Results 2008
Clonmore 2-10
In fairness to Davitts, the final score-line does not do them justice as they led up until the 50th minute when a late scoring burst yielded 1-5 to give Clonmore a flattering, but deserved, victory.
Clonmore began like a train and even though playing against a strong wind, raced into a 1-3 to no score lead after 13 minutes – the points coming from Niall Humphries, PJ Byrne & Shane Howard and the goal, an opportunist effort by PJ Byrne. Then Davitts burst into life and indiscipline in the Clonmore backline resulted in Eamonn “Rocky” O’Brien kicking four excellent frees with the assistance of the wind. Full forward John Ryan also kicked a great long range point before the high fielding Michael Meaney landed another haymaker to bring Davitts right back into the game. In the middle of Davitts seven point revival, Shane Howard kicked one of the best points of the night after a sole run and strike off the outside of his right boot into the wind from 25 metres: 1-4 to 0-7 at half-time.
The scoring rate dropped dramatically in the third quarter as the battle intensified with neither team willing to give an inch. A PJ Byrne free in the 32nd minute was cancelled out by a wonderful free by Eamonn Fitzgerald from a very acute angle. Then Davitts substitute DJ Wall raced through the centre of the Clonmore defence only to see his pile driver hit the crossbar and go over –a let off for Clonmore as Davitts took the lead for the first time: 0-9 to 1-5 on 43 minutes.
As nerves became frayed, a certain amount of niggle crept into the game and Referee Patrick Murphy had to issue a number of yellow cards. At this stage Davitts were clinging on to a one point lead and were looking good. Every attack was striking fear into the Clonmore defence who too often resorted to unnecessary fouling but Davitts failed to turn their possession into scores. Clonmore on the other hand were not judging the wind properly and several passes into the forwards were overcooked and hopped harmlessy wide or into the goalies hands.
After a long period without a score, PJ Byrne finally brought Clonmore level with a lovely point in the 50th minute. With time running out, a Davitts back was penalised for a pick-up in the large square and Byrne converted the 13 metre free - 1-7 to 0-9 on 57 minutes. Due to various stoppages, the Referee played 6 minutes injury time and these minutes definitely belonged to Clonmore.
First Howard kicked a beauty, then Mick Murray landed two huge wind assisted frees with his left foot and finally Shane Howard put the icing on the cake in the 66th minute with a cracking goal to round off a fine display and give Clonmore a place in the semi-finals – final score 2-10 to 0-9
Clonmore: Mark Hennessy, Martin Byrne, Michael Smith, Neil Curran, James Doyle, Shane Murphy, Stephen Doyle, Paddy Gahan, Willie Rooney, PJ Byrne (1-4, 3 frees), Michael Murray (0-2, frees), Chris Smith, Shane Howard (1-3), Dara Kelly, Niall Humphries (0-1). Subs: Paul Hogan, Darren McGrath.
Michael Davitts: Thomas Lynch, Daniel Brennan, Kevin Regan, Gavin McKenzie, D McLean, Owen Ryan, E Malone, Michael Meaney (0-1), Hughie Gahan, Eamonn Fitzgerald (0-5, 5 frees), Jimmy Cahill, David Kelly (0-1), Larry Ellard, John Ryan (0-1), Patrick Clarke. Subs: Jamie O’Brien, DJ Wall (0-1), Shane Brennan.
Referee: Patrick Murphy (Fenagh).
Kilbride 1-14
Clonmore 1-9
The all conquering Kilbride team swept aside the challenge of last years beaten finalists, Clonmore, to march undefeated into the semi-finals of the Intermediate Championship following this bad tempered encounter at Bro Leo Park, Tullow, on Sunday evening.
Clonmore opened brightly with Con Murphy at full forward causing problems for the Kilbride defence early on and he put Clonmore into the lead with two fine points on the 8th and 18th minutes. Kilbride have goalkeeper Derry O’Toole to thank for a brilliant save to keep out a low shot from Murphy in the 10th minute which would have put Clonmore firmly into the driving seat. Gradually, Kilbride eased their way into the game with lightning fast counter attacks and strong direct football.
Seamus Grey, after a super solo run up the middle, Brendan Butler, Jim Fitzpatrick and Dara Foley kicked a succession of excellent points from long range to pull back Clonmore’s lead and in spite of two good points from Gavin Byrne, Kilbride deservedly led by 0-6 to 0-4 at half-time.
