Adult Championship 2021 

Senior Championship 

Tubber GAA: Kilmaley 1-8 Newmarket on Fergus 1-13  

Newmarket came on out top in a very tight affair in the opening round of the senior championship on Friday night under lights in Tubber. With just two points between the sides at half time, it looked as though it could go either way. Ultimately Newmarket had the stronger final quarter and ran out winners on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-8. 

Zoe Mc Inerney opened the scoring for Newmarket with a point from a placed ball in the first minute to which Caoimhe Carmody replied for Kilmaley with a point from a placed ball also. Newmarket got a run of 3 points in the following few minutes through the very lively Jenny Kelly and Roisin McMahon. The Newmarket defence were kept very busy with players like Caoimhe Carmody and Emily Cahill constantly on the attack. Cahill and Carmody both registered scores for Kilmaley before Roisin McMahon burst through and scored a fantastic point to put Newmarket two up. Grace Carmody managed to squeeze one between the posts just before the water break to leave the minimum between the sides. 

The second quarter followed suit with both teams almost going score for score, Zoe Mc Inerney and Roisin McMahon registering for Newmarket and Caoimhe Carmody for Kilmaley seeing the halftime score at 0-9 to 0-7 in favour of the Blues. 

Annemarie Hayes raised a green flag for Newmarket on the restart when a lobbing ball came in and Chloe McAleer batted away but Hayes was waiting and struck to the bottom corner of the net giving Newmarket a bit of breathing space. That didn’t last long however when a similar type situation happened at the other end of the field, Kilmaley didn’t miss their opportunity to raise a green flag of their own, Aisling Cahill with the last touch to finish to the Newmarket net. The gap was back to a single point again with 48 minutes on the clock. 

This is where Newmarket went up a gear and finished strong with four points through Kaci Toomey and Zoe McInerney to which Kilmaley failed to reply. Newmarket saw the game out on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-8. Kilmaley have a chance to regroup as they have a bye in the next round, whereas Newmarket are back in action again next weekend against Kilkishen/Bodyke. 

Newmarket on Fergus: Ciara McCarthy; Aine O’Brien, Caoimhe Lally, Aoife Crimmins; Tara O’Neill, Laura McMahon, Aimee McInerney; Aoife Griffin, Katie O’Flanagan; Kaci Toomey (0-3F), Roisin McMahon (0-4), Michelle McMahon; Annemarie Hayes (1-0), Zoe McInerney (0-4 2F, 1’45), Jenny Kelly (0-2). 

Subs: Clodagh O Halloran for Roisin McMahon (42mins), Kate Clancy for Tara O Neill (55mins) 

Kilmaley: Chloe Mc Aleer; Rebecca Cahill, Sarah Reidy, Molly Casey; Emily Cahill (0-1), Niamh O'Dea, Sarah Ni Cheallaigh (0-1F); Megan White, Shonagh Enright; Caoimhe Carmody (0-4 3F), Aisling Cahill (1-1), Martina Keane; Grace Carmody (0-1), Sinead O'Keeffe, Chloe Neylon. 

Subs: Caoimhe Cahill for Keane, Jodie Cahill for Caoimhe Carmody, Claire McMahon for O'Dea, Caoimhe Carmody for Grace Carmody. 

Referee: Fintan McNamara 

Fr McNamara Park: Kilkishen/Bodyke 1-7 Scariff Ogonnelloe 1-16  

In the opening round of the eagerly anticipated Clare Camogie Senior Championship played at Fr. McNamara Park, it was Scariff Ogonnelloe who prevailed in this East Clare derby on a final score line of 1-16 to 1-7. In what was a tough physical game, played in wet conditions, the end result never looked in much doubt with Scariff Ogonnelloe leading for much of the game despite being down to 14 players for the final 25 minutes of the game. 

