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2004 Intermediate championship & league winners

Senior B Hurling Championship Final 06'

October 26th Shannon 4pm SOB 0-08 Cratloe 0-16

Clare People Report - Senior B Championship Win Crowning Glory
By Joe O Muircheartaigh – Cratloe 0-16 v 0-8 Smith O Briens

FOCUS was the Cratloe key all week – they had to keep theirs with the controversy going on all around them over the semi-final replay that wasn’t between Tulla and Smith O’Brien’s.They certainly did that, while a Smith O’Brien’s 15 that had cut a swagger through this championship all season seemed to lose their focus and with it the chance of silverware. They were a pale shadow of former days as Cratloe claimed their first piece of silverware at senior level ever and with it joined the elite of the Clare club game for next season. They held the whip hand all through this final – a dominance that started in the eighth minute when Man of the Match Damian Browne fired over his first point from a free. Smith O’Brien’s have been good starters all season, but it all went awry in this first half.
They were playing a chasing game, relying on sporadic attacks and even fewer scoring opportunities to stay in touch against the wind.

Further points from Aaron Carroll, Alan Murphy (2) and Damian Browne to a lone reply from Willie Neary had Cratloe 0-5 to 0-1 ahead at the end of the first quarter. It was looking good for the Blues despite a snapshot point from Neary in the 17th minute to make it a three-point game. It drew a great response from corner-back David Ryan who raced up the field and landed the point of the game in the 19th minute. Smith O’Brien’s stayed in touch with points from John Cusack and Brian Lenihan by the 23rd minute, but a hat-trick of points from the Browne brothers, Damian (2) and Adrian put Cratloe 0-9 to 0-4 ahead at half-time.When Martin ‘Ogie’ Murphy raced onto a loose ball and fired over a good point in the first minute of the second half and Cratloe had one hand of the cup. And, they didn’t let go despite Smith O’Briens’ efforts determined efforts. It just wasn’t their day and a succession of wides from frees in the opening ten minutes of the half represented hammer blows to their chances of a revival.

Tulla & Smith O’Brien’s finish Deadlocked in Semi Final

In beautiful conditions in Scarriff on Saturday Smith O’Brien’s and East Clare rivals Tulla played out an eventful draw in the second Senior B semi final. In a hard hitting first half it was nip and tuck for the first few minutes, before Smith O’Brien’s pulled a few points clear. Tulla net minder Philip Brennan twice saving point blank rockets with his body from John Cusack and Shane O’Brien. Smith O’Brien’s were two points up at this stage, when a “Schmozzle” erupted with Brian McKeogh and a Tulla defender receiving harsh red cards. This served to disrupt the game and both teams opted to play with six defenders and leave a man down in the attack. It was the men from the windswept hill who found the net in the first half however and tagged on a point to leave them ahead by four at the break, 1-6 to 0-5.

Smith O’Brien’s emerged in determined fashion and slowly began to regain the lost momentum with Ian O’Halloran playing well as the sweeper and delivering quality balls to the forwards. The game hung in the balance for the entire second half and with time running out Shane O’Brien ran along the endline before hand passing to Cusack who made no mistake. Smith O’Brien’s now had the lead by two points but Tulla rallied to get back on level terms, before edging ahead. With that up stepped Pat Minouge to launch an 80m free over the bar with time almost up. One last attack from Tulla saw a ball dropping from the clouds with Michael Culhane and his marker under it, no other players within 30 yards, heart in mouth, Michael plucked the ball from the sky and cleared to ensure Smith O’Brien’s live to fight another day. Final score 1-13 to 1-13.

Team: Liam Walsh, Michael Culhane, Ian O’Halloran, Trevor Howard, Brian McKeogh, Seamus Gleeson, Shane Toughy, Shane Burns, Seanie Conway, Patrick Aherne, Pat Minouge, Willie Neary, Pat Vaughan, Shane O’Brien & John Cusack. Subs Used: Dwayne Sheedy, Brian Lenihan, John Culhane & Kevin McCarthy.

Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Final 06'

September 30th Ennis 1:30 SOB 1-12 Nemarket OF 3-9

Smith O Brien's unbeaten run was brought to an end this Saturday in Cusack Park thanks to a Newmarekt purple patch early in the second half. In front of a decent crowd the game got off to a hectic start, with Newmarket pointing from play after ten seconds. The heavy rain didnt help either side but the hulring was tight and fast. Smith O Brien's got on level terms straight away after Patrick Aherne flicked to Shane O'Brien who fired over from the Stand Side of the field. The first half was tit for tat with little seperating the sides. John Cusack converted a handful of frees and Pat Minouge fired over a snappy point on the turn after good blocking by the forwards. Seanie Conway picked up a dead leg in the middle of the half and this was to hamper his running game. The gap was three points at one stage but Newmarket dominated the last five minutes of the half and reduced the margin to one at half time to leave Smith O'Briens ahead 0-7 to 0-6.

Smith O'Briens got off to an ideal start in the second half with a great run by Semaus Gleeson setting up Aherne who extended the lead to two points. However Newmarket replied in emphatic fashion with three goals coming in 9 minutes one from Colin Ryan and Gaffney, while Smith O'Briens could only manage another point in the same period. The half back line were under pressure as the forwards failed to hold possession in Newmarkets' danger area for longs spells. Shane Toughy (up form corner back) managed to loop a ball into the back of the newmarket net to reduce the gap to three points but time was running out fast. A last throw of the dice failed to yield the goal that was needed and the blues held on to win 3-9 to 1-12. Attention now goes back to the Senior B semi Final Vs Tulla were hopes will be high that the team can maintain the good form and secure a spot in the Final versus Cratloe.

Team: Liam Walsh, Michael Culhane, Ian O’Halloran, Shane Tuohy, Trevor Howard, Seamus Gleeson, Brian McKeogh, Shane Byrnes, Seánie Conway , Brian Lenihan, Kevin McCarthy,Pat Minouge, John Cusack, Shane O’Brien,Patrick Aherne. Subs used:Pat Vaughan Dwanye Sheedy, Willie Neary, John Culhane.

Senior B Hurling Championship Third Round 06'

September 9th Scarriff 2:00 SOB 2-22 Tubber 0-11.

Turning in their best display of the championship to date and maybe even in recent years Smith O'Briens top their Senior B group unbeaten. The reward is a semi final spot in the Senior B and a 1/4 place in the championship proper. Tubber started brightly in the game and were 0-2 to no score ahead after four minutes. Smith O'Briens responded to draw level before Tubber again extended their lead 0-5 to 0-2 after 15 minutes. That was to be the last time Tubber lead in front of the large crowd in attendance at the perfectly appointed Scarriff grounds in glorious sunshine.

Smith O'Briens hit a purple patch to score the next eight points to bring the sides in at half time 0-10 to 0-5. The first scores in the second half were to be vital, Tubber twice pointing long range frees courtesy of Conor Earley. Once again Smith O'Briens dug deep and playing some fast open hurling again pulled clear. The game looked to be out of reach at this stage and young Pat Vaughan put the game beyond doubt with a solo run along the endline, past his marker and slotting past the advancing keeper. Shane O'Brien also added another goal with a great catch and finish from a long John Culhane delivery. Further points were added by to round out a memorable day.

The half back line were in control throughout and solid with Trevor Howard dominating the lively Clive Earley and Ian O'Halloran picking forwards pockets of possession as usual. Liam Walsh did very well in goals on his Senior Championship debut with Pat Vaughan exploding onto the Senior stage scoring 1-4. The midfield duo of Shane Burns and Seanie Conway are gelling nicely while upfront the forwards hassled their men and took some great scores with John Cusack deadly from placed balls and open play.

Team: Liam Walsh, Michael Culhane, Ian O’Halloran,Trevor Howard, Shane Tuohy,Seamus Gleeson , Brian McKeogh, Shane Byrnes, Seánie Conway , Brian Lenihan, Kevin McCarthy, Patrick Aherne, John Cusack, Shane O’Brien Pat Vaughan. Subs used: Dwanye Sheedy, Willie Neary, John Culhane, Martin Haugh.

Senior B Hurling Championship Second Round 06'

August 19th Scarriff 6:30 SOB 1-14 Whitegate 2-9.

Relief was the main feeling after securing a semi final berth for the second year in sucession against Whitegate in Scarriff. Only one point up with six minutes on the clock and facing into the wind Smith O'Briens hung on and won by two points. Seanie Conway scoring the all important goal in the fourth minute to give Smith O’Brien’s a tonic start. Leading by 1-7 to 0-2 after fifteen minutes Whitegate struck back and scored 1-2 to reduce the margin to six points at half time (1-10 to 1-4), scores coming Seanie Conway, Patrick Aherne, Brian Lenihan, Brian McKeogh, John Cusack (four frees) & Shane O'Brien.