Clonmore lost reliable full-back Colin Doyle through injury early in the first half and this loss was to prove a turning point as Kilbride full-forward Padraig Nolan began to enjoy more freedom. In the first attack of the second half, Nolan waltzed through the Clonmore full back-line to plant a great goal beyond Paudge McGrath’s reach to put his team 1-6 to 0-4 ahead. This could have spelled the end for Clonmore as they were also facing a stiff breeze, but fair play to them, they worked the ball upfield and Ronan Doyle raced through for a cracking goal of his own –1-6 to 1-4 after 32 minutes. “Game on” or so it seemed but it was a false dawn for Clonmore as points from Joe Waters, Seamus Grey, Padraig Nolan, Stephen Curry and Dara Foley extended their lead to 1-11 to 1-5 on 44 minutes.
Clonmore battled on gamely and points from Gavin Byrne and Willie Rooney pulled he deficit back to four points. But they were struggling at midfield, usually a strong area, and had trouble coming to terms with the strength, speed and sheer exuberance of this well balanced Kilbride team. Most critically of all, they could not control Padraig Nolan, Kilbride’s outstanding full forward, who finished with a personal tally of 1-5. Nolan was out in front for every ball and either turned quickly to score with his own sweet left foot or was fouled for Grey or himself to pop over the resulting frees. Between the 47th and 52nd minute Nolan scored three more points to put Kilbride into an unassailable lead of 1-14 to 1-7. Clonmore continued to attack in search of scores but came up against a resolute Kilbride defence and had only a couple of well-taken points from Gavin Byrne to show for their efforts. Final score1-14 to 1-9.
Kilbride are on the crest of a wave at the moment and are now deservedly in the SFL Division One Final and the IFC Semi-final. They are playing an excellent brand of fast moving direct football and have outstanding players in Seamus Grey, Dara Foley, Jim Fitzpatrick, Stephen Curry and Derry O’Toole while the Nolan twins, Eoin & Padraig were at the centre of every thing that was good about this display.
Things might have worked out differently for Clonmore but for some missed chances early on and a couple of disruptive injuries, but on the night they had to concede that Kilbride were the better team. Clonmore must now show their character and, in order to qualify for the quarter final, they must win their last game against Leighlinbridge and hope that other games go their way. Wesley Byrne, John Connolly, Pauric Lawlor, Ronan Doyle, Con Murphy, Gavin Byrne and substitute Willie Rooney were their best performers.
Kilbride: Derry O’Toole, Michael O’Brien, Stuart Collier, James Foley, Colin O’Toole, Eoin Nolan, Jason Carroll, Seamus Grey (0-2, 1 free), Dara Foley (0-2), Jim Fitzpatrick (0-1), Brendan Butler (0-2), Joe Waters (0-1), Noel Butler, Padraig Nolan (1-5, 1 free), Stephen Curry (0-1).
Clonmore: Paudge McGrath, Wesley Byrne, Colin Doyle, John Kelly, Bobby Rooney, John Connolly, Pauric Lawlor, Peter Kiernan, Johnny Doyle, Enda McGrath, Ronan Doyle (1-0), Paul Byrne, Jamie Doyle, Con Murphy (0-2), Gavin Byrne (0-6, 3frees). Subs: Willie Rooney (0-1), John McGrath, Con Cashin, Jamie Doyle
Referee: Pat Moran (Graiguecullen
Team Standings heading into final round of games.
| Team | P | W | L | D | P | Dif. |
| Kilbride | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | +39 |
| Ballon | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | + 4 |
| Clonmore | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -1 |
| Naomh Eoin | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -2 |
| Asca | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | - 13 |
| Leighlinbridge | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | - 24 |
Clonmore reach Junior
Championship Semi-final.
Clonmore 4-12
St Andrews 1-1
Clonmore comfortably overcame a disappointing St Andrews team on Thursday last to progress to the Semi-Final of the Junior Football “B” Championship where they will meet Eire Og on Wednesday, 13 August, in Bro Leo Park, Tullow, at 7.30pm.