Scariff Ogonelloe were first on the attack with a diagonal ball played in to Mairead Scanlan who was fouled close to goal. She duly converted the resulting free from the 21-yard line. Minutes later this lead was doubled from a similar play and converted free. Kilkishen/Bodyke settled into the game after this and had their own score from a placed ball from Siobhan Lenihan. In what was a nervy opening half, both teams struggled to convert their chances created. Strong defending at both ends of the field, combined with some wayward shooting had the teams only scoring four points to one point in favour of Scariff Ogonnelloe at the opening water break. Points from Amy Barrett (2) and Alva Rodgers from a tight angle adding the next scores for Scariff Ogonnelloe. Kilkishen/Bodyke fought back and had their own score from play shortly after the water break. Both teams battled until half time with Scariff Ogonelloe notching five further points before half time, two from placed balls and three from play from Aisling Corbett, Mairead Scanlan and Jennifer Daly respectively. Kilkishen/Bodyke had two more points from Lenihan and Kate O’Gorman to trail by 0-9 to 0-4 at half time. 

The second half began in the same vein as the first, as a real physical encounter. Scariff Ogonnelloe scored first from a long range free by Aisling Corbett, followed swiftly by another free from Corbett this time dropping short to the goalie Edel McNamara who batted out the ball to the oncoming Alva Rodgers who flicked the ball to the net. With the scoreboard now reading 1-10 to 0-4, it felt like Kilkishen/Bodyke had a mountain to climb. However, shortly after this Scariff Ogonnelloe were reduced to fourteen players following a second bookable offence by Aisling Corbett and she was shown the line by the referee Noel Quinn. This was the moment the game needed to spark both teams into life. Kilkishen/Bodyke now had more freedom to push forward and availed of this opportunity converting the next two points. Alannah Ryan who was excellent throughout, began to dictate proceedings from centre back and bring more of her teammates into the game. To their credit, Scariff Ogonelloe defended excellently for the majority of the second half and maintained their structure leaving enough potency in their attack to notch further scores from Alva Rodgers, Amy Barret and Mairead Scanlan before Kilkishen/Bodyke would score again. Both teams made substitutions after the final water break with Danielle Beston making her senior debut for Scariff Ogonelloe the most notable. Kilkishen/Bodyke threw everything at Scariff Ogonnelloe for the final fifteen minutes availing of the extra player and pushing more players up the field, and this paid off with Roisin Minogue finishing a good team move with an unstoppable finish to the corner of the net after a driving run. It wasn’t enough though, as Scariff Ogonnelloe substitute Cliona McNamara pointed the final score of the game to leave the final score 1-16 to 1-7 in this opening round of the Clare Senior Camogie Championship. 

Best on the day for Scariff Ogonnelloe were Susan Daly, Abby Walsh, Lynda Daly, and Alva Rodgers, with Alannah Ryan, Edel McNamara and Siobhan Lenihan best for Kilkishen/Bodyke. 

Scariff Ogonnelloe: Rachel Daly, Abby Walsh, Ciara Doyle, Bonnie Wiley Murphy, Rachel Minogue, Susan Daly, Alison McGee, Alva Rodgers (1-1), Mairead Scanlan (0-8, 5F), Labhaoise O’Donnell, Amy Barrett (0-2), Lynda Daly (0-1), Jennifer Daly (0-1), Lorraine Grady, Aisling Corbett (0-2, 1F) 

Subs: Cliona McNamara for Lorraine Grady, (0-1)), Danielle Beston for Labhaoise O’Donnell 

Kilkishen/Bodyke: Edel McNamara; Hannah Minogue, Nollaig Baker, Ciara Ryan; Orla O'Brien, Alannah Ryan, Eimear Murphy; Kate Lynch, Caoimhe Kelly; Kate O'Gorman (0-1), Siobhan Lenihan (0-5 4fF, Niamh O'Gorman; Shauna Doyle, Roisin Minogue (1-0), Aoife Ryan (0-1) 

Subs: Eilish Whitney for Ciara Ryan 50 mins 

Referee: Noel Quinn 

Clooney GAA: Inagh Kilnamona 0-13 Feakle Killanena 1-9  

Inagh Kilnamona got the defence of their Senior Championship off againinst Senior debutants Feakle Killanena in Clooney on Saturday afternoon.  The Champions did not have it all their own way however and needed a last minute free to seal victory over a very determined Feakle Killanena team.    

