*Broadford’s Cian Mulqueen. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. BROADFORD are not looking beyond their first round tie with Clooney/Quin but they have an ambition to do better than last season which means they want to qualify for the knockout stages.
*Broadford’s Niall O’Farrell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill BROADFORD had four points to spare over Clarecastle when the sides met in last year’s championship, the East Clare club will be targeting back to back wins over the Magpies to get their campaign off to a flying start.
Craig Chaplin. Photograph: Martin Cooper VICTORIOUS U21B Broadford hurling manager, Craig Chaplin has said their ability to respond when it mattered proved vital to them securing county honours.
*Tony Kelly in action for Ballyea. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill He has been the hero on so many occasions for club and county and Tony Kelly continues to stand out as an outstanding hurler.
Cratloe welcomingly cemented a senior hurling quarter-final spot with a game to spare after maintaining their composure to hold off a relentless Broadford in Shannon on Saturday afternoon.
O’Callaghans Mills justfied favouritism when scoring a two point win on Saturday afternoon but the defeated Broadford have reason to be disappointed as they had opportunities to record a victory over their neighbours.
The five year gap between their relegation from the top tier and last year’s relieving redemption signifies exactly how difficult and frustrating Broadford found life at Intermediate level.
*Donie Whelan controls the ball under pressure from Evan Connolly. Photograph: Martin Cooper Beaten quarter-finalists in 2018, Broadford have qualified for the Clare IHC final following a hard-fought four point win over neighbours Smith O’Briens.