In spite of enjoying the lion’s share of possession from the start and showing good approach play and inter-passing, Clonmore’s wayward shooting let them down and they had only four points from Willie Rooney (2), Niall Byrne and Clive Lambe to show for their efforts after twenty minutes. It took a goal from bustling full-forward Ray O’Neill to put daylight between the teams and although the Saints responded straightaway with a well taken goal by Martin Cormack, Clonmore pulled back two points from Ray Mulvany before half-time to leave the score: 1-6 to 1-0.
The second half was all one-way traffic. After a rocket from Willie Rooney was tipped over by the excellent Saints goalkeeper, Kiaran Cunningham, Dara Conway ended the game as a contest when he danced through the St Andrews defence to slot home a super goal on 43 minutes (2-7 to 1-0). Then half time substitute Niall Humphries added to the Saints woes with a tasty 1-2 in the space of 5 minutes. Clonmore simply had too much fire-power and Willie Rooney, Alan Byrne, Conway and Ray Mulvany added points to complete the scoring at 4-12 to 1-1.
For St Andrews, James Doyle at
full-forward posed a constant threat but lacked support while lively
Leon Power on the wing looked a star of the future. Joe Reinhardt played
well at full-back as did Martin Mara and Alan Beaton. The evergreen Jim
O’Donoghue who is currently enjoying success with the Carlow Masters
team put in a solid hour at wing back.
In addition to the aforementioned
scorers, Clonmore also had impressive players in goalkeeper Stephen
Byrne, Colin Doyle was rock solid at centre back and livewire wing backs
Shane Murphy and James Doyle covered acres of ground.
Clonmore: Stephen Byrne, Ger Doyle, Damien Lyons, James Doyle, Mick O’Neill, Colin Doyle, Shane Murphy, Ray Mulvany (0-3), Niall Byrne (0-1), Clive Lambe (0-1), Dara Conway (1-1), Willie Rooney (0-3), Denis Quigley, Ray O’Neill (2-0), Keith Pollard. Sub: Niall Humphries (1-2), Michael Smyth, Alan Byrne (0-1), Pierce Doyle, Con Cashin.
St Andrews: Kieran Cunningham, J P McDonald, Joe Reinhardt, Richie Kinsella, David Tuite, Robert Manning, Jim O’Donoghue, Pat Kavanagh, Alan Beaton, Leon Power, Martin Mara, Martin Cormack (1-0), Justin Manning (0-1), James Doyle, Shane Maye. Subs: Pat Deane, Dessie Dowling.
Ref: Pat Moran (Graiguecullen).
Clonmore 1-14
Old Leighlin 0-12
Clonmore had a good win over Old Leighlin team in an entertaining SFL Division One encounter at Woodside on Sunday evening. The five point margin was not a fair reflection of the game as there was rarely more than two points between the teams and Clonmore’s goal came with the last kick of the game.
Clonmore opened brightly and points from Gavin Byrne, John McGrath and Paul Byrne put them three points up within eight minutes. But on the 10th minute, Old Leighlin’s experienced full-forward, Willie Minchin, burst through the Clonmore defence and with the goal at his mercy blasted over the bar. He followed up with a pointed free to bring his side back into the game 0-3 to 0-2 on 15 mins.
The main talking points in the first half were the tussles between the respective full backs and full-forwards - Willie Minchin and Clonmore’s Johnny Doyle had a great personal duel with both players coming out with credit – Doyle doing well to limit the influential Minchin to two points from play. At the other end Declan Kelly was giving away a few inches to John McGrath but that didn’t stop him making life tough for the former county man. In a “no holds barred” contest, McGrath just about edged it with two points of his own and he also orchestrating numerous other scores with his intelligent distribution.
Although Clonmore enjoyed much of the early possession, Old Leighlin took over the second quarter and went in leading by 0-6 to 0-5 at the break thanks to an excellent long range effort from Michael Meaney, a tidy point from livewire corner forward Roger McGrath, a mighty point by Keith Coffey and another free from Minchin.
The second half saw some excellent football from both sides and a high standard of point taking. On the re-start, Con Murphy levelled the scores after a great Clonmore move involving Ronan Doyle and Enda McGrath. Old Leighlin’s Michael Meaney countered with a fine individual effort, his left foot shot going in off the post. Then a massive point from play by Clonmore’s Gavin Byrne, after Peter Kiernan had done the spadework, points by Enda McGrath and Con Murphy and another 40m Byrne free put Clonmore into the lead by 0-9 to 0-7 on 40 minutes.
