*Darragh McNamara celebrate scoring Clooney/Quin’s third goal. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. SPRINKLED with youth, Clooney/Quin’s young guns also possess plenty of maturity which has led them to a first Clare SHC final appearance in eight years.
*Kilmaley captain, Mikey O’Malley. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. FINE MARGINS yet again were Kilmaley’s undoing as they exited the TUS Clare SHC.
A NOVEL county final awaits between Clooney/Quin and Éire Óg following their success in the Clare SHC semi-finals.
*Éire Óg defenders Ciaran Russell and Liam Corry surround Kilmaley’s Éanna McMahon. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. ÉIRE ÓG’s “fighting spirit” proved decisive in overcoming Kilmaley in a real semi-final battle to qualify for a first Clare SHC final since 2022.
*Feakle’s Ronan O’Connor. FEAKLE’s age profile means the reigning champions will be strong contenders for the Canon Hamilton next season.
*David Conroy delivered a big performance for Doora/Barefield. Photograph: Ruth Griffin FIVE-TIME Clare SHC champions St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield have secured their senior status for 2026 after consigning 2023 intermediate champions Corofin to the second tier.
*Jack O’Neill and Sam Scanlon celebrate. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLOONEY/QUIN have claimed their place in the Clare SHC final for the first time since 2017 after seeing off the challenge of battle-hardened Ballyea.
*Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. ÉIRE ÓG emerged two point winners over Kilmaley to seal their place in the TUS Clare SHC final for the first time since 2022.
*St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield defender Ian Williams. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. COROFIN and St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield will line out in the hurling final that nobody wants to be in when they fight for senior survival.
*Brian McNamara’s return has been a big boost for Kilmaley. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. COMPETITION for places in the Kilmaley side is “driving standards” within the team as they contest a first Clare SHC semi-final in seven years.