A historic hat-trick was created on Saturday as the Minor Football Championships concluded in dramatic fashion around the county.

Ennistymon expertly carved out back-to-back Minor Division 1 crowns for the very first time in the club’s history when holding off Kilrush/Killimer by 0-8 to 0-5 in Hennessy Memorial Park. Never behind at any stage, Ennistymon were the more clinical side throughout, even when the West Clare amalgamation managed to regain parity at the start of the second period at 0-4 to 0-4.

However, the leadership of joint-captains Brian McNamara and Eanna Rouine along with a brilliant display from the relentless Sean Rynne ensured that Ennistymon would rebuild with four unanswered points. Rynne, who had also soared to the man-of-the-match honours in the Minor A Hurling Final with Inagh-Kilnamona, was one of seven dual Minor hurling and football winners, five of whom played on both days.

Kilrush/Killimer inevitably rallied, despite losing county minor captain Dylan O’Brien to a leg injury but an elusive goal never arrived as realistically, they will rue their missed opportunities in the opening period despite strong displays from Conor Fennell and Sean Canny.

In terms of history, that feat was surpassed in Cooraclare earlier that afternoon as Banner cemented a first ever Minor Football Championship title with a 0-13 to 1-7 Division 2 derby victory over Éire Óg.

Steered by the ever-impressive Sean McMahon who finished with a cool ten point haul, Banner led from start to finish and even held a five points cushion by the break at 0-8 to 0-3.

Éire Óg’s comeback hopes, fronted by some excellent scores from Andrew McElwee, still came up short to a McMahon-inspired Banner who actually powered 0-11 to 0-5 clear by the turn of the final quarter. So despite a Fionnan Treacy goal in the 50th minute, Banner’s defence held firm thanks in the main to Ronan Kilroy and Justin McGrath.

An afternoon of breakthroughs continued in Clareabbey when Clarecastle deservedly garnered the Minor Division 3 honours for the first time with a 1-9 to 0-7 victory over Cratloe.

Having not fielded at minor football level in recent seasons, it was triumphant return for the Magpies in bridging a 21 year gap to their last minor football championship silverware of any kind.

James Doherty’s assuredness from frees (seven in all) allied to the settling boost of a Niall Óg Tuohy goal just before the water break aided Clarecastle’s challenge despite the best efforts of Cratloe trio Danny Duane, Keelan O’Donoghue and Jake Higgins.

In contrast, a grandstand finish complete with goals from Fiachra Kirby And Ciaran Connolly helped Clondegad to a dramatic minimum 2-4 to 0-9 victory over hosts Kilmurry Ibrickane in the Minor Division 1 Shield decider on Saturday morning.

In the final underage hurling final of 2021, Sean Guilfoyle’s brilliant 16 point haul helped Wolfe Tones to finally see off home side Crusheen/Tubber after extra-time to claim the Under 14C Shield in Tubber on Monday night.

Related News

agriculture hay bales farm 1
Acres Scheme has let down farmers in North Clare
mayoral awards flan brennan paul murphy marie roche cecelia o'sullivan pat daly 1
'Priceless volunteers' honoured at Ennis mayoral reception
kilkee signs 06-09-19 1 drive warning
Drivers coming into Kilkee from Miltown Rd 'at frightening speed'
stephanie fitzpatrick
Ennistymon man 'drank all day' before fatal crash that killed his girlfriend Stephanie Fitzpatrick
Latest News
clare v kilkenny 10-03-24 brian lohan 1
Limerick still 'head and shoulders' above the rest - Lohan
mayoral awards flan brennan paul murphy marie roche cecelia o'sullivan pat daly 1
'Priceless volunteers' honoured at Ennis mayoral reception
feakle v clooney quin 09-03-24 enda noonan shane mcnamara 1
Winning Clare Cup starts for Feakle, Bridge, Blues, Inamona & Scariff
kilkee signs 06-09-19 1 drive warning
Drivers coming into Kilkee from Miltown Rd 'at frightening speed'
clare v kilkenny 10-03-24 peter duggan cian kenny 1
Clare on track for league semi-finals with Kilkenny win
Premium
clare v kilkenny 10-03-24 peter duggan cian kenny 1
Clare on track for league semi-finals with Kilkenny win
stephanie fitzpatrick
Ennistymon man 'drank all day' before fatal crash that killed his girlfriend Stephanie Fitzpatrick
roadworks o'connell square ennis 07-03-24 2
Local media not helping Ennis' reputation with negative stories says senior Council official
county library ennis
Future use of current library likely to remain as educational or cultural space
ennistymon community hospital 1
HSE finding it 'challenging' to source staff for Ennistymon Community Hospital

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Scroll to Top