Old Leighlin continued to give as good as they got and a point from Willie Minchin, a lovely effort on the run from Sean Kinsella and a goalbound shot by wing back Hughie Gahan, which Paudge McGrath did well to parry over the bar, kept them in the game: 0-12 to 0-10 on 53 minutes.
Two outstanding points from Peter Kiernan, (the second a peach off the outside of his left boot) and another long range effort from Gavin Byrne pushed Clonmore up to the 0-14 mark but they could not shake off the challenge of the blue & white Old Leighlin men. Two more points from Willie Minchin brought them within a kick of a ball of Clonmore in injury time: 0-14 to 0-12 and the Clonmore nerves were jangling. In the 65th minute, Gavin Byrne capitalised on confusion in the Old Leighlin defence to finish the ball to the net to give the final score a flattering appearance: 1-14 to 0-12.
In a good team performance, Clonmore were best served by Paudge McGrath, Wesley Byrne, Johnny Doyle, Pauric Lawlor, Peter Kiernan, Con Murphy, John McGrath, Gavin Byrne and Willie Rooney. On the Old Leighlin side short of several regulars, Declan Kelly, Richie Burke, Hughie Gahan, Sean Kinsella, Keith Coffey, Eamonn Fitzgerald, Roger McGrath and Willie Minchin played well.
Clonmore: Paudge McGrath, Wesley Byrne, Johnny Doyle, John Kelly, Pierce McCarthy, John Connolly, Pauric Lawlor, Peter Kiernan (0-2), Con Murphy (0-2), Paul Byrne (0-1), Ronan Doyle, Jamie Doyle, John McGrath (0-2), Gavin Byrne (1-6, 4 frees). Subs: Willie Rooney, Paddy Gahan.
Old Leighlin: James Clarke, Denis McGrath, Declan Kelly, Richie Burke, Hugh Gahan (0-1), Colin Brennan, Martin Deevey, Mchael Meaney (0-1), Sean Kinsella (0-1), Cathal Coughlan, Michael Meaney, (0-1), Keith Coffey (0-1), Eamonn Fitzgerald, Willie Minchin (0-6, 4 frees), Roger McGrath (0-1). Subs: Paddy Deevey, Patrick Hickey, Thomas Lynch.
Referee: Brian Deering (Rathvilly)
Clonmore 0-11
Clonmore got their Minor Championship off to a winning start in a highly entertaining and very close encounter with Michael Davitts in Ballon on Tuesday evening.
Michael Davitts had the better of the first half with Eamon Fitzgerald in fine form at midfield and David Kelly scoring a great goal to leave the half time score 1-4 to 0-4. Davitts cause was not helped by having two players sent off, mid way through each half, but they battled on bravely firstly with 14 and then 13 men to be level at 1-6 to 0-9 with ten minutes to go. But the craft and teamwork of the Clonmore men told in the end as they pulled away and closed out the game with two late points from Stephen Doyle and the elusive Niall Humphries.
Clonmore: Mark Hennessy, Martin Byrne, Michael Smith, Neil Curran, James Doyle (0-1), Shane Murphy, Enda McGrath, Paddy Gahan (0-1), Willie Rooney (0-3), Stephen Doyle (0-2), Shane Howard, Chris Smith, PJ Byrne, Dara Kelly, Niall Humphries (0-4). Subs: Paul Hogan, Darren McGrath.
Michael Davitts: Thomas Lynch, Daniel Brennan, Michael Meaney, Gavin McKenzie, D McLean, Hughie Gahan, Sean Whelan, Eamonn Fitzgerald (0-3), John Ryan, Larry Ellard (0-1), Owen Ryan, DJ Wall, Jimmy Cahill, Patrick Clarke, David Kelly (1-2).
Referee: K Kelly.
Clonmore 1-12
Kilbride 0-8
Clonmore continued their winning run with a deserved win over fellow Intermediate Championship contenders, Kilbride, in a tough SFL Division One encounter at Woodside on Sunday evening.
