Diarmuid Cahill and Kevin Keane embrace. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
COROFIN have won the Clare intermediate hurling championship for the third time in their history after shaking off the challenge of a stubborn Sixmilebridge.
Corofin 0-18
Sixmilebridge 0-14
Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis
Senior dual-status is the reward for Corofin as they claimed their first intermediate title since 2002 and their third ever.
Lifted by the boost of winning Minor and U21A titles when amalgamated with Ruan, Corofin made their mark on their own this time as they jump up to the top tier, a feat that was well earned following a season when they impressed throughout league and championship.
Young guns like Conor Leen, Marc O’Loughlin, Killian O’Connor, Cillian McGroary, Diarmuid Cahill, Shane O’Brien and Kevin Keane who were part of those success in 2019 and 2021 were aided by their experienced elders with Killian Neylon introduced for a small cameo, he the only surviving member of their 2002 winning side.
Nine converted frees from Gearoid Kelly had a major bearing on the contest as did Sixmilebridge’s inaccuracy in front of goal, they will be left to lament their tally of fourteen wides, they hit four in a row at the beginning of the second half when they were the more dominant of the two teams.
Matters were even at the off with Corofin’s initial two point lead cancelled out before Luke O’Halloran completed their run of three points in succession to put The Bridge in front for the first and only time.
Corofin hit six points in succession and kept Sixmilebridge scoreless for twenty three minutes, a period which had a major outcome in the result. Indeed it was a block by captain Damien O’Loughlin on Luke Keogh when the Bridge forward was bearing down on goal and about to level matters that helped to swing the tie, the eleventh minute block was the launch pad for a Michael Kelly point at the other end and served as a defining moment.
Aidan Quilligan in the full-back line for Sixmilebridge showed his experience when blocking the dangerous Diarmuid Cahill when a goal looked to be on the cards with fourteen minutes played.
Through both Kellys and Shane O’Brien, Joe Cahill’s side kept the scoreboard ticking and saw their lead rise to five points with twenty five minutes on the clock.
Primary school teachers Sean Lynch and Gearoid Cahill finished the scoring in the opening half, two white flags from Lynch lowered the deficit to three points when Aaron Hogg refereeing his first intermediate decider brought a half to proceedings.
Sixmilebridge started with renewed vigour, Jack Corry and Ronan Tuohy’s introduction to the attack bringing a freshness. They were within two points when Luke Keogh opened his tally. They had to wait five minutes for their next score despite having four opportunities in between his and Sean Lynch’s point. At the other end, Diarmuid Cahill and Shane O’Brien converted to extend the distance between the sides when in reality Sixmilebridge should have been in front.
Managed by Pat Keane with Clarecastle’s 2003 SHC winning manger Tommy Howard on the line for them, Sixmilebridge were able to cut the gap to five points but Corofin continued to just keep their account ticking.
As Corofin continued to struggle to win their own puckouts, Sixmilebridge were beginning to become more composed in front of goals with Lynch and Alan Mulready reducing the deficit to three points with fifty five minutes gone.
Indiscipline from Sixmilebridge was punished with two Kelly placed balls extending the distance which was reduced back to four by Jack Corry with the final score of the contest.
For many of the Sixmilebridge side for them to say their first championship appearance in Cusack Park was a county final is an interesting feat. The club’s second side will leave the county grounds feeling they could have prevailed in this game with a bit more precision when it came to their shooting.
Talent and ability was evident within their side and given that it is their second string it should serve as a reminder to clubs across Clare as to what they should be aiming to achieve with all their teams. Cillian Custy, Colm Flynn, Evan McInerney and Sean Lynch were most prominent for Sixmilebridge.
That it was among one of Corofin’s poorer second half displays of the year will not take away from the delight of winning the intermediate title. They have successfully made the jump with the big ball in the top tier and they have plenty of talent within their ranks to cause a stir next season.
Use of the ball in-play was effective for the North Clare side, when they had a runner coming off the shoulder providing an outlet it generally resulted in a scoring opportunity and though their shooting was not outstanding, it was far more efficient than their opponents. Celebrations are the immediate focus but Corofin should use the Munster club as a stepping stone ahead of their coveted return to the Clare SHC. Damien O’Loughlin, Conor Leen, Gearoid Kelly and Killian O’Connor did best for the winners.
Clare GAA Chairman, Kieran Keating presented the Paddy Browne Cup to victorious captain Damien O’Loughlin following the game.
Scorers Corofin: G Kelly (0-9 9f), S O’Brien (0-3), M Kelly (0-2), G Cahill (0-2), D Cahill (0-1), J Malone (0-1).
Scorers Sixmilebridge: S Lynch (0-7 5f 1’65), L O’Halloran (0-3 2f), J Corry (0-2), L Keogh (0-1), A Mulready (0-1).
Corofin:
1: Liam Corbett
6: Damien O’Loughlin
3: Fionn Clancy
4: Marc O’Loughlin
9: Cillian McGroary
20: Killian O’Connor
5: Damien Ryan
8: Gearoid Cahill
7: Conor Leen
14: Kevin Keane
12: Jamie Malone
10: Gearoid Kelly
11: Diarmuid Cahill
15: Shane O’Brien
13: Michael Kelly
Subs:
17: James Organ for Keane (47)
21: Killian Neylon for O’Brien (62)
Sixmilebridge:
1: Colm Fitzgerald
3: Aidan Quilligan
4: Cillian Custy
2: Oisin Breen
5: Dara Fitzgerald
7: Christy Carey
9: Cathaoir Agnew
8: Kevin Lynch
6: Evan McInerney
10: Luke O’Halloran
11: Adam Breen
12: Luke Keogh
13: Colm Flynn
15: Sean Lynch
14: Alan Mulready
Subs:
22: Jack Corry for A Breen (HT)
20: Ronan Tuohy for K Lynch (HT)
17: Dylan Downes for Flynn (45)
18: Christy Griffin for O’Halloran (47)
Referee: Aaron Hogg (Clonlara)
