’Meara, M Heffernan. Sub: K Morris for O’Dwyer (60)

CLARE: D Tuohy; D Nash, C Chaplin, J Gunning; P O’Connor, C Morey, L Markham; N O’Connell, S Collins; P Vaughan, J Conlon, E Hayes; F Kennedy, D Honan, C McGrath.

Subs: D O’Halloran for Vaughan (half-time), S Golden for Collins (54)

Referee: Cathal McAllister (Cork).

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Munster Final Preview – Tipperary v Clare

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Final
Tipperary v Clare
Semple Stadium, 7.30pm

Two classic Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 semi finals produced two worthy winners in Tipperary and Clare.

In the Gaelic Grounds, Clare fought off the attentions of a very impressive Limerick side to win by three points, but it was a hard fought win with both sides showing periods of dominance and it took final minute scores for Clare to put daylight between them.

Clare’s inside forward line were the tormentors in chief that evening against Limerick with the impressive Conor McGrath and Darach Honan amassing a very decent 1-12 between them and you can be sure that keeping this deadly duo quiet will be upper most in Tipperary minds.

First time Munster winners last year, Clare will be hoping to add to that tally in Thurles but will have since noted the impressive display in the other semi final from the Premier County.

Over in Páirc Uí Chaíomh on the same evening, Cork and Tipperary were playing out their own classic. Finishing 2-17 to 0-21, this high scoring semi final went to extra time for the second year in a row after Seamus Hennessy scored a last minute penalty for Tipperary. After extra time it was Tipperary who prevailed by two points.

Tipp will once again be hoping for stellar performances from Noel McGrath, Seamus Hennessy and Padraic Maher but will be hoping that they don’t need Hennessy’s heroics from last minute placed balls this time.

For the Munster Final, the Tipperary line up shows two changes from that game with Sean Carey and Brian O’Meara coming in from the start having shown well from the bench the last day.

Tipperary: J. Logue, K. O’Gorman, J. Coghlan, M. Cahill, J. Barry, P. Maher (capt.), B. Maher, S. Hennessy, N. McGrath, D. Maher, P. Maher, P. Murphy, A. Ryan, J. O’Dwyer, M. Heffernan.

Clare: TBC

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Clare and Conlon Keen to Retain Munster and All Ireland Crowns

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Monday, 26th July, 2010

 Captains Meet ahead of Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Final

The captains of both Tipperary and Clare were in attendance today in Killaloe ahead of their Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Final clash on Wednesday evening. Padraic Maher of Tipperary and John Conlon of Clare met at Killaloe Bridge to publicise one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes of the summer.  

Tipperary’s form at this level is well known. Only twice in the last decade have they failed to make it to the Munster Final and out of the seven appearances to date, they have won on four occasions. In last year’s Munster campaign, it was Waterford that put them to the sword, but this year there was no repeat as they beat a very impressive Cork side away from home at Páírc Uí Chaoímh. In this their eighth appearance of the decade, they will be keen to reclaim a title they last won in 2008.

Up until last year, bar a couple of Munster Final appearances, Clare had little or no form at this level. But all that was swept aside when they became the story of the hurling year as they overcame Waterford, Galway and Kilkenny en route to maiden Munster and All Ireland titles. The scenes in Croke Park that memorable September day will never be forgotten by all that witnessed them and you’d imagine that having waited so long, this bunch of players will be slow to release their grip on a title they battled so hard to win.

A number of hurlers on both sides have lined out for their respective senior teams and much will be expected from stars such as Bord Gáis Energy ambassadors Darach Honan, Noel McGrath and Padraic Maher.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana, “We have been spoilt by the fare thrown up by the Munster final in recent seasons and hurling at this grade has more than held its own with games played at other age groupings. Last season’s Waterford v Clare clash was one to savour and it added to the aura that counties like Limerick, Cork and Tipperary have helped to create in recent seasons in this eagerly awaited fixture.

“I have no reason to think that this year’s final will be any different and I am looking forward to the prospect of more exciting, open hurling  that has been and continues to be enjoyed by so many hurling enthusiasts”.

Ger Cunningham, Sports Sponsorship Manager at Bord Gáis Energy was looking forward to the occasion as much as anything else, “there is something about a Munster Final that really stirs the soul of all hurling fans and probably all GAA fans. Having Wednesday’s final in the home of hurling, Semple Stadium, makes it all the more special and we at Bord Gáis Energy are thrilled to once again be associated with the competition.

“As for the match itself, it really is too close to call. Both teams have been very impressive in this year’s campaign dispatching of Limerick and Cork en route to Wednesday’s final. But I have to stick with my prediction at the start of the year – so Clare to shade it.”