The home side got off to a perfect start when their first attack ended with Ronan Doyle rounding his man to plant a cracking shot to the corner of Derry O’Toole’s goal. This stung Kilbride into life and they rattled off three quick fire points in reply, from Padraig Nolan (0-2, 1 free) and a long range effort from Dara Foley. At this stage Kilbride were flying and it looked like they could continue their good recent League form, which included a convincing win over Fenagh earlier in the week.
However, Clonmore were in no mood to be another of Kilbride’s victims and they upped their game to rattle off five points of their own – from Gavin Byrne (0-2, frees), Con Murphy after a fine run, Pauric Lawlor after being set up by full-forward John McGrath and a tidy effort by Paul Byrne on the stroke of half-time. The hard working Seamus Grey responded with a 30 metre free for Kilbride to leave the score at half-time 1-5 to 0-4.
Within minutes of the re-start Jim Fitzpatrick scored a fine point from a “45” but any hopes of a Kilbride comeback were quashed when Gavin Byrne slotted over another three points (two frees) and a fine Clonmore move ended with Paul Byrne feeding Peter Kiernan to put the Wicklow border men into a comfortable lead of 1-9 to 0-5 on 40 minutes.
Kilbride were still showing commendable fighting spirit and were competing doggedly for every ball. Seamus Grey kicked another fine point from a free and Jim Fitzpatrick bent the ball over the bar from 40 metres off the outside of his boot for the point of the match (1-9 to 0-7 on 50 mins). But though the Kilbride men pressed hard for a goal, it never looked like coming against a resolute Clonmore defence. Clonmore finished with a flurry of points from David Mulvany, Peter Kiernan and a fifth Gavin Byrne free in an impressive personal tally of 0-6. Kilbride’s best forward, Padraig Nolan, finished the scoring with a late point to leave the final score 1-12 to 0-8.
Kilbride were best served by John Fitzpatrick who had a fine game at full-back, Stuart Collier, Seamus Grey, Jim Fitzpatrick and Pauric Nolan. The loss of impressive county minor, Dara Foley, through injury early in the second half was a blow to their chances, as was a high wide count. For Clonmore, Pauric Lawlor, Johnny Doyle, Peter Kiernan, David Mulvany, Ronan Doyle, Con Murphy and Gavin Byrne were best in another good team performance.
Clonmore: Paudge McGrath, Wesley Byrne, Johnny Doyle, John Kelly, Pierce McCarthy, John Connolly, Pauric Lawlor (0-1), Peter Kiernan (0-2), David Mulvany (0-1), Con Murphy (0-1), Ronan Doyle (1-0), Paul Byrne (0-1), Jamie Doyle, John McGrath, Gavin Byrne (0-6, 5 frees). Subs: Paddy Gahan, Willie Rooney, Con Cashin, Dara Conway.
Kilbride: Derry O’Toole, Vincent Butler, John Fitzpatrick, James Foley, Michael O’Brien, Stuart Collier, Colin O’Toole, Seamus Grey (0-2, frees), Dara Foley (0-1), Brendan Butler, Stephen Curry, Jim Fitzpatrick (0-2, 1 “45”), Alan Curry, Paddy Waters, Padraig Nolan (0-3, 1 free). Subs: Eoin Nolan, Tom Nolan.
Referee: Pat Keogh (Rathvilly)
Clonmore end drought and take the silverware
Clonmore 1-5
Clonmore ran out one point victors in the Senior Football League Division 4 final at a damp Dr Cullen Park on Tuesday evening last when they defeated O’Hanrahans in a lively encounter.
It was Clonmore’s first piece of silverware since 1999, when they won the Senior League Divison 2, and in spite of reaching numerous finals & semi-finals, their first Junior success since 1994. The red and green Clonmore men got a great start when Keith Pollard goaled in the first quarter and points from Willie Rooney & Dara Conway gave them a lead of 1-2 to 0-3 at half time, the O’Hanrahans scores coming from Mark Davis, Jimmy White and Dale Lacey. However, the Blues were dealt a severe blow when impressive midfielder David Hayden had to retire with a facial injury following an accidental collision before half-time.
In a highly entertaining second half, the O’Hanrahan’s men came storming back and points from Mark Davis (2) and Andrew Maguire cancelled out points from Clonmore’s Clive Lambe and Keith Pollard to leave the sides level at 1-4 to 0-7 with ten minutes to go. With the slippery conditions making it unpredictable, the play swung from end to end and it looked as if the game might see another day with the sides deadlocked coming close to the long whistle.
