McGrath on song for Cratloe

CHAMPIONS Cratloe remain in the hunt to retain their Clare SHC title after a one point quarter-final win over Newmarket-on-Fergus at Cusack Park, Ennis on Saturday.

Young corner-forward Conor McGrath was the star man hitting five points in his side’s 0-12 to 0-11 victory. Newmarket deservedly led 0-8 to 0-6 at the break, with David Barrett in fine form at centre-forward. They increased their lead with a Colin Ryan point but scores from James Enright, Sean Collins and McGrath had the sides level by the 41st minute. But when full-forward Jim McInerney landed a point with six minutes remaining, the initiative swung back in Newmarket’s favour.

McGrath equalised with a close in free moments later before landing the winning score in a thrilling finish.

The win sets up a repeat of last season’s decider against Clonlara who defeated Clooney-Quin (2-10 to 0-12) in Shannon on Saturday. County man Darach Honan was in super form with his two goals helping the winners to a 2-5 to 0-6 half time lead.

Sixmilebridge and neighbours O’Callaghan’s Mills must meet again after finishing 1-13 apiece at Cusack Park on Saturday. The ‘Bridge’, with veteran Niall Gilligan impressing led 1-8 to 1-4 at half time. In an exciting finish, Conor Cooney landed a late equaliser for O’Callaghan’s Mills

Crusheen await the winners of the replay after a 1-10 to 0-10 over Clarecastle at Cusack Park. Crusheen were 1-7 to 0-6 in front at the interval after corner-forward Conor O’Donnell grabbed the game’s only goal.