Bord Gáis Energy are encouraging fans to arrive early as the atmosphere before and during the game will be boosted by the attendance of the Tipp FM crew and half time will see a return of the Crossbar Challenge, hosted once again this year by Marty Morrissey.

Wednesday night also sees the Bord Gáis Energy Ulster Hurling U-21 Final taking place between Armagh and Antrim at Casement Park, throw in at 7.30pm.

At Semple Stadium, the throw in for the Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Final is also at 7.30pm and the match will be broadcast live on TG4.

ENDS

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling

U-21 All-Ireland Championship 2010 Fixtures

Bord Gáis Energy Leinster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
9th June:             Kilkenny (2-31) v Offaly (0-8)
Laois (0-9) v Carlow (1-14)
23rd June:            Kilkenny (0-12) v Dublin (0-17)
Wexford (2-17) v Carlow (2-13)
14th July:               Dublin (2-15) v Wexford (0-15)

Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
2nd June:              Cork (1-16) v Waterford (1-3)
14th July:               Limerick (1-12) v Clare (1-15)
                                   Tipperary (2-17) v Cork (0-21)
28th July:               Munster Final

Bord Gáis Energy Ulster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
14th July:               Armagh (2-19) v Fermanagh (2-8)
21st July:               Antrim (0-19) v Down (1-12)
                                  Derry (0-10) v Armagh (2-12)
28th July:               Ulster Final

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship
21st August:                        All-Ireland Semi Finals
11/12th September:         All-Ireland Final

For More Information:
Claire Turvey/Marcus Ó Buachalla, Pembroke Communications: 01-6496486
Stiofáin MacDháibhéad, Bord Gáis Energy: 01- 6021116 / 087-7991206
Alan Milton, Communications Manager, GAA: 01-8658614 / 087-9299488

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O’Connor inspires Banner in thriller

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

LIMERICK 1-12 CLARE 1-15
BY DIARMUID O’FLYNN

REIGNING Munster and All-Ireland U21 champions Clare stay on course to retain their titles, but only after a hugely entertaining battle against Limerick in this Munster semi-final at the Gaelic Grounds last evening.

Most of the kudos for Clare’s success will go to their two outstanding inside-forwards Darach Honan (1-3, all from play) and Conor McGrath (0-9, 0-4 from play), and understandably so – the scorers are always the guys to catch the eye, and mightily as their two markers tried all hour (Patrick Begley on Honan, Brian Cleary on McGrath), those two were well-nigh unmarkable last night.

The foundation for this success, however, goes much further back the field, to a superb keeper in Donal Touhy (two brilliant saves) to an inside defensive line that was alert, snappy and decisive in everything they did, and to a half-back line that became a veritable wall as the game progressed.

Midfielder Pat Vaughan switched to the right wing early on with Nicky O’Connell and did well; centre-back Caimin Morey was a rock in the centre, and it was his mighty catch in a crowded Clare parallelogram, all four of Limerick’s 6’4″ giants parked in the area for Thomas O’Brien’s last-minute lobbed free, that saw Clare safely home.

Most of all, however, there was Patrick O’Connor from the renowned Tubber club, at left-half-back; whether in the air (where he grabbed several successive Limerick second half puckouts) or on the ground, O’Connor was supreme – a master-class in wing-back play.

With no breeze to speak of, dark clouds overhead but the rain holding off, it was Limerick with the better start, three points on the board courtesy of senior star Thomas O’Brien (0-2) and the flying Seanie Tobin!, before Clare had their first, a pointed free from McGrath in the 11th minute.

It was Limerick again with the next three points, midfielders O’Brien and Paul Browne (another senior) and Tobin again. It was looking like a tame surrender of their championship belts by Clare, but the last ten minutes of the half saw a complete turnaround, and it was the deadly duo, Honan (0-2) and McGrath (0-2), along with substitute corner-forward Eoin Hayes, doing all the scoring, leaving it tied at the break, 0-6 each.

Where the first half went first one way for 20 minutes, then the other for ten, the second half was blow for blow, the teams swapping points six times up to the 53rd minute, at which stage it was still tied, 0-12 each. A superb point from Browne in the 55th minute edged Limerick ahead, much to the delight of their huge following, and then, ironically and unfortunately, given how well both sides were defending, the game’s first major, and it was an own goal, Clare corner-back James Gunning making accidental contact with the ball (though under fierce pressure from James O’Brien) and booting to the net.

That could have signalled disaster for Clare, instead it inspired, and within the minute, after a great cross from John Conlan, Honan had the ball buried at the other end.

One point lead restored, 1-13 to 1-12, from there Clare drove on, points from Honan and McGrath closing it out. Great game, pity there had to be a loser, but no argument about the winner.