The atmosphere in the stand was very tense at this stage and both sides created and missed chances, especially the Blues who saw a shot for a point hit the post and another good opportunity punched wide. But with the game well into injury time up popped Clonmore substitute, Michael Smyth, to drive a shot over the bar from 25 yards to earn the men in red & green the spoils and a long awaited victory. Final score: Clonmore 1-5 O’Hanrahans 0-7.
County Board official Martin Barry presented the cup to Clonmore’s long-serving Captain Damien Lyons who made a rousing victory speech heralding major celebrations in Hacketstown afterwards.
Clonmore: Stephen Byrne, Ger Doyle, Damien Lyons, James Doyle, Mick O’Neill Con Cashin, Shane Murphy, Ray Mulvany, Niall Byrne, Willie Rooney (0-1), Dara Conway (0-1), Clive Lambe (0-1), Denis Quigley, Ray O’Neill, Keith Pollard (1-1). Subs: Alan Byrne, Michael Smith (0-1), Niall McCarney.
O’Hanrahans: Anthony Core, Danny Rea, Leo Whelan, Paul Condron, Pa Hutton, Michael Thompson, Denis Lyons, Philip McEvoy, David Hayden, Martin Doyle, Andrew Maguire (0-1), Mark Davis (0-3), Paul Lyons, Jimmy White (0-1), Dale Lacey (0-1).
Referee: Brian Deering (Rathvilly)
Ballon 3-6
Clonmore 0-11
At this stage, Clonmore introduced county u-21 player, Bobby Rooney, into the full-back line and be steadied the ship, keeping a tight rein on O’Leary, but the damage was done. After Clonmore had lifted the siege with a couple of pointed frees from Gavin Byrne, Ballon stuck again with a wonderful goal from impressive midfielder Ross Nolan. Nolan collected the ball on the right wing and advanced to unleash an unstoppable shot to the roof of Paudge McGrath’s net. The hard working David Mulvany then kicked a fine point for Clonmore to leave the score at half time 2-5 to 0-3.
Would an eight point lead be enough for Ballon with the strong wind assisting Clonmore in the second half ? Well, straight from the throw-in, Ballon increased their lead to nine, with that man O’Leary again pouncing on loose play by Clonmore to fire over a cracking point against the wind.
From here to the end, Clonmore chipped away at the Ballon lead but, despite the best efforts of David Mulvany, they could never get on top at midfield where the Ballon pairing of Eddie Fitzgerald and Ross Nolan ruled the roost. With the inspirational Alan Kelly helping out at midfield and carrying the ball into the heart of the Clonmore defence, the Wicklow border men found it hard to get up a head of steam. The second half was also disrupted by a series of injuries to Ballon players which broke up the Clonmore momentum and ran down the clock.
Points by Gavin Byrne (2), John Connolly and Paul Byrne had brought the score to 2-6 to 0-7 on 50 minutes and a Clonmore goal at this stage would have made for a grandstand finish. However, the goal came at the other end as a high ball into Clonmore’s large square was punched to the net by the alert Ballon full-forward Frank Fanning for the final nail in Clonmore’s coffin – 3-6 to 0-7 on 55 mins.
Clonmore battled on to the end and points by Pierce McCarthy, Ronan Doyle, substitute John McGrath and a Gavin Byrne free put a respectable look on the scoreboard but the goal Clonmore needed to spark a revival never came. While they peppered the Ballon goal, all they had to show for it was a series of 45s all of which were wasted.
So in the “group of death” in the IFC, Ballon join Kilbride and Naomh Eoin with winning starts, as six teams vie for three play-off places. Ballon did not hide their delight at reversing last year’s semi-final defeat to Clonmore but as their Chairman, Pat Doyle (himself a Clonmore man) said “this Championship is a marathon, not a sprint” and there will be many twists and turns before the top three teams are known. However, it is always important to get an early win under the belt and Ballon richly deserved this victory. They are a well balanced team with a strong central defence in Pauric Lawlor and Jimmy Maher, a formidable midfield in Nolan and Fitzgerald and their forward dangermen, Kelly, O’Leary and Fanning, will trouble any defence. This could be their year.
