Doora/Barefield get the better of St Breckan’s

*Jack Hannan is tackled by Jamie Stack. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography

ST JOSEPH’S Doora/Barefield ran out two point winners over St Breckan’s in the opening round of Group 2 in the Clare SFC.

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 1-9
St Breckan’s 1-7
Venue: Páirc Finne, Corofin

To many this victory by St. Josephs over last year’s Clare finalists St Breckans in the opening round of this season’s TUS Clare senior football championship will be seen as a surprise.

However, for those present at Corofin this Friday evening, there is agreement that the team representing Doora/Barefield deserved their victory.

Nicky Hardiman under pressure from Joe McGann. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography

Inspired by the Hannan twins, Tom and team captain Jack, the winners made the running and put down a strong marker in the third quarter when they raced into a five point lead.

Their lead could have been greater as the midpoint of the second half approached as they had failed to convert two great goal opportunities.

Full credit to St. Breckans who hit back strongly but try as they did, they were unable to get back on terms.

The North Clare side who had lost Padraig Kelly to emigration just two weeks ago, were dealt a big blow prior to the game when team captain Cian Burke cried off due to illness. His importance to the side was shown after his introduction early in the second half as he was key to inspiring a strong rally.

The opening half was a relatively even affair and the sides went to the break locked at 0-4 each. St. Joseph’s had landed the opening two points but St Breckans finished strongly with a brace to tie up the contest at the halfway point.

Darragh O’Shea is held by Liam Tierney. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography

The introduction of James Curran for the second half proved a big boost to the winners. After the teams had exchanged points in the opening couple of minutes, Doora/Barefield took a grip on proceedings and they landed 1-2 without reply, the goal being finished by team captain Jack Hannan who was on hand to finish off a fine move.

Just over a minute later, St. Breckans replied with a like score, midfielder Dale Mastrson applying the finish to a move started by Cian Burke who broke through the middle.
Alan Sweeney followed with a point and the margin between the sides was back to the minimum.

Denis O’Callaghan holds onto Nicki Hardiman. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography

A Tom Hannan point put the winners two clear and while Joe McGann replied for the North Clare side, they were unable to draw level and James Curran pushed the gap out to two again with what proved to be the final score of the game.

Scorers St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield: Jack Hannan (1-1), Kieran Thynne, Michael Nash (1 free), Joe Rafferty (0-2) each; Tom Hannan, James Curran(0-1) each

Scorers St. Breckan’s: Jamie Stack (0-4, 3 frees), Dale Mastrson (1-1) Joe Mc Gann, Alan Sweeney (0-1) each

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield:

1: Tom O’Brien

2: Fionn Kelleher
3: Conor O’Brien
5: Jack Hannan;

18: Kieran Thynne
6: Tom Hannan
7: Cian McDonagh

13: Tom McDonald
9: Darragh O’Shea

17: Odhran O’Connell
11: Joe Rafferty
12: Eoghan Thynne

10: Nicky Hardiman
14: Michael Nash
15: Tom Curran;

Subs:
8: James Curran for T. Curran (HT)
20: Conor Daly for Hardiman (19)
19: Conor Brannock for Nash (20)

St. Breckan’s:
1: Tristan O’Callaghan

2: Paddy Doherty
4: Conor Burke
17: Thomas O’Dwyer

5: Colm O’Brien
6: Liam Tierney
7: Padraig O’Dwyer;