Aoibhin Ryan registered Inagh Kilnamonas first score from the throw in. Lorna McNamara equalised from a placed ball in the fourth minute. Danielle Griffin and Amy Keating split the posts for Inagh Kilnamona before Claire McNamara added one for Feakle Killanena in the thirteenth minute. The games only goal came from the newcomers when a good crossfield ball won by Lorna McNamara was sent forward which was eventually finished to the net by Laura McGrath. Robyn Conway added to their lead after the water break with a well taken point.   Inagh Kilnamona continued to put Feakle Killanena defence under pressure and Ryan put four points over from placed balls (2 frees, 2 45s) between the twentieth minute and the half time whistle, leaving the half time score Inagh Kilnamona 0-7 Feakle Killanena 1-3

Feakle Killanena proved they were ready for Senior Championship as they came out for the second half with all guns blazing and had four points on the board before Ryan put over Inagh Kilnamons first score of the second half mid-way through the half as Feakle Killanena produced some great defensive play, Eileen Daly at full back and Ella MacNamara at centre back showed great leadership in getting the ball out of defence.  After the water break Sinead Power and Claire Commane found their range and draw the team’s level.  Feakle Killanena showed no sign of nerves and went ahead in the fifty fourth minute, Ryan with a minute of normal time remaining.   Again, Louise O’Callaghan put the newcomers ahead with what all present surely thought that would be the winner.  However, Ryan who was excellent on frees all day, slotted another over to equalise matters. With the ganme in injury time Inagh Kilnamona continued to pile on the pressure and battled their way through a superb Feakle Killanena defence only for the ball to be tipped out over the line which Ryan converted for the last play of the game to see Inagh Kilnamona take the win on the narrowest of margins. Every player worked hard, both teams have quality players. Some great team work from both sides along with skill, determination and intensity left spectators on the edge of their seats up until the final whistle.

Inagh Kilnamona: Rebecca Keating; Laoise Ryan, Sinead Power, Michaela Roughan; Tierna Hegarty, Clare Hehir, Teresa O’Keeffe; Fiona Lafferty, Aoife Keane; Sinead Power, Aoibhin Ryan, Danielle Griffin; Helen Hehir, Amy Keating, Orla Vaughan

Subs:   Claire Commane for Vaughan, Cathy Cullinan for Roughan, Jane Fitzgerald for Power. 

Feakle Killanena: Roisin Quilligan; Aoife Tuohy, Eileen Daly, Ellie Edge O’Neill; ZiYan Spillane, Ella MacNamara, Rachael Mc Namara; Roisin Mc Mahon, Evelyn Duggan; Claire McNamara (0-1), Robyn Conway (0-2) Louise O’Callaghan; Laura McGrath (1-1), Shauna Canny, Lorna McNamara (0-5 3F)  

Subs: Regan Conway for O’Callaghan (20 mins), Meave Brady for Rachael McNamara (H/T), Louise Keehan for McMahon (2nd half) 

Referee: Andy McMahon

Fr McNamara Park: Sixmilebridge 0-14 Truagh Clonlara 0-19  

Truagh Clonlara put pressure on the Bridge from the off with a point from play and two attempts on goals, which were successfully saved by Sinead Hogan, within the first five minutes of the match. 

By the first water break, Sixmilebridge had scored four points, three from play and a Chloe Morey free while Traugh Clonlara had five points on the board, Eimear Kelly contributing from placed ball through a free with the other four points all coming from play. Truagh could have been further ahead but some wayward shooting in the opening quarter saw them wide of the mark on no less than four occasions.  

The pressure was still on the Sixmilebridge backs in the second quarter with Truagh Clonlara re-starting in a determined fashion and unlucky by hitting the post from play within the first minute, another wide before adding a brace to their tally. Sixmilebridge swiftly responded with a point from play. The remainder of the second quarter saw the Bridge outscore Truagh score three points to one, to see the sides level on 0-8 apiece as the half time whistle sounded.  

The opening six minutes of the second half saw both sides squander scoring opportunities before the Bridge pulled ahead with a Morey free. This lead was shortlived however as Truagh levelled matters and then went ahead by one. Supporters of both sides were vocal in their encouragement as both sides struggled to gain dominance in a tight affair. Morey levelled the sides again with a long range free. Truagh had the opportunity to go ahead with the next run of play only for Hogan to collect and clear back down the field. Truagh piled on the pressure and the Bridge backs defended strongly with the pressure causing Truaghs next couple of efforts to be wide of the mark. The sides again traded points with the Bridge edging in front by the minimum as the teams broke for the second half waterbreak. 