Clonmore undoubtedly have the class and players to go all the way but will have to stop leaking goals and start scoring them at the other end. It was these weaknesses that cost them the final against Eire Og last year (score 2-9 to 0-11). If they can reduce the short passing and get early ball into their full forward line it might help to reverse this trend. Although they found themselves nine points down at one stage in this game, they showed commendable spirit and had outstanding performers in John Connolly, Pauric Lawlor, David Mulvany, Con Murphy and Ronan Doyle.
Ballon: Declan Kealy, John Kennedy, Pauric Lawlor, Brendan Barry, Shane Byrne, Jimmy Maher, Jimmy O’Brien, Eddie Fitzgerald, Ross Nolan, John Brennan, Alan Kelly (0-1), Dermot Nolan (1-0), Pauric George, Frank Fanning (1-1), Michael O’Leary (1-4, 3 frees). Subs: Paddy Byrne, Niall McCaffrey, Darren Maher.
Clonmore: Paudge McGrath, Enda McGrath, John Kelly, Paul Byrne (0-1), Pierce McCarthy (0-1), John Connolly (0-1), Pauric Lawlor, David Mulvany (0-1), Peter Kiernan, Con Murphy, Ronan Doyle (0-1), Paddy Gahan, Paddy Quigley, Johnny Doyle, Gavin Byrne (0-5, 4 frees). Subs: Bobby Rooney, John McGrath (0-1).
Referee: Seamus Doyle
Clonmore 3-6
Ballon 0-10
After getting their Intermediate Championship campaign back on track with a convincing win over Asca on Friday evening, Clonmore completed a good weekend’s work by reversing their earlier Championship loss to Ballon in this SFL Division One game at Woodside on Sunday evening.
When these teams met a month ago, Ballon came out on top by an almost identical scoreline of 3-6 to 0-11. But Clonmore had done their homework in the meantime and Ballon’s dangermen, Michael O’Leary and Alan Kelly, were well shackled on this occasion, neither managing to score from play.
In spite of playing against a stiff breeze, Clonmore managed to go into the break leading 1-4 to 0-6, their scores coming from Gavin Byrne (2 frees), Ronan Doyle (0-2) and a cracking goal from Jamie Doyle after a clever pass from Paddy Gahan. Ronan Doyle also hit the post with a goal chance. Ballon’s scores came from Michael O’Leary (0-3, frees), Alan Kelly, (0-1 free), Frank Fanning (0-1) and the lively John Brennan (0-1) with Ross Nolan also missing a good goal chance driving wide when clean through.
With the wind at their backs and moving the ball well with good support play and off the ball running, Clonmore stretched their lead immediately on the re-start with a point from the outstanding Ronan Doyle. When Jamie Doyle scored his second goal minutes later, the writing was on the wall for Ballon. Full-forward, John McGrath, added a fine point on 40 mins and then a sweeping move upfield ended with Bobby Rooney feeding Con Murphy to give Clonmore an unassailable lead of 3-6 to 0-7 on 48 minutes.
Ballon continued to battle and Eddie Fitzgerald, Shane Byrne and Pauric George took the game to Clonmore but they could not penetrate for a goal which would have sparked a revival. An Alan Kelly free and three more frees from O’Leary completed their tally to leave the final score 3-6 to 0-10.
For Clonmore, Paudge McGrath was in top form in goal pulling several balls down from over the crossbar. He was ably assisted by John Kelly, Pauric Lawlor, Paddy Quigley, Ronan Doyle, Con Murphy and Jamie Doyle in a good team performance. For Ballon, Alan Kelly tried his heart out and John Brennan, Dermot Nolan, Frank Fanning, Ross Nolan and Pauric George also shone.
Clonmore: Paudge McGrath, Pauric Lawlor, Wesley Byrne, John Kelly, Bobby Rooney, John Connolly, Paddy Quigley, Peter Kiernan, David Mulvany, Con Murphy (1-0), Ronan Doyle (0-3), Paddy Gahan, Jamie Doyle (2-0), John McGrath (0-1), Gavin Byrne (0-2, frees). Subs: Enda McGrath, Paul Byrne, Willie Rooney.