Whitegate fought back well in the second half and a long effort decieved Eric Monaghan to finish up in the net leaving just two points between the teams, prior to this Patrick Aherne missed a one on one with the keeper and it looked like it could prove a costly miss. However the defence stood firm and Smith O’Brien’s now face Tubber in three weeks looking to top the group and reach the county quarter final.

Team: Eric Monaghan, Michael Culhane, Seamus Gleeson,Ian O’Halloran, Shane Tuohy, Trevor Howard, Brian McKeogh, Shane Byrnes, Shane O’Brien, Brian Lenihan, Kevin McCarthy, Pat Minogue, John Cusack, Seánie Conway & Patrick Aherne. Subs used: Dwanye Sheedy, Liam Walsh & Pat Vaughan.

Senior B Hurling Championship First Round 06'

May 13th Shannon 5:30 SOB 2-15 Kilnamona 3-5.

A WINNING START FOR SMITH O’BRIEN’S

Smith O’Brien’s 2-15 Kilnamona 3-5

Smith O’Brien’s got their challenge for senior hurling honours off to a winning start with a merited win over Kilnamona in this Senior B group two tie at Shannon.

In a game played in brilliant sunshine, the Killaloe side were the better balanced outfit on the evening and deserved their victory but Kilnamona will look back on this game and wonder what the outcome might have been had they availed of a greater portion of the chances which came their way. They had some bad wides, particularly in the first half, but at the end of the day they struggled in some vital areas and found the pace and movement of the Smith O’Brien’s attack a bit too much.

The sides exchanged points twice in the opening minutes but in the next ten, the winners added 1-3 while Kilnamona failed to score. The game’s opening goal came from Shane O’Brien after a great break from John Cusack. Indeed O’Brien should have had a second goal a minute later, but a poor strike was turned away by Stephen Twomey in the Kilnamona goal.

The losers struck back in the 21^st minute when Conor Tierney fielded a Cathal Lafferty delivery and blasted to the corner of the Killaloe net. Around this time also, the Kilnamona mentors introduced teenager Mile Keane to their defence and his presence certainly tightened up their backline.

At half time it was 1-7 to 1-3 in the winner’s favour and for the second half they returned with changes, which on the evidence of the play strengthened their line up. Ian O’Halloran switched from midfield to corner back with Seánie Conway moving out from corner forward to midfield. Pat Vaughan came into the action at corner forward.

Points were exchanged in the early minutes, before Smith O’Brien’s strengthened their grip on the game with their second goal. Again this came after an excellent move with Seánie Conway racing through the heart of the Kilnamona defence before passing to Brian Lenihan, who put John Cusack clear and the corner forward made no mistake with a powerful strike.

Former Scariff player, Pat Minogue, was now having an influential role with the Killaloe side and he added a point to put eight points between the sides.

Kilnamona hit back again and again it was teenager Conor Tierney, Clare’s minor captain this year, who found the net, when he won possession from a delivery by his team captain Cathal Lafferty. A brace of points for the Killaloe side from Seánie Conway and Shane O’Brien left the score at the three quarter stage at 2-11 to 2-4 in their favour.

Cathal Lafferty broke through the Smith O’Brien’s defence but Eric Monaghan saved and the winners the added two more points from substitute Vaughan and Pat Minogue. Kilnamona kept their slim hopes alive with a goal from a Dermot Gannon penalty three minutes from time, but the Killaloe men finished the stronger with points from Cusack and Minogue to seal victory.

Trevor Howard, Shane Tuohy and Ian O’Halloran in the second half were strong in their defence while up front the pace of Cusack, Conway and O’Brien caused huge problems for Kilnamona, while the experience of Pat Minogue also played a big part in this victory.