Truagh Clonlara respond in the first minute of the final quarter with a point, levelling the score. The final quarter saw Truagh Clonlara finally get to grips with a tenacious Bridge outfit. Hogan denied the 2020 Glenomra shield winners a green flag, however Kelly and Aine O’Loughlin raised white flags and with the game entering the closing minutes Truagh had a four-point advantage to which they added another point to run out winners Truagh Clonlara 0-19 Sixmilebridge 0-14.  

Truagh Clonlara: Liza Moloney; Sarah Sherlock, Michelle Powell, Sinead Hogg; Roisin Powell, Niamh Powell, Louise Egan; Ellen Horgan, Michelle Caulfield; Aine O'Loughlin, Rebecca Foley, Maire Begley; Eimear Begley, Eimear Kelly, Joanne Egan.  

Subs: Alex Condron for E Begley & Sinead Ryan for Sherlock (45 mins). 

Sixmilebridge: Sinead Hogan; Kiah Mellet, Deanna Considine, Aoife Hurley; Emma Kennedy (0-1), Rachel Kelly, Michelle Hurley, Maire McGrath (0-1), Saoirse Young, Niamh Lyons, Sarah Loughnane (0-1), Finia O’Brien (0-2); Rachael O’Halloran (0-1), Chloe Morey (0-8 6F), Aoibhín McNamara 

Subs: Jessica Williams came on for Aoibhín Mcnamara 45mins, Ailise Roche came on for Rachael O’Halloran 55 mins 

Referee: Kevin Walsh 

Intermediate Championship 

Clooney GAA: Clooney Quin 2-12 Whitegate 2-9  

The Autumn evening sunshine set the scene in Clooney for the opening match of the Intermediate Championship 2021. Whitegate and Clooney Quin fought out a tough battle that saw Clooney/Quin win with a final score of Clooney Quin 2-12 Whitegate 2-09. 

From throw in this was an intense battle from two evenly matched teams. With marking tight from the start, it took a while for either team to get the opening score. This did come for Whitegate when Greta Hickey passed a clever ball to Susan Fahy who went on to split the Clooney Quin posts. A foul on Hickey was converted by Fahy to put the Whitegate girls 0-2 to no score in front. It took until the thirteenth minute for Clooney Quin to register their first score when they scored a point from play. The puckout that followed was gathered again by Clooney Quin who quickly added another point to their tally to level the score. After the first water break a foul on Whitegate’s Lisa Donoghue gave Whitegate another free which Fahy converted with ease. Fahy then went on to score another point following good support work from Greta Hickey. Clooney Quin answered this when they scored the next point from play. Before half time Whitegates Fahy continued her accuracy by converting a ‘45. A foul in their own half set up another free for Whitegate and this long range free was taken by Lauren Solan. The ball fell slightly short but was snatched by the waiting Greta Hickey who threw it over the bar. Clooney Quin added another point from play to their score before the half time whistle blew, which saw the hosts trail by two, Whitegate 0-6 Clooney Quin 0-4.

In the second half the determination in the Clooney Quin camp was evident when they scored three points from play to level matters and then went ahead. The introduction of Niamh McGee at full forward paid dividends when, following a pass by Deirdre Murphy to McGee, who didn’t give up until she had a green flag raised for her efforts. Whitegate added a brace in this quarter, one each from Fahy and Hickey both coming from play. At the second half water break Clooney Quin had turned their two-point deficit from half time into a two-point lead, Clooney Quin 1-7 Whitegate 0-8. 

The last quarter all was to play for. Whitegate scored a point from a free and then what looked like a dead cert goal for Clooney Quin was stopped by Lauren Solan but was then flicked to the back of the Whitegate net by McGee. The Whitegate girls were not prepared to let this game slip and shortly after a free was awarded to Whitegate. Fahy hit the shot with power and buried it to the back of the Clooney Quin net. The home side then went on a purple patch, hitting five points three frees and two from play. In the dying minutes of the game a pass from sister to sister saw Aideen Hickey lay off a fine pass to Greta Hickey who with power finished it to the net and raised another green flag for Whitegate. It was all too late for the Whitegate girls as Clooney Quin still had a two-point lead. Clooney Quin finished the scoring with a point to ensure victory on a final score line of Clooney Quin 2-12 Whitegate 2-09 