Ballon: Declan Kealy, Adrian Barry, Pauric Lawlor, John Kennedy, Jimmy Maher, Jimmy O’Brien, Pauric George, Eddie Fitzgerald, Shane Byrne, John Brennan (0-1), Alan Kelly (0-2, frees), Dermot Nolan, Ross Nolan, Frank Fanning (0-1), Michael O’Leary (0-6, frees). Subs: Danny Lewis, Paddy Byrne, Brendan Barry.
Referee: Brian O’Donoghue (Rathvilly)
Clonmore qualify for Division Four final
Clonmore 5-5
Clonmore’s Junior team qualified for the Division 4 League Final with a deserved win over Ballon at Bro Leo Pasrk, Tullow on Tuesday last. They now face O’Hanrahans in the final on Tuesday, 24 June in Dr Cullen Park.
Clonmore effectively killed off the game in the first half when three goals from Ray O’Neill, Keith Pollard (penalty) and a rasper from Denis Quigley helped to put them into a comfortable lead of 3-3 to 0-2 at half time.
Ballon threw everything at Clonmore in the second half with David Wilson, Shane Brennan, John Murphy and Dinny Maher to the fore. They scored some lovely points from Brennan, Murphy and James Doyle (2 frees) but the closest they got was 3-3 to 0-6 on 48 minutes. When Clonmore’s full forward Ray O’Neill rattled in his second goal in the 50th minute the game was over as a contest and Alan Byrne’s goal on the 55th minute was just the icing on the cake.
An unusual feature of the game was that brothers Ger Doyle (Clonmore) and Liam Doyle (Ballon) found themselves marking one another due to their positioning at right corner back and top of the left, respectively. The bragging rights belong to Ger, at least for the moment, after he kept his older brother and former team-mate, Liam, reasonably quiet for the hour, never an easy task.
Clonmore: Stephen Byrne, Ger Doyle, Damien Lyons, James Doyle, Mick O’Neill Con Cashin, Shane Murphy, Ray Mulvany, Niall Byrne, Willie Rooney (0-3), Dara Conway (0-1), Clive Lambe, Denis Quigley (1-1), Ray O’Neill (2-0), Keith Pollard (1-0, pen). Subs: Alan Byrne (1-0), Michael Smith, Kevin Walsh, Michael McGrath.
Ballon: James Carroll, Adrian Butler, Ken Deacon, Dan Fanning, Stephen Brennan, Liam Fanning, David Wilson, Thomas Murphy (0-1), James Doyle (0-3), Shane Brennan (0-1), Dinny Maher, John Murphy (0-1), Donncha Murphy, Myles Fitzgerald, Liam Doyle (0-1).
Referee: Brian 0’Donoghue (Rathvilly)
Clonmore stay top of Division Four
Clonmore 2-24
Clonmore’s Junior team maintained their unbeaten run with this high scoring win over Palatine at Woodside on Tuesday last.
Clonmore went in at the break leading 1-10 to 2-1. On the re-start, they came out all guns blazing and really blew away Palatine in the third quarter. In spite of the greasy conditions, Clonmore chipped over some lovely points with all their forwards scoring and Shane Murphy and Con Cashin also getting forward to punish Palatine from the back. Clonmore introduced five subs during the second half and they helped to secure the points. In a very entertaining game Clonmore consolidated their position at the top of the table with an impressive win by 2-24 to 2-8.
Clonmore’s remaining games are away to Asca on Tuesday, 3 June, at home to Tinryland on Tuesday, 10 June and away to MLR on Tuesday, 17 June.
Clonmore: Stephen Byrne, Con Cashin, Damien Lyons, Ger Doyle, Shane Murphy, Colin Doyle, James Doyle, Ray Mulvaney, Niall Byrne, Alan Byrne, Dara Conway, Willie Rooney, Niall McCarney, Ray O’Neill, Keith Pollard. Subs used: Niall Curran, Tom Kennedy, Michael McGrath, Kevin Walsh, Daryl Cullen. Unused: Clive Lambe, Jamie Doyle, Martin Byrne, Paddy O’Sullivan.
Palatine: Cormac Holloway, C Kearney, P O’Gorman, P Stynes, E Treacy, Billy Nolan, Peter Hennessy, L Carroll, Darren Reid, Michael Bolger, PJ Connolly, Stuart Connolly, Chris Parle, Seamus Harmon, J Fennelly.
Referee: Brian Deering (Rathvilly)