Downes delivers for Kilmurry-Ibrickane

THE Clare senior football title race began this weekend and Kilmurry-Ibrickane record a first round win over Kilmihil on Saturday.

Managed by the recently deposed Kerry U21 manager John Kennedy, they will be pleased with a 1-9 to 0-9 success at Cooraclare.

Kilmihil enjoyed the advantage of a strong breeze in the opening half, going in 0-6 to 0-2 ahead at half-time. But the dismissal for a second yellow card offence of Timmy Ryan and the aforementioned wind, allowed Kilmurry-Ibrickane creep back into contention and claim a three-point win.

Kilmurry’s Enda Coughlan, who has been converted into an attacker this year, put in a man-of-the-match performance and Noel Downes fired the all-important goal.

Champions Doonbeg jumped the first hurdle successfully when they had two points to spare, 1-13 to 3-5, over Lissycasey at Cooraclare on Saturday, having trailed 2-3 to 0-7 at the break.

A very strong wind helped the champions come from behind in the second half and clinch victory. Lissycasey, with the advantage of a pair of first half goals by Danny Clohessy and Niall Kelly, had to contend with an in-form David Tubridy, who supplied 1-9 of Doonbeg’s tally (1-5 from play).

Niall Kelly scored his second and Lissycasey’s third goal in the 59th minute, but he still couldn’t salvage anything for the 2007 title-holders.

Wolfe Tones na Sionna caused a mild upset at Lissycasey on Saturday when they defeated Kilrush Shamrocks 2-8 to 0-9. Daniel Gallery grabbed both goals for the Shannon Airport side in either half, on a day when two yellow cards for three players, Gary Leahy and Patsy Keyes (Wolfe Tones) and Kilrush’s Niall Clancy, forced them all to take early showers.

On their return to senior status, last year’s Intermediate champions St Breckan’s got their championship season off to a good start when they defeated Éire Óg of Ennis 3-11 to 1-10 at Corofin.

The sides were level at half-time, St Breckan’s 2-4, Éire Óg 1-7. Sean Cormican goaled twice for Breckan’s while Nicky Hogan grabbed the three-pointer for the Ennis side.

In the second half, the north Clare outfit, wind-assisted, forged ahead and a Stephen Tierney goal in the 55th minute helped them to claim the points. St Breckan’s finished the game with 14 men as Conor Howley was sent off with seven minutes remaining.

Meanwhile, at Cusack Park on Saturday, dual club Cratloe defeated Shannon Gaels 2-9 to 2-7.

North Clare neighbours and rivals Liscannor and Ennistymon faced each other in a local derby at Miltown Malbay last evening. 2010 beaten finalists Liscannor, got off to a good start and found themselves three points up before Ennistymon’s Danny Rouine kicked his side’s first score, a point in the 12th minute.

The teams were locked at five points apiece by half-time. In the end Ennistymon emerged victorious, 0-10 to 0-8, to claim the bragging rites.