*Sixmilebridge goalkeeper, Derek Fahy. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. WHILE specialised role of goalkeeper is a pivotal cog that is difficult to settle on for a number of clubs, Sixmilebridge have been extremely fortunate to have such a distinguished lineage of stoppers over the past 35 years.
*Páidi Fitzpatrick. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill WHETHER or not you believe in omens, there’s no denying that Clare’s All-Ireland winning exploits also seem to stir something special in Sixmilebridge.
*A dejected Conner Hegarty. Photograph: Ruth Griffin EXPERIENCE gained from coming up short in the Clare SHC semi-finals following penalties “will be hopefully be invaluable” to Inagh/Kilnamona’s young guns.
*Aisling Reidy. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography Clare’s marquee ladies football final will not feature Banner Ladies for the first time in 17 years after being dramatically dethroned at the penultimate stage by determined neighbours St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield on away soil on Sunday.
Shane Golden shoots under pressure from Keith White and Conner Hegarty. Photograph: Ruth Griffin SIXMILEBRIDGE and Feakle will meet in the TUS Clare SHC final for the first time after The Bridge overcame Inagh/Kilnamona following a penalty shootout.
*Sixmilebridge joint manager, Tommy Liddy. Photograph: Ruth Griffin SIXMILEBRIDGE “made a statement” when eliminating Clonlara from the TUS Clare SHC quarter-finals.
*Colm Galvin battles with Shane Golden. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill AN OVER-reliance on scores from frees and missed chances were costly for Clonlara as they were dethroned as Clare SHC champions.
*Ciaran Russell is held back. Photograph: Ruth Griffin Once bitten, twice shy for Éire Óg who were much more ruthless to avoid any neighbourly ambush this time around in their second successive Clare SFC quarter-final derby.
*Jamie Moylan gets away from Niall Kelly, Cian Meaney and Michael Kelly. Photograph: Ruth Griffin WHEN the need was greatest, it was champions Cratloe that stepped up to grind out an eighth consecutive victory en route to the semi-finals in Cusack Park.
*Sixmilebridge’s Brian Corry celebrates. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill The Canon Hamilton trophy is destined for a new location next month after holders Clonlara were dethroned by neighbours Sixmilebridge in Cusack Park.
