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*Seán Kennedy returned from injury to line out in the second round for Kilmaley. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
KILMALEY have been on the standout teams in the Clare SHC but are well aware qualification to the quarter-finals “is not guaranteed yet” ahead of the final round of group games.
Scoring difference caught Kilmaley out in the 2024 group stages when a three point defeat to Cratloe, the winning score from Conor McGrath in the last act of the game put the South Clare through and sent Kilmaley packing.
That will be in their minds this weekend as they know a win is needed over Sixmilebridge to guarantee their advancement to the last eight when they clash in Cusack Park at 16:00 on Sunday. “Qualification is not guaranteed yet, We were n this position two years ago. Our aim is to take each game as it comes and next up for us is Sixmilebridge”.
For Culbert that pits him against his native club with whom he won Clare SHC titles as a player in 2000 and 2002 while serving as a coach and selector to the Bridge for their successes in 2013, 2015 and 2017 when current manager John O’Meara was in charge.
Back to back wins over Newmarket-on-Fergus and Wolfe Tones have Kilmaley on the brink of a successive quarter-final appearance. Culbert felt they used half-time to their advantage.
Only a point was between the sides at this stage but Kilmaley powered on to record a fourteen point victory. “In the first half Wolfe Tones didn’t let us perform like we did in the second half. We fixed a few things at half time and lads took a bit of responsibility for their position. We had to stop Rory Hayes hurling at wing back as he caused us a lot of problems,” Culbert outlined.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Brian said Conor Cleary’s goal early in the second half was a big turning point in the game. “They were hurting us when they had the ball and were carrying it. They are a good team and fellas really had to take responsibility, the scoring really doesn’t reflect the game. Conor Cleary’s goal gave us a bit more belief. The goals expertly worked”.
Daire Keane had an influential role in their first green flag with Culbert hailing his influence. “Daire is having some year. He is like a 19 year old, his fitness levels are phenomenal, he is a great leader. He took the chance and created the goal, that’s what you have to do and it was the right thing to do. Conor (Cleary) was very good inside, they did a good job on him in the first half but like the game aganst Newmarket, he stood up in the second half, won possession and gave the lead”.
Colm Killeen scored three points off the bench for Kilmaley, further underlining the depth at their disposal. “I had to tell a few lads that they weren’t starting..I knew we were going to get a reaction and get that performance from Colm (Killeen) when he came on because he is really learning and he is going to be a Kilmaley senior for the next ten years. We still have a few to come on and they are good complaints to have, we can change it around. It will add more to our game, it’s up to the lads to put their hands up and say they want to start”.
