*Seadna Morey and Shane O’Donnell will be crossing paths again. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
ACTION has reached the penultimate stage of the Clare SHC and IHC with semi-final pairings now decided.
Semi-final places were secured by Cratloe, Sixmilebridge, Ballyea and Éire Óg with weekend quarter-final victories at Cusack Park and they now who stands in their way of progressing to a county final.
Éire Óg and Sixmilebridge who have developed a strong rivalry in recent years will renew acquaintances. The Ennis side ended Sixmilebridge’s reign as county champions in their quarter-final meeting last season while only a single point separated them in the 2020 semi-final when The Bridge then managed by Tim Crowe came out on top.
For the second time in this year’s championship, Ballyea and Cratloe will do battle. Cratloe had a 2-21 0-14 win in their fourth round tie and booked their semi-final spot with a strong victory over Newmarket-on-Fergus while reigning champions Ballyea held off a buoyant Clooney/Quin to progress to the last four.
Beaten finalists in the 2021 Clare IHC, St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield have been pitted against Corofin in the semi-finals with the North Clare outfit sending favourites Tubber out of the competition on Sunday.
Sixmilebridge’s second string take on Tulla who were relegated from the top tier in 2019, Jim McInerney’s men have responded superbly to an opening round surprise loss to Ogonnelloe to advance to the last four while The Bridge overcame neighbours Newmarket-on-Fergus to make the semi-finals.
Clare Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Finals (to be played on the weekend of October 8/9th)
Ballyea v Cratloe
Éire Óg v Sixmilebridge
Clare Senior B Hurling Championship Semi-Finals (to be played on the weekend of October 8/9th)
O’Callaghan’s Mills v Feakle
Broadford v Clonlara
Clare Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi-Finals (to be played on the weekend of October 8/9th)
Corofin v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield
Tulla v Sixmilebridge
Clare Junior B Hurling Championship Semi-Finals (to be played on the weekend of October 8/9th)
Sixmilebridge v Clonlara
Inagh-Kilnamona v Corofin
