*Kilmurry Ibrickane’s Keelan Sexton. Photograph: Martin Connolly
Three of the four semi-finalists in this year’s Clare SFC have been confirmed.
Cratloe withstood a shaky start to ease past Ennistymon in the first contest of the day 1-16 0-08. Last year’s beaten finalists went three points up in the first ten minutes but would only add another white flag for the remainder of the half and allowed Cratloe hold a four point advantage at the break. Cathal McInerney’s goal on forty two minutes put the game beyond doubt as Colm Collins’ men advanced to the semi-finals for the fifth time in six years.
Not one but two penalties from Steven Moloney sent Kilmurry Ibrickane on their way to a 2-14 1-10 win against Kilmihil. The fifteen time champions conceded a point after four minutes but responded with an unanswered 1-06. Philip Ryan goaled shortly before the break to leave a gap of three points at half-time. However Kilmihil kicked just four points in the second half as Aidan ‘Horse’ Moloney’s charges hit 1-08 to book their place in the last year for the fourth year in a row.
Reigning champions St Josephs Miltown had four points to spare over Lissycasey, winning out 0-12 1-05. David O’Brien’s side started brightly with an unanswered seven points, Eoin Cleary, Darragh McDonagh, Cormac Murray and Conor Cleary hitting the target in the first twenty two minutes. Conor Finucane goaled from a penalty in what was Lissycasey’s only score of the first half. They added five points in the second but the damage was done and Miltown kept their account ticking over through Murray, Cleary and Graham Kelly to advance to the last four.
Clondegad edged past Kilrush Shamrocks 2-10 2-08 in the senior relegation semi-final. A late Liam Madigan goal was not enough for the Shams to cause an upset with early first half goals from Barry Toner and Shane Brennan setting the platform for Clondegad’s success. Five goals from Cooraclare ensured they also retained their senior status with a 5-11 0-14 win against Corofin.
In the intermediate championship, St Josephs Doora/Barefield ensured Wolfe Tones would not be bouncing back to the senior grade at the first attempt as they recorded a 1-10 0-08 win. Shannon Gaels despite scoring 1-02 in the second half had Thomas Kelly to thank for raising the green flag which proved the difference as it finished 1-10 0-10 between them and Coolmeen to also secure a semi-final place.
Donie Garrihy’s St Breckans had eight point to spare over a disappointing O’Currys finishing 1-11 0-06, Aidan Davidson and Paudie Kelly accounted for 1-08 of the North Clare side’s tally. Kildysart impressed with a 3-10 0-08 victory against Kilfenora, Emmet McMahon, Kieran O’Brien and Keith Murphy raising the green flags for the Estuary men.
There will be a replay in the intermediate relegation semi-final as Kilkee and Liscannor finished 1-10 apiece. The Saints lead 1-08 1-03 at half-time but the Kilmihil wind favoured Liscannor in the second half as they mounted their comeback. Last year’s Junior A champions Éire Óg fired two goals in injury time to overcome Naomh Eoin in the other relegation battle, it finished 3-09 2-10 in their favour.