Team: Eric Monaghan, Michael Culhane, Seamus Gleeson, Shane Byrnes, Trevor Howard, Shane Tuohy, Willie Neary, John Culhane, Ian O’Halloran, Brian Lenihan, Kevin McCarthy, Pat Minogue, John Cusack, Shane O’Brien, Seánie Conway

Subs: Pat Vaughan for Shane Byrnes (half time); Liam Walsh for McCarthy (36 mins)

Clare FM Report

Smith O'Briens 2-15 Kilnamona 3-5

Smith O'Briens have made a great start to the senior B hurling
championship this evening after they defeated Kilnamona 2-15 to 3-5 in
Shannon

The Killaloe club led 1-7 to 1-3 at the break with Shane O'Brien
claiming their goal only to be responded by a goal by Conor Tierney
for Kilnamona men

The south east Club picked up the level of action on the re-start and
went to score a further 1-8 with the goal coming from the in-form
forward John Cusack

Kilnmona bravely fought on and had further goals from Tierney the
talented St Flannans forward and from Dermot Gannon but it was to make
little differance with Shane O'Brien and former Scariff hurler Pat
Minogue as well as John Cusack playing inspired hurling for the
intermediate champions of 2004

In all John Cusack plundered 1-6 for the red and gold men with Pat
Minogue rolling back the years to score 0-4,Sean Conway claimed two
points, Shane O'Brien scored two further points and there was a single
score for Pat Vaughan

Kilnamona were best served by Conor Tierney with 2-1,Dermot Gannon
with 1-1 while Damian Ahern and Shane Griffen added two further scores.

Smith O’Briens crashed out of the Senior B championship with a disappointing display against a determined Ogonelloe outfit at Scariff on Saturday (8th of October) last. Three goals in the first five minutes for the black and amber men proved fatal to Smith O’Briens hopes of progressing to another County final. In a bizarre sequence of events the Ogonelloe full forward line ran amuck in the first few minutes notching up 3-1 before a shell shocked Killaloe responded with a John Cusack pointed free.

Playing into a noticeable wind the Smith O’Briens men raised their game and notched up a few more scores. The half back line became particularly prominent and started to supply some decent ball to the forwards. Patrick Aherne and Cusack chipped in points from play, while Kevin McCarthy was proving a handful for Brendan McNamara with his powerful runs. Kevin was unlucky with a kicked effort flying narrowly wide. Shane O’Brien was also out of luck, he latched onto a breaking ball and sped goal wards but his shot was well saved by the onrushing keepers’ body and ran over the end line for a 65’ which was duly converted. So despite having at least an equal amount of possession the team trailed at the interval on a half time score line of Ogonelloe 3-3 Smith O’Briens 0-5.

Having found themselves in this position (trailing heavily at half time) more often than they would like in the past, Smith O’Briens were still very much in the hunt with the second thirty minute period coming up. However it was their slow start to this half which probably cost them the game with Ogonelloe notching up nine points form play to one for Smith O’Briens. James Flannery & Martin Haugh replaced Shane Burns & Patrick Aherne at this stage.

With time running out, Willie Neary’s well placed 70 yard free was lobbed to the edge of the square, were it was doubled on expertly by Kevin McCarthy to the back of the net. Still along way behind the team went in search of more goals. Soon later, a defender was adjudged to have killed possession by illegally lying on the ball, and Cusack smashed the resultant 21’ free to the net. Two more goals were scrambled in before the final whistle but it was a case of two little to late.

Final Score: Ogonelloe 3-14 Smith O’Briens 4-7. Overall the year was relatively successful with a good Clare Cup league campaign and maintaining Senior Status in the first year in the top flight. However failure to produce form against Tulla , Ogonelloe and Kilnamona (in the first half) will have to be addressed, with the target next year most definitely the Senior B crown.

The future of Smith O’Brien’s Senior hurlers in this years Senior B championship was secured thanks to a hard fought victory against neighbours and rivals Clonlara in Broadford on Saturday. The Black and Amber men were fighting for their lives in this years championship, knowing a victory would force a play off against Smith O’Brien’s (and Kilnamona as events transpired in Cusack park the following day). Several Smith O’Brien’s players were back from injuries in recent times, but knee injuries to Brian McKeogh and Michael Culhane kept them out of the line up, with Shane Burns and Trevor Howard going to corner and wing back respectively. Clonlara's Cian Moloney (Shoulder) & Seanie Conway (Ankle) were both forced from the teams line up due to long term injuries.

The game was played at a high tempo with the underdogs, Clonlara giving their all. Smith O’Brien’s got off to a good start with James Flannery & Brian Lenihan linking up well for the games first score. This score was psychologically significant as Smith O’Brien’s has failed to register a single point from play against Tulla , in the previous game. Clonlara were soon to tie up matters however with Tomas O'Donovan & Paul Collins working hard. The new midfield
pairing of Shane Toughy & Paul McKeogh were starting to play well at midfield, with Shane chipping in with a superb score at full tilt, off the left sideline on the twenty one.

