*Mikey O’Neill in action with David Mescall. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
QUARTER-FINALS take place this weekend in the willwego.com Clare Cup with a new champion to be crowned following the elimination of holders Clonlara.
Despite recording a 2-20 0-16 win over St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield in the final round on Saturday, it wasn’t enough for reigning Clare Cup champions Clonlara to advance to the knockout stages.
It’s a quick turnaround for the eight clubs in quarter-final action with games taking place across the weekend.
Beaten finalists for the past two seasons in the league, Inagh/Kilnamona face off with neighbours Kilmaley to kick off the action on Friday evening. Kilmaley scored an own goal when losing to Sixmilebridge to set up the derby encounter.
O’Callaghans Mills are the only side to remain unbeaten following the conclusion of the group stages. Seán Doyle’s side welcome Clooney/Quin to Kilkishen on Sunday morning in a clash of last year’s intermediate champions versus the beaten county finalists of 2025. Clooney/Quin claimed the last of the quarter-final places with a comprehensive win over Newmarket-on-Fergus on Saturday, all other spots in the knockout stages had been filled prior to the final round.
Newmarket-on-Fergus will be looking to bounce back from that disappointment when they host Feakle on Saturday evening. The Blues had been in top spot of Division 1A prior to their nine point loss. 2024 county champions Feakle knocked Newmarket out of last year’s Clare SHC with a two point victory in Cusack Park and will also be looking to bounce back following a two point defeat to Clarecastle last weekend.
Finishing off the quarter-final action is the meeting of Scariff and Crusheen in East Clare on Sunday evening. Donal Moloney’s side will wear the favourites tag and have put in a series of strong performances to top Division 1A while Crusheen claimed the last of the quarter-final berths from Division 1B.
Willwego.com Clare Cup quarter-finals
Kilmaley vs Inagh/Kilnamona in Kilmaley on Friday June 5th at 19:30
Newmarket-on-Fergus vs Feakle in Fr Murphy Memorial Park, Newmarket-on-Fergus on Saturday June 6th at 19:00
O’Callaghans Mills vs Clooney/Quin in Hamilton Park, Kilkishen on Sunday June 6th at 12:00
Scariff vs Crusheen in Scariff on Sunday June 6th at 17:00