Clooney Quin: Emily Moloney; Kathy Halpin, Nicole O’Riordan, Cliodhna Ryan; Emma Deegan, Ciara Grogan, Ciara Halpin; Emily Costelloe (0-1), Mairead Ryan; Marie Halpin, Orlaith Duggan (0-7 3F), Emer Moynihan; Emma Considine (0-1), Deirdre Murphy (0-1), Emma Quinn (0-2) 

Subs: Niamh McGee (2-0) for Marie Halpin, Kate McCarthy for Emma Quinn 

Whitegate: Lauren Solan; Ciara O’Leary, Orla Burke, Molly Spazzi; Caitriona Apsel, Katie Hynes, Niamh Quirke; Lisa Donoghue, Leana Spazzi; Greta Hickey (1-2), Amber Nolan, Aideen Hickey, Ali Hynes; Susan Fahy (1-7 1-4F) Aine McDermott. 

Subs: Cait Keenan for Aine McDermott, Aine McDermott for Molly Spazzi 

Referee: Noel Quinn 

Eire Og GAA: Eire Og 2-14 Corofin 2-4  

Éire Óg took on newcomers to the Intermediate grade, Corofin, in round 1 of the Championship on Saturday evening at the Éire Óg grounds. The hosts had a good opening half return from their full and half forwards, as a spread of five players notched up a tally of 8 points from play. Corofin scored two points from play before the first water break and had the final score of the first half from a placed ball. This left Éire Óg ahead at the break on a scoreline of 8 points to 3. 

Corofin made an excellent start to the second half, scoring 1-01 in the first five minutes, Sinead Mullins drove forward putting the ball over the Eire Óg  bar before Louise Browne rattled the Eire Óg net leaving just the minimum between the sides. Indeed, the match may have completely turned their way as they found the net a second time only for the goal to be disallowed as the ball had already been waved wide. With just a point between the sides, the Townies had to work hard to curb Corofins momentum. The visitors held Éire Óg scoreless for the third quarter, but Éire Óg regained their composure and stretched their lead to three points with scores from Orla Devitt and Ella Cahill. Two goals in quick succession from the Russell sisters, Jodie and Elizabeth, gave their side an unassailable lead. A Corofin goal sandwiched between points from Elizabeth Russell and Orla Devitt left the final score at 2-14 to 2-4.  

Éire Óg: Leah Ryan; Eva Whyte, Amy Russell, Aimee Daniels; Sophie Hanna, Aoibheann Hahessy, Claire McMahon; Alana McInerney, Grainne Nolan; Maria Redmond, Rae Wall (0-1), Orla Devitt (0-5); Jodie Russell (1-1), Elizabeth Russell (1-4), Ella Cahill (0-3 1 x ’45)  

Subs: Sarah Redmond for Alana McInerney, Orla McMahon for Rae Wall, Rae Wall for Claire McMahon 

Corofin:Siobhan Lane; Sinead Collins, Aoife Forde, Rachel Fitzpatrick; Laura Mullen, Aleisha Malone, Corina McMahon; Keelin Fitzgerald, Rebecca Collins; Louise Browne (1-0), Aoibheann Malone (1-1 1’45), Sinead Mullins (0-1); Maria Cahill, Ciara Heagney, Eva O’Dea (0-2)

Subs: Saoirse Flanagan for Mullen, Caoimhe O’Connor for Rebecca Collins, Kelly Flanagan for Fitzpatrick, Amy Fitzgerald for Cahill 

Referee: Fergal O’Brien

Clarecastle GAA: Clarecastle/Ballyea 1-10 Tulla 1-10  

It was the share of spoils for Clarecastle/Ballyea and Tulla in the first round of the Intermediate Championship played in Clarecastle on Saturday evening. 

Tulla opened the scoring with a point from play through Bridin Dinan. Clarecastle/Ballyea replied with a pointed free from Doireann Murphy.  In the fifth minute Tulla struck for their first goal, a scramble in the goal mouth led to Éabha McInerney getting the ball over the line. Both teams fought very hard for possession, but it was Tulla who dominated proceedings. As both sides exchanged points in the first quarter it was the visitors who lead by three points at the first water break. As play resumed Tulla kept the scoreboard ticking over through Dinan, Sherena McGrath and Aisling McNamara. Dinan was proving to be a thon in the side of Clarecastle/Ballayea as she went from raising white flags to denying Clarecastle/Ballayea a green flag when a penalty awarded to Clarecastle/Ballyea in the twenty third minute was saved by Dinan. Hannah Mai Neylon added a point from play for Clarecastle/Ballyea leaving half-time score 1-6 to 0-5 in favour of Tulla. 

