*O’Callaghans Mills’ Conor Cooney. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill To say that the recent Clare Cup triumph was a welcome jolt for O’Callaghan’s Mills would pehaps be one of the understatements of the entire year as expectations levels certainly didn’t reflect the reality.
*Bryan Donnellan rolled back the years for the Mills. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill A twenty year gap was bridged at Dr. Daly Park in Tulla on Sunday afternoon when O’Callaghans Mills defeated Scariff to qualify for the FutureTicketing Clare Cup (senior hurling league) final.
*Colin Crehan (left) scored the all-important goal. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Decisive derby drama at the death as Colin Crehan’s 65th minute volleyed goal snatched an unlikely first victory for O’Callaghan’s Mills over heartbroken neighbours Broadford in O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge on Saturday evening.
*Colin Crehan is one of the more potent goal-scorers in the Clare SHC. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill While those involved with the various teams setting out in the race for the Clare senior hurling championship may have different views as to their chances of winning the title, they all agree that how they do in the …
In his youth dreaming of soccer finals occupied the mind of Bryan Donnellan but the sole focus this week is their shot at destiny and taking on Sixmilebridge in the Clare SHC final.
It’s funny how things work out sometimes. With the pandemic protocols ensuring a limited preparation time, it certainly seemed to suit the strength-in-depth of the vastly experienced contenders most as Kilmurry Ibrickane and Cratloe renewed acquaintances in the football version while having shared the last five hurling titles, Sixmilebridge and Ballyea were anticipated to face-off for a historic Canon Hamilton showdown.
O’Callaghans Mills have qualified for their first Clare SHC final since 1993 after finishing with an unanswered 1-04 to dump Ballyea out of the championship.
First half goals from Gary Cooney and Bryan Donnellan laid the foundations for this merited win by O’Callaghans Mills over Crusheen in this round 2 game in the senior hurling championship.
While it’s clearly next to impossible to accurately assess any team in this year’s senior championship, that arduous task is arguably doubled when evaluating O’Callaghan’s Mills.