Smith O’Brien’s were soon to be rocked however, when the nippy full forward William Slattery scored 1-1 from play in a five minute spell. The rest of the half was a tight encounter with little room but plenty of honesty & commitment. Patrick Aherne set up Willie Neary to land a great long range effort from near the sideline & with John Cusack flawless from free Smith O’Brien’s went into the half time break a point up 1-4 to 0-8.

The second half started explosively with Smith O'Briens full forward Kevin McCarthy catching, turning and kicking a great goal to stretch the lead to four. John "Q" Cusack added a trademark point, gaining possession soloing away from his man before splitting the post form forty yards. From here to the finish the teams exchanged scores blow for blow but with Willie, Seamus and Trevor dominating little quality ball was working its way into the Clonlara full forward line. Ian O'Halloran was comfortable after Slatterns initial scoring burst and constantly spoilt any chance of clean possession, with Shane Burns and Christy tidying up well in the corners.

With light quickly fading the final whistle was blown and Smith O'Briens had emerged worthy victors 1-14 to 1-8. The tight marking of the defenders and the severe hassling and harrying by the forwards was the main difference form the last outing.

With Tulla defeating Kilnamona 2-20 to 0-10 in Cusack park on Sunday, Tulla emerge as group winners with Smith O'Briens taking the other semi final spot. At the time of writing it looks like fierce rivals Ogonelloe will provide the opposition in that match, which looks likely to take place in two – three weeks and should draw a good crowd!

A strong second half performance saw the men of Tulla snatch a deserved victory, after trailing by six points at half time. On an overcast day in Scarriff, a strong wind blew towards the club house end of the grounds making this very much agame of two halfves. Smith O'Briens led at half time 1-7 to 0-4 after playing with the aid of the wind in the first half. Shane O'Brien scoring the goal despite the impressive Philip Brennan's best effort. All of Smith O'Briens scores came from placed balls which was a worrying sign during the first period, with Willie Neary and John Cusack on target.

Despite being in control the team never got any huge momentum going and the game was a stop start affair. With the strong wind now assisting Tulla in the second half, it was a case of would the Smith O'Briens team be able to survive the inevitable on slaught on their goals. Trevor Howard who had played the first half at full forward was moved back to the half back line in an effort to stem the tide in his new found sweepers role.

Andrew Quinn who had being off target in the first half with frees got his act together in the opeing minutes with some well struck frees. Tulla were having the better of the exchanges at this stage with the ball rarely making it into their full back line. They quickly whittled away the lead and the forescast was very gloomy for Smith O'Briens with over ten minutes left. Two hard won frees were the best the forwards could muster in the second half, which was never going to be enough to be a team of Tullas calibre. Brian Lenihan had a 21 yard free saved by Brennnan in the final minute but at this stage a goal would only have served to narrow the gap as the full time whistle came shorthly afterwards.

Smith O'Briens now face Clonlara in two weeks time to see if they can keep their season on track. A win should see them through to the semi finals, provided Kilnamona who beat Clonlara ( 2-15 to 0-11 on the 27th ), do not cause an upset and beat this fancied Tulla outfit.

Smith O'Briens: Johnny Healy, Christy Rosney, Ian O'Halloran, Mike Culhane, Brian McKeogh, Semaus Gleeson, Willie Neary, Shane Burns, Shane Toughy, Shane O'Brien, Patrick Aherne, John Cusack, Brian Lenihan, Trevor Howard & James Flannery. (Martin Haugh for Neary 50 mins)

With the gallant Clare senior team out of the race for All- Ireland glory, the hurling championship is finally getting into full swing, with several games up for decision next weekend. The senior hurlers face the men of Tulla in Scariff next Sunday the 28th of August. For further fixture information see the Clare champion or listen to Sports Watch Saturday morning from 11am on KRFM.

Dont forget to tune into Paul McCarthy and Naoise Lawlor on the day of the big match if you cannot attend. Their unique insight into the players and opposition provide complusive listening, if not a little bias! These matches can be listened to on the web, steaming live and in digital quality. Simply visit www.killaloeradio.com and stayed tuned for further details.

