*David McNamara is tackled by Joey Rouine. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
TWO REPEAT county finals are on the horizon for the semi-finals of the TUS Clare senior football championship.
Four clubs are left standing in the SFC, all with the aim of being the side to lift the Jack Daly in a month’s time. The semi-final draw took place at Clare GAA’s Centre of Excellence on Monday evening and was officiated by Clare GAA Chairman, Kieran Keating and Head of Operations, Deirdre Murphy.
Favourites Éire Óg will meet Ennistymon in a repeat of the 2022 final where it finished 0-9 0-6 in favour of the Ennis club. The Townies had a strong 2-14 0-6 quarter-final victory over St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield while Ennistymon booked their place in the last four for the first time in two years when edging out North Clare rivals St Breckan’s by two points.
Kilmurry Ibrickane and Cratloe have had many showdowns over the last decade including the 2020 final where the West Clare side were victorious on a score of 1-12 0-12 while it took to a replay to decide the winner when they met in the 2016 decider with The Bricks again coming out on top. The sides met in last year’s quarter-final where Cratloe recorded a 1-7 0-9 win.
At intermediate level, Kilrush Shamrocks and Wolfe Tones will meet at the penultimate stage for the second year running. The Shams had a 3-10 3-15 on that occasion twelve months ago in a tie which was moved to Meelick on account of the weather conditions. Daniel Ryan’s Kilrush prevailed over Cooraclare in a tight contest on Saturday while Johnny Bridges’ Wolfe Tones were far too strong for Shannon Gaels in their quarter-final.
It will be the first intermediate semi-final meeting of Naomh Eoin and Clondegad but their second meeting in this year’s championship. They clashed in the first round when the Peninsula side had a surprising but merited 4-6 2-6 victory. Barry Harte’s charges have remained unbeaten since with wins over Shannon Gaels, Ennistymon and a tight battle with The Banner this weekend. Clondegad’s form in the group stages was mixed where they bounced back with successive victories over Ennistymon and Shannon Gaels before producing an improved display to overcome O’Curry’s in the quarter-finals on Saturday. James Murrihy’s panel has been strengthened by the addition of hurlers since Ballyea’s championship exit.
Semi-final pairings were also made in the Junior A and Junior B Premier football championships.
TUS Clare Senior Football Championship Semi-Finals (to be played October 12th/13th)
Ennistymon v Éire Óg
Kilmurry Ibrickane v Cratloe
TUS Clare Intermediate Football Championship Semi-Finals (to be played October 12th/13th)
Naomh Eoin v Clondegad
Wolfe Tones v Kilrush Shamrocks
Martin Murphy Clare Junior A Football Championship Semi-Finals (to be played October 12th/13th)
Éire Óg v Michael Cusacks
Kilfenora v Clarecastle
Martin Murphy Clare Premier Junior B Football Championship Semi-Finals (to be played October 12th/13th)
St Joseph’s Miltown v Wolfe Tones
Éire Óg v Moy
