Clare thrash out fixtures agreement

A resolution to the fixtures saga surrounding the Clare SFC has been reached following three days of deliberation.

Clare County Board confirmed yesterday that the five clubs remaining in the championship — Cratloe, Éire Óg, Lissycasey, Doonbeg and Cooraclare — have agreed for the county final to be played on Saturday, November 16, 24 hours before the winners line out in provincial action.

The outstanding quarter-final involving Doonbeg and Cooraclare has been fixed for this Saturday, 2pm, at Kilmhil, with the winners advancing to meet Lissycasey in the semi-final the weekend following.

Though the fixtures plan agreed yesterday ensures Clare representation in the provincial championship, chairman Michael McDonagh said there is still hope the Munster semi-final may be postponed a week.

“Representatives from Clare have spoken to representatives of the clubs involved on that side of the draw in the Munster championship,” he revealed.

“They are mulling over our request. Dromcollogher/Broadford want an extra week before the Munster final if they are to give us a week’s grace and we are told that would never happen, but for inclement weather.

“We will be talking to whoever comes out of this weekend’s game down the line.

“Not alone were there five clubs in Clare involved, there were also two outside clubs. It was hard to get a decision. Then you have the teams on the other side of the draw when looking at postponing the Munster final.

“This was nearly a 10-club decision and that is why the process was drawn out.”

McDonagh said the board did not want to be left banking on the goodwill of club’s outside the county.

“We were taking no chances. We wanted to make sure that we would be able to finish the championship. Without the co-operation of the five clubs that would not have been possible.”

The fixtures backlog has ensured a busy weekend for dual players Ronan Goode and Shane O’Brien who will line out in the Doonbeg colours tomorrow and feature for Newmarket-on-Fergus in the hurling semi-final against Ballyea on Sunday.