Last year’s beaten finalists, Cratloe, were knocked out of the Clare SHC on Saturday when their final group game against Crusheen finished in a 0-16 apiece draw.

We all know how nervous players can get before big games.

Three of the four Clare SFC semi-finalists are now known as a result of four last-eight games played at the weekend. Holders Kilmurry-Ibrickane will face Kilrush Shamrocks, but St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield will have to wait to and see as Doonbeg and Éire Óg Ennis played out a 2-11 to 3-8 draw.

Galway’s All-Ireland U21-winning midfielder Fiontain Ó Curraoin has been named in the side for the opening defence of their crown in tomorrow night’s Cadbury’s Connacht U21FC quarter-final against Mayo in McHale Park but remains a major doubt due to an ankle injury.

AFTER an inter-county career which earned him All-Ireland medals with Kerry, Declan O’Keeffe was looking for a footballing outlet to keep him in shape in Clare where he was stationed as a garda.

HOLDERS Crusheen recorded their first win in the championship when they defeated Clooney-Quin 1-14 to 1-11 at Cusack Park, Ennis last evening.

THE 2010 instalment of hurling’s Féile na nGael festival takes place in Clare this weekend with hurling, camogie and handball teams from the 32 counties and the UK taking part.

IT is perceived as being one of the toughest jobs in GAA management, and the man entrusted with carrying it out won’t disagree with that perception.

Waterford champions Mount Sion take on Tipperary kingpins Toomevara in today's Munster club hurling final at Semple Stadium, Thurles.