A week after the death of team coach Anthony ‘Sconey’ Kilmartin from Newmarket-on-Fergus, the Clare hurling team in New York qualified for the New York senior hurling championship final when they accounted for Westmeath on Saturday.
They will face Tipperary in the final next Saturday following their 3-24 2-17 victory over Westmeath.
There was a strong Clare involvement with the side which is managed by Joe Egan from Quilty who is assisted by Mike Kennedy from Kilmaley and Kevin McMahon from Éire Óg who serve as selectors.
Former Galway hurler, Johnny Glynn is assisting with the coaching following the tragic death of Sconey.
Clare players in the side include Éanna Barry (Clooney/Quin) who is the team captain, Séimí Gully (Clonlara) who is the goalkeeper, Sean Collins (Banner), Tadhg Connellan (Éire Óg), Cian Barron (St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield), Ryan Mulligan (St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield), Finn O’Reilly (St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield), Cian O’Dea (Kilfenora), Killian O’Connor (Corofin), Darren O’Connor (Newmarket-on-Fergus) and Mikey McMahon (O’Callaghans Mills).
Club chairman, Sean Dilger from Clarecastle paid tribute to the late Sconey before the game highlighting his work as team coach.