Scorers for Clare: C McGrath, 0-9 (5f); D Honan 1-3; P Vaughan, E Hayes, N O’Connell (65), 0-1 each.

Scorers for Limerick: T O’Brien, 0-5 (1f, 2‘65s); P Browne, 0-2; S Tobin, 0-2; D Hannon, M Kiely, K Owens (0-1 each); D Nash (Clare, own goal).

CLARE: D Touhy; D Nash, C Chaplin, J Gunning; N O’Connell, C Morey, P O’Connor; S Golden, P Vaughan; S Collins, J Conlan (capt), K Heagney; F Kennedy, D Honan, C McGrath.

Subs: E Hayes for Kennedy (inj 6); K Moynihan for Heagney (46).

LIMERICK: B Hennessey: B Cleary, P Begley, C Hayes: P O’Brien, P O’Loughlin (capt), N Quaid; T O’Brien, P Browne; J O’Brien, C Madden, D Hannon; M Kiely, S Tobin, G Mulcahy.

Subs: K Owens for Madden (30); S Madden for Kiely (54). Blood sub: J Riordan for Cleary (58/59).

Referee: C McAllister (Cork).

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What world cup…?!

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

When a weekend of GAA action makes more headlines than the World Cup Final, you know something is up! But that’s exactly what happened when Louth were robbed. And not by the referee in my opinion, but by the umpire. Why he didn’t tell the ref that Joe Sheridan threw the ball over the line I will just never know.

As for the hurling, last minute action there too! Cork were unlucky I suppose that they didn’t hold out but as I well know better than anyone, Waterford always fight to the end. A draw was probaly the fairest way to end the game though as both sides had large periods of dominance. Looking forward now to the replay.

This week the big event is the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Leinster Hurling Final but we also have the two U-21 Munster Hurling Semi-Finals and the Ulster Hurling Quarter-Final. Dublin meet Wexford in Parnell Park, Cork and Tipperary do battle in Pairc Uí Chaoímh, in the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick take on Clare, while in Brewster Park, Fermanagh take on Armagh.

I think in the Tipp and Cork match I have a slight fancy for Tipp. The quality that they have at their disposal is frightening. Noel McGrath and Padraic Maher are just two of the players and I expect them to have too much experience and skill for the Rebels. Plus I don’t know if Aidan Walsh will be playing for Cork either due to his football commitments and if he isn’t he will be a huge loss.

In the other Semi-Final I think Clare will have just enough to get over a hard working Limerick side. It will be interesting to see whether or not the senior Clare players will be up for this match seen as they only just lost to Dublin last Saturday evening. A few players worth watching for Limerick and Clare would be Paidi and Tommy O’Brien for Limerick. Keep an eye on Nicky O’Connell and the speedy Sean Collins too.

With many of last year’s All Ireland Minor ‘C’ winning team lining out for Fermanagh they will not be short of talent and confidence but Armagh should have enough to get through that one.

In the Leinster Final it’s a huge occasion for both counties. Dublin will be on a high after comprehensively accounting for Kilkenny in the Semi-Final in Nowlan Park. A great team performance that night and one which will need to be re-enacted if they are to overcome Wexford. Wexford will feel coming into this final that they have nothing to lose. All the pressure will be on Dublin to perform in their home ground in front of, hopefully, a huge crowd and it’s up to Wexford to take the game to Dublin. I still think, even without Rory O’Carroll, that if Dublin play anything like they did in the Semi-Final they should have just too much in the tank for Wexford.

Enjoy the Hurling and get out in support of your team.

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Munster Semi Final Preview – Limerick v Clare

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Semi-Final
Limerick v Clare
Gaelic Grounds, 7.30pm

Both teams come into this Bord Gáis Energy Semi-Final by way of a straight draw so there is no form book to go on for either team.

It is hard to believe that this time last year, Clare had never won a Munster or an All-Ireland U-21 title – but that all changed amid euphoric scenes in Croke Park as the boys from the Banner claimed the Cross of Cashel for the first time in their history.

A number of players from that side are still around this year, in particular the Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year, Darach Honan. Manager John Minogue is also back again and they will be keen to put up a stout defence of a title they fought so hard to win.

For Limerick, it has been a tough year both on and off the field for their senior team so a good run in the U-21s would be a perfect antidote for a hurling mad county.

However, this level has not been kind to them lately and they have not appeared in a Munster U-21 Final since 2002’s three-in-a-row success. The draw this year gives Limerick one shot at reaching a Munster U-21 Final and even though it is against the reigning All-Ireland champions they will be well aware that player turn-over means that last year counts for little at this age group.   Leo O’Connor has a full squad to choose from for his team’s trip to the Gaelic Grounds.