At the restart of the second half the homeside had a point from play from Stella Quinlivan. Tulla continued to extend their lead with further points from Dinan and McGrath.  As play moved up the field Clarecastle/Ballyea had a point from play from Ria Flanagan. A foul on Murphy resulted in a second penalty which was saved also by Dinan.  At the second water break Tulla were ahead by six points.  Clarecastle/Ballyea refused to give up and in the final quarter the comeback trail began, with three unanswered points. Their defence and both midfielders fought very hard for every ball as a result Doireann Murphy strike landed in the corner of the net to equalise the game. 

Clarecastle/Ballyea: Lauren Tuohy; Cathy Casey, Emma O Connell, Molly McMahon; Hannah Dinan, Carol Browne, Chloe Devitt; Grace Russell, Lily McMahon; Doireann Murphy (1-7), Amie Wiley, Stella Quinlivan (0-1); Hannah Mai Neylon (0-1), Ria Flanagan (0-1), Emma O'Loughlin. 

Subs: Hannah Morrisey for Lily McMahon. 

Tulla: Danara Crowe, Amy McNamara, Áine Dinan, Leah McInerney, Lorna Power, Sinéad Conlon, Gillian Ryan, Ciara Goland, Sherena McGrath (0-2), Jennifer Nicholas (0-1), Bridín Dinan (0-6), Aoife Dooley, Aisling McNamara (0-1), Éabha McInerney (1-0). 

Referee: Kevin Egan 

Junior A Championship 

O’Callaghans Mills GAA: Kilkishen/Bodyke 0-6 Broadford 2-12  

A fitting scene in the Mills on Friday evening, as the sun was setting in the west and the moon was rising in the east as seen either side of the pitch, on the pitch two equally impressive stellar teams from Broadford and Kilkishen/Bodyke faced each other in the opening round of the Junior A Championship. 

Before the match started, both teams line up and a minutes silence was observed for the late Niall O'Brien. 

Kilkishen/Bodyke were first off the mark for this first round opening battle between the near neighbours as Rachel Grogan threw one over for her side in the fourth minute, with the pass coming from Eilis Whitney. This lead was soon to be cancelled out with an unanswered 1-04 for Broadford from the sticks of Aoife Dillon with three points and Emma Cooper raising the first green flag of the evening. Louise Connell from a placed ball put another on the board for Kilkishen/Bodyke which left the sides Kilkishen/Bodyke 0-2 Broadford 1-04 at the first waterbreak. Broadford continued to dominate the first half despite Kilkishen/Bodyke maintaining pressure on Broadford throughout but disadvantaged on the score board by an unfortunate run of wides. The first half ended with Broadford ahead a goal and three points 1-6 to 0-3. 

Broadford got off to a cracking start in the second half with a goal from close range scored by Naoise O’Sullivan in the first minute.  Broadford continued to dominate and add another six points further point to their tally, with Kilkishen/Bodyke adding a further three, through Niamh Mulqueen and Aoife Dillon to leave the final score 2-12 to 0-06. This was definitely one of those matches where the final score did not do justice to the effort and skill demonstrated by the losing team, but Broadford’s determination really carried them on this occasion to a much-deserved win.  

Broadford: Laura Ryan; Emma O’Brien, Catherine Donnellan, Siobhan O’Connell; Moya Marsh McMahon, Karen Ryan, Ally Troy (0-1F); Aine Ryan, Aoife Vaughan; Susan O’Shea (0-1), Niamh Mulqueen (0-2), Emma Cooper (1-0); Aoife O’Brien (0-1), Aoife Dillon (0-7 2F), Naiose O’Sullivan (1-0)

Subs: Anna-Lee Marsh for Aoife O’Brien, Beatrice Vaughan for Emma Cooper, Isobel O’Connell for Naoise O’Sullivan, Sarah Bergqvist for Karen Ryan, Rachael O’Connell for Moya Marsh McMahon