An amazing comeback by the men of Smith O'Brien's saw them snatch and unlikely victory from the jaws of defeat, in their first senior championship match in over forty years. This friday evening match was played at Wofles Tones of Shannon grounds in front of a large attendance. Kilnamona entered the game as slight favourites, due in part to the injuries to Brendan Foley, Trevor Howard and Paul McKeogh. This tag was justified in the first half with the mid clare men taking control and using the wind advantage well.The lively John Rynne at corner forward and centre forward Dermot Gannon being the main tormentors of the Smith O'Brien's rearguard. Kilnamona were also in control at midfield with an experienced duo, including former Clare star Fergal Hegarty.

The half time score read 1-11 to 1-4 in favour of Kilnamona. Brian Lenihan took his goal chance well after Kevin McCarty broke the ball to James Flannery who soloed and drew his man before passing to Lenihan who finished. Another good run from Lenihan found John Cusack who pointed from play, Patrick Aherne chipped in with a point from play to narrow the gap, but the signs looked ominous at this stage.

Smith O'Brien's were in this position during last years county final in Sixmilebridge, and to their credit they didnt fold. Kilnamona got the perfect start to the second half, pointing twice, to stretch their lead to a massive nine points with almost ten minutes gone in the second half. Shane Toughy & Brian McKeogh were introduced for Patrick Kennedy & Martin Haugh at this stage, which proved to be a major factor in the remarkable turn around. Kilnamona's discipline let them down, when a substitue was shown a straight red card for a late tackle on stalwart keepr Johnny Healy. This motivated the Smith O'Brien's men who controlled matters from here to the end.

The full back line, now having an extra man, completely dominated affairs, with Ian O' Halloran particularly inpressive. Seamus Gleeson , Shane Burns and the on song Brian McKeogh were also on top in their line and it was this supply of quality ball to the forwards that made all the difference. The comeback started in earnest when Patrick Aherne goaled after Kevin McCarthy broke John Cusacks free down. The big full forward was causing problems now, and kicked a goal after catching on the edge of the square. John Cusack pointed frees to reduce the gap to two points. Shane O'Brien had been pretty quiet up to this stage until he exploded to life with a superb individual goal. Catching a high ball over his marker on the 40' her turned an with one thing on his mind soloed through the space that opened up in front of him. A hand pass dummy caught the last defender out, before striking home from the 14' off his left straight from the hurley.

The crowd couldn't belive what they were witnessing, a nine point deficit had been turned into a one point lead all in the space of less than ten minutes. A very soft free was awared to the shell shocked Kilnamona team which levelled matters. However Kevin McCarthy was to seal a remarkable one point win, with a well take point from an acute angle on the turn deep into injury time.

So a great, if not very shaky, start to the Senior campaign. A higher level of performance is required from now on however of which the players and team management is only too well aware. A great night was had by all at cooneys in bridgetown to celebrate the win and centre back Seamus Gleeson's 21st birthday.

This years Brian Boru festival match took place at 7:30 in Killaloe on Friday 8th July between these near neighbors and rivals. Smith O’Brien’s teams were short many regulars including the four U-21 hurlers and captain Brian Lenihan who was away on holidays. Ballina have already had a championship round underneath their belt, while Smith O’Brien’s were looking to use this as a good warm up game before the 1st round of the championship versus Kilnamona. Ballina looked the livelier of the two teams in the opening stages with Jerry O’Brien playing well in midfield. The Tipperary team took an early lead courtesy of some accurate free taking. Played in splendid conditions Smith O’Brien’s fought back with points from Willie Neary and Patrick Aherne to leave the half time score 0-6 to 0-9 in favor of Smith O’Brien’s.

A large crowd had gathered at this stage and with the pitch in superb conditions on a mid summers evening the scene was set for a lively second half. It was score for score through out with Smith O’Brien’s keeping there nose ahead by 2 – 3 points. In what was a major turning point, keeper Brendan Foley badly twisted his knee after a clash with Araon Devane as he shepherded the ball wide. Smith O’Brien’s were short on the bench & with sub keeper Johnny Healy referring the game they were forced to bring Edward “ponky” Moloney between the sticks for the last ten minutes.

Ballina’s backs, and their full back line in particular were now well on top, while up front Eoin Sheedy scored a brace of points from play into the club house end to narrow the gap to two points. With time almost up Ballina managed to open up the tight Smith O’Brien’s defense to score two goals in two minutes to rock the home team and claim a well fought out victory. Afterwards Paul Hogan presented the beautiful cup to Ballina captain Brian Stritch.