Kilmurry ease into semi-final

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.

Having lead by eight points at one stage in the opening half at Kilmihil, the Ennis side had to come from behind to secure a draw.

At half time, the Townies were in front 3-3 to 2-4, after Graham Glynn scored a hat-trick of goals. Doonbeg also raised green flags on two occasions, one each by Shane Ryan and David Tubridy.

In the final stages of a tight struggle, two Éire Óg points by Sean O’Meara and Dean Ryan forced a replay.

In an opening round tie at the beginning of the championship, Cooraclare had five points to spare over St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield — a trend reversed at Labasheeda on Saturday, St. Joseph’s winning 1-12 to 0-6.

Leading 1-6 to 0-3 at the interval, thanks to any early Cathal Duggan goal, last year’s finalists pushed on in the second half to record a merited nine-point victory.

Kilrush Shamrocks, who top the honours list with 21 titles, are on course to claim a first since 1987 as a result of their 1-8 to 0-6 win over fancied Ennistymon at Quilty.

The Shams enjoyed a 0-6 to 0-4 lead at half time and they went on to dominate the second period. A goal by Rory O’Connor in the 51st minute proved vital.

Coached by All-Ireland-winning Kerryman John Kennedy, the champions faced Cratloe at noon on Sunday at Cusack Park.

Having already met on two occasions in the qualifying rounds — the first finishing in a draw after extra-time, the second going Kilmurry’s way by eight points — yesterday’s clash was expected to be a close affair. But Kilmurry easily achieved semi-final status with a 1-15 to 0-3 victory.

Cratloe, for their part, reached the quarter-final stages having defeated Liscannor 0-14 points to 0-12 after extra-time last Wednesday.

Yesterday, however, they were totally outclassed by a well-drilled Kilmurry outfit. Three of the Cratloe’s Conor Ryan, Podge Collins and Conor McGrath were playing their third game in the space of a week as they were all part of the triumphant Clare All-Ireland U-21 hurling team of last weekend.

Collins grabbed the opening point after three minutes but his side didn’t register another score until the 28th minute. In the interim, Kilmurry ran riot and scored 1-9 without reply.

Corner-forward Johnny Daly goaled in the 11th minute after a Seamus Murrihy shot came off the upright and the champions went in 1-10 to 0-3 ahead at the break.

In the second period the West Clare side were content to defend and pick off scores with counter offensive movements.

Cratloe, who spurned three goal chances after the interval, never managed to add to their three meagre first-half points and succumbed to a sharp and clinical Kilmurry side, now odds-on favourites to retain their title.