Kilkishen/Bodyke: Joanne O'Gorman; Roisin McNamara, Ashling Fitzgerald, Michaela McNamara; Rachel Murray, Leah Minogue, Fina Close; Rebecca Burke, Eilis Whitney; Rachel Grogan, Louise Connell, Katie Frost; Chloe O'Brien, Chloe Philpott, Eimear Whitney 

Subs: Aine Lenihan for Leah Minogue (H/T), Abby Heffernan for Rachel Grogan, 35 mins, Megan Kilkenny for Chloe O'Brien, Leah Treach for Eimear Whitney both 55mins 

Referee: Ciaran Sheehan 

Ruan GAA: Ruan/Crusheen 3-18 Scariff Ogonnelloe 1-3  

The 2021 Championship started for these two teams on a bright calm autumn morning in Ruan. To the cheering approval of the local support, it was clear the home players were far from calm as they blocked, hooked and ran down every ball in the opening quarter. Three opening wides quickly became scores as the player combinations and running game of the home team stopped the ball at source from the visitor puck outs as Louise McDonnell and Aoife Anderson contributed to the score board with a brace each. At the first water break Ruan/Crusheen were seven points to no score. 

Scariff-Ogonnelloe created more scoring opportunities in the second quarter but couldn’t convert as a resilient defence from Alice Casey in goal and the full back line closed down the spaces. However, Eimear Rodgers broke the deadlock for the visitors when she pointed from play. The home team kept up the pressure at the other end as goals from Lorna Crowe and Aoife Anderson and points from Kate Forde and Eve O’Connor increased the lead to 2-9 to 0-1 at half time. 

At the change of ends, Scariff Ogonnelloe rallied in the second half with Maria Scanlan scoring a goal and Rodgers delivering a further point in the third quarter, but the relentless pressure and energy from the home team was converted into six more points with three from centre forward Lauren O’Donoghue along with scores from Eve O’Connor, Anderson and Grainne Wynn. 

As the game entered the last quarter, Anderson converted two more scores as Scarriff Ogonnelloe had a final score marked up too as Danielle Sheedy fired over. Rounding her fullback at speed, Amy O’Donoghue put over another point with the final score going to Neasa Ní Lachtnáin who raised the green flag with a shot into goal, final score Ruan/Crusheen 3-18 Scariff Ogonnelloe 1-3. 

Ruan: Alice Casey, Saoirse McNamara, Roisin O’Loughlin, Aimee McDonagh, Maeve Stankard, Rebecca Crowe, Rebecca O’Donoghue, Grainne Wynne (0-1), Aoife Anderson (1-5), Eve O’Conor (0-3), Lauren O’Donoghue (0-4), Kate Forde (0-2), Lorna Crowe (1-0), Claire McDonnell, Louise McDonnell (0-2) 

Subs: Siofra Ní Lachtnain for Saoirse McNamara, Amy O’Donoghue (0-1) for Kate Forde, Tammy Griffin for Lorna Crowe, Aoife Stankard for Rebecca O’Donoghue, Neasa Ní Lachtnáin (1-0) for Claire McDonnell 

Scariff Ogonnelloe: Aine O’Brien, Karen O’Mahony,Clodagh Nash; Maria Brody, Ciara Treacy,Robyn McKenna, Kate Walsh; Dearbhla McNulty,Eibhlis Coleman; Ashley Minogue,Kate O’Mahony Eimer Rodgers (0-2),Emily Walsh, Danielle Sheedy (0-1), Maria Scanlan (1-0) 

Subs: Aine Scanlan for Dearbhla McNulty  

Referee: Noel Quinn

Junior B Championship 

Sixmilebridge GAA: Parteen 4-11 Sixmilebridge 0-6 

Clooney GAA: Clooney Quin 2-7 Feakle Killanena 1-3  

Junior C Championship 

Cratloe GAA: Cratloe 0-8 Whitegate 1-10

Banner GAA: Banner 0-0 Clarecastle/Ballyea 6-4 

Minor Championship

Minor B 

Broadford/Parteen 4-10 Sixmilebridge 7-11

Table toppers Broadford/Parteen were widely fancied ahead of throw-in, but they were out-thought and out-fought by Sixmilebridge. Sixmilebridge brought the momentum after winning the U16B championship to win this refixed minor B championship game on a score line of 7-11 to 4-10.

