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12 November 2009
Three finals in the 10th Annual Clooney/Quin U-13 Hurling Tournament were played last weekend, writes Mike Hogan........
Marking the 125th anniversary of the founding of the GAA, the Cryoclinic Div. 3 Final was played in Carron on Friday night under lights. In opposition were two North Clare sides, St. Breckans and Ruan who served up a thrilling game of hurling that belied the terrible climatic conditions. Just one point separated the teams at the finish with the Lisdoonvarna side taking The John O’Brien Trophy on a 1-5 to 0-7 scoreline.
The Eire Og grounds provided an excellent surface on Saturday morning for the next two finals. First up was the meeting of Crusheen/Tubber and Cratloe in the Kerry Agribusiness Div. 3 Plate Final. This was another tight game between two very evenly matched teams but a late goal from Cratloe helped them make amends for their narrow defeat in last year’s Div. 2 final as they secured a 3-2 to 2-4 victory. The John O’Brien Shield is now nestled alongside all the other 2009 trophies in the Cratloe trophy cabinet.
The Bumblebee Embroidery Div. 2 Final brought together the ‘host’ club, Clooney/Quin, and Killanena/Feakle. This was a high quality game between two well-prepared teams that contained the skill and intensity befitting any underage final. The amalgamation held a slender 1-5 to 1-3 half time lead after an ‘end-to-end’ first period. The decisive scores came in the third quarter when Killanena/Feakle hit two goals. Credit to the Clooney/Quin side who did not lie down. They peppered the East Clare team’s goal for much of the remaining time but only twice breached a very resolute defence. Late goals for the winners gave them a slightly flattering 5-7 to 2-4 win – their third consecutive in this tournament. After the match, Trevor Lee presented The Gerry Lee Memorial Cup to the Killanena/Feakle captain, Andrew Flaherty.
The eagerly awaited Abbey Stores Div. 1 Final between Doora/Barefield and Kilmaley is due to take place this Saturday.
The Eire Og grounds provided an excellent surface on Saturday morning for the next two finals. First up was the meeting of Crusheen/Tubber and Cratloe in the Kerry Agribusiness Div. 3 Plate Final. This was another tight game between two very evenly matched teams but a late goal from Cratloe helped them make amends for their narrow defeat in last year’s Div. 2 final as they secured a 3-2 to 2-4 victory. The John O’Brien Shield is now nestled alongside all the other 2009 trophies in the Cratloe trophy cabinet.
The Bumblebee Embroidery Div. 2 Final brought together the ‘host’ club, Clooney/Quin, and Killanena/Feakle. This was a high quality game between two well-prepared teams that contained the skill and intensity befitting any underage final. The amalgamation held a slender 1-5 to 1-3 half time lead after an ‘end-to-end’ first period. The decisive scores came in the third quarter when Killanena/Feakle hit two goals. Credit to the Clooney/Quin side who did not lie down. They peppered the East Clare team’s goal for much of the remaining time but only twice breached a very resolute defence. Late goals for the winners gave them a slightly flattering 5-7 to 2-4 win – their third consecutive in this tournament. After the match, Trevor Lee presented The Gerry Lee Memorial Cup to the Killanena/Feakle captain, Andrew Flaherty.
The eagerly awaited Abbey Stores Div. 1 Final between Doora/Barefield and Kilmaley is due to take place this Saturday.