Expect a fierce encounter but perhaps a tentative nod towards Clare.

Limerick: B. Hennessey, B. Cleary, P. Begley, C. Hayes, Padraig O’Brien, P. O’Loughlin, N. Quaid, T. O’Brien, P. Browne, James O’Brien, C. Madden, D. Hannon, M. Kiely, S. Tobin, G. Mulcahy

Clare: TBC

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Marty’s View……

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

This week I am taking a back seat role in the blogging department and instead handing it over to guest blogger Marty Morrissey. Keep an eye out for him at the Crossbar Challenge over the course of the year and at other Bord Gáis Energy Under 21 Hurling events.

- Joe

The medical experts say stress is bad for you so allow me to get something off my chest! Who in their right mind wanted to get rid of the Under 21 Championship?

I understand fully the need to condense the Championship season to allow the club….which is the epicentre of the GAA world…to flourish but really, as John Mc Enroe used to say….you can’t be serious?

A few seasons ago the continued existence of the Under 21 Championships looked in serious doubt but last years hurling and indeed football Championships demolished that proposal for ever…I hope !

The quality of the two All-Ireland Finals between Cork and Down in football and Clare and Kilkenny in hurling will be remembered for decades to come. They were that good!

Ger Cunningham, Marty Morrissey and Joe Canning at the launch of the Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U21 All-Ireland Championship

Ger Cunningham, Marty Morrissey and Joe Canning

The Bord Gáis Energy All Ireland Under 21 Championship Final is going to be played under lights in Semple Stadium on the second Saturday in Thurles, thereby getting a massive marketing boost by Saturday night Television viewing.

There is nothing wrong with our underage structures as the Minor and Under 21 Championships have served the GAA and the counties of Ireland well.

2009 will be remembered for instance in my county of Clare as a memorable year beyond belief as for more than half of 09, the Clare sporting car was clearly displaying a petrol gauge of more half empty than half full! In other words, as I call it, the Sacred Heart light was on as the county hurling journey was going nowhere….fast!

Incredibly our year turned around in quite dramatic style as an unknown Under 21 team brought unprecedented glory and honour to the county. 

Remember this was a year when further internal rumblings between senior management and players coincided with relegation to Division Two and subsequent average performances in the Munster Championship.

2009 Clare captain Ciaran O’Doherty celebrates 2009 Munster final win

Out of nowhere came a Clare team of Under 21 hurlers that had been blaguarded out of a first Munster Under 21 title in 2008 by inept refereeing, only to bounce back to win on the 13th attempt that elusive first Munster on a beautiful evening in Fraher Field, Dungarvan. It was July 2009.

Suddenly in Clare the perspective changed. The recession was forgotten for a while, job losses didn’t immediately mean the end of the road for that individual or his family and life’s glass jar was now half full rather than half empty. It was good to be alive  again!

Who will ever forget last year’s All-Ireland Under 21 Championship Semi Final in Thurles? A game surely worthy of the title, Match of the Year.

Clare's Ciaran Doherty and Galway captain, Joe Canning, shake hands bfeore 2009 All Ireland Semi-Final

Final score was Clare 3-23 vs. Galway 5-15

An amazing performance by Joe Canning who scored 4-7 for Galway that evening and still lost will go down into the history books. Clare scraped through in extra time with players like Donal Tuohy, Sean Collins, the O’Donovan twins, John Conlon, Darach Honan all starring in various roles and thus qualified to face the mighty Kilkenny in the Final.

To win an All-Ireland is special but to beat the greatest hurling county in Ireland to win your first All-Ireland title ever was just simply awesome.

Clare manager John Minogue celebrates at the final whistle after winning 2009 All Ireland final.

Clare manager John Minogue celebrates at the final whistle after winning 2009 All Ireland final.

The Clare Management team of John Minogue, Cyril Lyons, Sean O’Halloran and company are back to retain their title with more than six of last year’s squad.  The good vibe feeling continues with the appointment of Ger “Sparrow” O’Loughlin and nine of that All-Ireland winning Under 21 team making their Munster Senior Championship debuts against Waterford last Bank Holiday Monday.

Clare supporters celebrate near the end of the Bord Gais Energy GAA All-Ireland U21 Hurling Championship Final, Clare v Kilkenny, Croke Park, Dublin.

Clare supporters celebrate 2009 victory in Croke Park

Ah…yes…it’s great to be alive and from Clare…..and it’s all down to the Bord Gáis Energy Under 21 Hurling All-Ireland Championship.

 - Marty

And for anyone that didnt already know, Marty is a prety nifty hurler himself as this video from last years ‘pass it on’ campaign clearly shows!

- Joe

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