Having reached the pinnacle of a historic County Senior Hurling and Football Championship double in 2014, a feat not realised in 100 years, Cratloe were always going to be scrutinised by that standard ever since.
A hugely encouraging 2019 had certainly whetted Kilmihil’s appetite for the new decade ahead. A senior championship quarter-final finish that included coming within four points of eventual champions St Joseph’s Miltown was further bolstered by some much-needed silverware after Shannon Gaels/Kilmihil’s thrilling Under 21A Final victory last November, Kilmihil’s first such honour since 1987.
From the momentum-fuelled peak of contesting a first ever county senior decider three years ago to a rare dalliance with relegation in 2019, Clondegad have definitely experienced both sides of the championship pressure-cooker in recent seasons.
A bigger picture approach has been instilled by Doonbeg’s senior footballers in recent campaigns but for now only Ennistymon occupy the frame of their thoughts.
Their knuckles are tired from knocking on the door but Ennistymon remain determined as ever to make their long-awaited breakthrough in the Clare senior football championship.
A place in the quarter-finals is the reward for Éire Óg as they recorded a comprehensive twelve point win.
Lissycasey have booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Clare SFC causing an upset by defeating Cratloe.
In a repeat pairing of last year’s county final, Kilmurry Ibrickane turned the tables to advance to the Clare SFC quarter-finals.
While not an official GAA regulation, Sod’s Law has certainly become a regular feature in the gaelic games world as John Ryan would learn when the draw was made for this year’s senior championship in early July.
*Declan McMahon. Photograph: John Meyler Former St. Senan’s Kilkee and Clare player David Russell is in his second season at the helm at Cooraclare, he and his backroom team are looking forward to making a greater impression this season.
