*Jason Linnane of Doonbeg. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill DOONBEG had the edge on St Joseph’s Miltown when they met in last year’s relegation semi-final and the Magpies are determined to maintain the upperhand when it comes to their first round tie this Friday.
*Niamh Mulqueen chases after Ciara Hill. Photograph: ©INPHO/Evan Treacy OVERCOMING Armagh was a case of third time lucky when it came to outcomes in the semi-finals of the All-Ireland Junior camogie championship for midfielder Niamh Mulqueen.
*Seamus Hayes with Sarah Loughnane. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill SARAH LOUGHNANE will have the task of hitting the frees when Clare’s Junior camogie side go in search of All-Ireland glory this weekend.
*Seanie Malone forms part of an experienced backline for St Joseph’s Miltown. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill ST JOSEPH’S MILTOWN head into this season’s Clare senior football championship on the back of impressive runs in the Garry and O’Gorman cup competitions, both of which they won.
*Whitegate’s Ian Fahy. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill WHITEGATE and Corofin handed out 28 and 24 point respective beatings in the opening round of the Clare IHC which also saw Inagh/Kilnamona, Smith O’Briens and Sixmilebridge record victories.
*Photograph: Gerard O’Neill A sharper Broadford who displayed a greater hunger for victory seered the East Clare club to a merited first round senior championship victory where they proved too strong for Clarecastle
*Clonlara’s Colm O’Meara. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLONLARA showed no shortage of spirit as they got their senior championship campaign off to a winning start when accounting for Clare Cup winners O’Callaghans Mills in a most entertaining contest on Saturday evening.
*Broadford’s Niall O’Farrell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill BROADFORD had four points to spare over Clarecastle when the sides met in last year’s championship, the East Clare club will be targeting back to back wins over the Magpies to get their campaign off to a flying start.
It was another historic day for Lahinch junior boys at Ballybunion Golf Club on Sunday when they won their first ever Fred Daly pennant defeating Killarney 4/1 in the West Munster area final.
*Crusheen’s Jamie Fitzgibbon. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill FORGING a winning start is vital for all teams beginning their Clare SHC campaign and for Crusheen they’ve turned to a management with history of success to guide their efforts.