The first half started with a frantic pace, with Aoibhín McNamara opening the scoring with a beautiful point from play. The ‘Bridge forwards kept the pressure on the Broadford Parteen backs, and after an initial shot from Aoibhín McNamara was saved by the Broadford Parteen goalie Josette Hogan pounced on the rebound firing the sliotar into the back of the net raising the first green net of the game. Broadford Parteen settled themselves after this initial onslaught with their #11 scoring from play. The two teams traded points with Hayley Keogh scoring for the ‘Bridge from play. From the ‘Bridge puck out, Michelle Hurley gathered the ball and sent it into the full forward line into the path of Aoibhín McNamara who raised the second green flag for the ‘Bridge within the first 15 minutes. Broadford/Parteen tried to steady the ship and did so by scoring a goal from play. Up to the water break those in attendance witnessed great ariel displays from Kate Fitzgerald, Amy Chaplin and Róisín O’Grady. There was also superb goalkeeping on display from Sinéad Hogan within this quarter.

After the water break, both sides had a number of scoring chances put wide with the Bridge the first to raise a flag. Aoibhín McNamara raised a green flag after drilling the ball across the face of goal into the opposite top corner. Broadford Parteen would score 5 unanswered points before half time leaving the score-line read Broadford Parteen 1-8 Sixmilebridge 3-3.

After the start of the second half, Róisín O’Grady gave a delightful handpass over her shoulder to Jessica Williams who was unfortunate in missing the target. From the resulting puck out, Amy Chaplin cleanly won the ball and went on a powerful run down the centre of the field. She gave a lovely stick pass to the awaiting poacher Aoibhín McNamara who raised her 3rd green flag. Broadford Parteen opened their scoring of the second half with #11 scoring a point from a ‘45. Broadford/Parteen kept the pressure on the ‘Bridge backs forcing Sinéad Hogan in the ‘Bridge goals to make two outstanding saves and was unlucky that the ball from the second save bounced into the path of an oncoming forward who put it into the back of the net. This did not deter the ‘Bridge girls, and Aoibhín McNamara raised her fourth green flag of the match after a ball bounced in front of her and she pulled first time into the net. Aoibhín McNamara would set up the next score by playing a beautiful ball into the path of Josette Hogan who dutifully split the uprights. Jessica Williams scored 2 breath-taking points from play. After winning the Broadford Parteen puck out, Michelle Hurley would score a stunning point from the Broadford/Parteen 65. Broadford/Parteen would raise a white flag before the water break.

After the water break, Broadford/Parteen kept the pressure on the ‘Bridge backs, forcing Sinéad Hogan into making another outstanding save. In this final quarter there was a great display of hooking, blocking and flicking from Aoibhín McNamara, Róisín O’Grady, Kate Fitzgerald and Eloise O’Brien. Jessica Williams would raise her first green flag after putting a shot past the Broadford/Parteen goalie into the bottom corner. Aoibhín McNamara would raise three white flags, one from a free before Jessica Williams would raise her second green flag after taking a shot on the turn. Eloise O’Brien saw her shot just sail past the upright, denying her a point from 65 yards out. Broadford/Parteen showed why they are table toppers by getting another goal from play. Within the final 5 minutes, Róisín O’Grady would split the posts after a pop-pass from Hayley Keogh and Broadford/Parteen would raise a green flag after the ball dribbled into the ‘Bridge net.

Eloise O’Brien, Róisín O’Grady and Hayley Keogh showed no signs of playing a U16’s final during the week, putting in ferocious runs up and down the field all night. Once again Christina O’Grady and Doireann Ní Bhraoin were solid in the full back line with Sarah Keogh a nice addition to the full back line. Michelle Hurley showed no signs of playing a senior match the evening before and set up many fantastic scores.

Sixmilebridge: Sinéad Hogan; Christina O’Grady, Doireann Ní Bhraoin, Sarah Keogh; Kate Fitzgerald, Eloise O’Brien, Emma Stanley; Amy Chaplin, Maeve Egan; Róisín O’Grady (0-1), Hayley Keogh (0-1), Michelle Hurley (0-1); Jessica Williams (Capt.) (2-2), Aoibhín McNamara (4-5; 0-2F), Josette Hogan (1-1)

Subs: Lily Mahon for Christina O’Grady (H/T), Rebecca Grady for Sarah Keogh (H/T), Aoibheann Sweeney