Kilmurry, Joseph’s in unique decider

THERE will be a somewhat unfamiliar look to this year’s Clare SFC final a week on Sunday.

The 2009 Clare and Munster title-holders Kilmurry-Ibrickane, qualified as a result of a one-point victory over Cratloe at Lissycasey on Saturday. But the big talking point amongst the football fraternity in the Banner is the qualification of St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield, who deservedly dismissed Wolfe Tones na Sionna by 2-7 to 0-7 at Cusack Park yesterday.

It promises to be a David and Goliath struggle with the club from the West hoping to claim a 12th title while the men from the Parish, just outside Ennis, will be competing in their first final since they last captured the crown back in 1898.

St Joseph’s proved their toppling of last year’s champions Doonbeg in the quarter-final was no fluke and they can thank rangy teenager and midfielder Alan O’Neill for two vital goals.

The club that’s probably better known for its hurling prowess, led by 1-5 to 0-4 at the break after O’Neill soloed from his own half through the Tones’ defence, to register the game’s first three-pointer in the 15th minute.

Over the hour, the Shannon outfit relied too much on Stephen Monahan’s free-taking abilities and when O’Neill struck once more for Joseph’s in the 51st minute he put a clear two goals (2-6 to 0-6) between the sides and effectively killed off Wolfe Tones.

In the opening semi-final, a day earlier at Lissycasey, Kilmurry were put to the pin of their collars by Cratloe to claim a final spot. But they held on, having led by 1-4 to 0-3 at half-time, to claim a 1-7 to 0-9 victory.

It took a point from substitute and veteran Johnny Daly on 58 minutes to edge them over the line after a spirited if slightly inept performance from the South-East Clare club.

In the opening half, Cratloe proved unsteady in front of goal and squandered a number of scoring chances, whereas Kilmurry were more accurate with their opportunities.

On three occasions in the opening half, Cratloe full-forward Conor McGrath was guilty of kicking into the arms of goalkeeper Peter O’Dwyer when points were there for the taking.

Michael O’Dwyer grabbed the game’s only goal for the winners on 10 minutes when a bouncing ball deceived Cratloe full-back Barry Duggan.

In the second period Cratloe ran at Kilmurry and picked off some good scores and when Cathal McInerney pointed from a free in the 54th after McGrath was fouled by defender Marty McMahon, the sides were level at 1-6, 0-9.

But Kilmurry dug deep to overcome the club that are also semi-finalists in next weekend’s hurling championship.

Moments after his introduction Daly, who was named on the programme but didn’t start, kicked the all-important score to send his side into an unique final union