Eoin Brennan

Rebuilding confidence key to getting Crusheen back on track

*The experienced Cian Dillon will be at the heart of the Crusheen defence. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Having experienced the heartbreak and deflation of being relegated before an eleventh hour provincial reprieve, if there ever was a kick in Crusheen, it has to come in the next two months.

Facile start for champions Ballyea

*Pearse Lillis raided for the first goal for Ballyea. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Ballyea flexed their muscles to compete a comfortable first round defence of the Canon Hamilton trophy as they brushed aside the disappointing challenge of O’Callaghan’s Mills in Cusack Park.

First blood to Bridge in Group of Death

*Sixmilebridge defender, Barry Fitzpatrick. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill First blood to Sixmilebridge as a powerful second half display ensured the opening derby spoils over Newmarket-on-Fergus in Cusack Park this afternoon.

Blues must back up glimmers of progress

*Éanna Crimmins on the attack for Newmarket-on-Fergus. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill There has been a renaissance in Newmarket-on-Fergus over the past two seasons that has given the Blues a new lease of life at senior level.

Scorned Feakle look to redress the balance

*Feakle’s Adam Hogan is one of the county’s most exciting prospects. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill While 2021 was ultimately a successful one for Feakle after garnering their first senior silverware since 1988, there’s still no hiding from the disappointment of a premature championship exit.

Clinical Clare click into gear to reach last four

*Caitriona Callinan scored 1-01 for Clare. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography Clare issued a statement of intent after brushing aside Group C table toppers Longford to advance to the last four of the All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship.

PLAYER RATINGS: Clare find another gear with classic comeback

*Conor Cleary is congratulated by members of the Clare backroom team. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Clare survived a tactical challenge that tested their game-plan more than any other championship outing this year, Eoin Brennan rewinds over the quarter-final and dishes out the player ratings from the Wexford tie.