McGrath masterclass earns Feakle a first Clare final in 36 years

The East Clare side will face the winners of Sunday’s semi-final between Inagh-Kilnamona and Sixmilebridge.

TOUGH CONDITIONS: Feakle went one better than last season at Cusack Park on Saturday. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Clare Senior Hurling Championship semi-final: Feakle 1-17 Cratloe 1-15 

Feakle will contest a first Clare SHC final in 36 years after holding off a wasteful Cratloe in tough conditions in Cusack Park, Ennis.

Leading for over three-quarters of the tie, it was a fully merited victory for the East Clare side who seemed determined to redress the balance after a below-par showing against Clonlara at the same stage 12 months previously.

Led as ever by their unquestionable talisman Shane McGrath who fired 11 points, most notably their first five of the second period when Cratloe were piling on the pressure, Feakle crucially kept their noses in front in a madcap second period against the conditions.

McGrath, who is the Clare SHC top-scorer with 2-55 including 2-23 from play, roamed free around the centre in the opening period but was extremely efficient when positioned at corner-forward on the turnover.

That was in total contrast to a Cratloe side who despite this being their tenth semi-final appearance since making their Canon Hamilton trophy breakthrough in 2009, uncharacteristically faltered in front of the posts. Indeed the fact that John O’Gorman’s side slumped to more wides than scores over the hour told its own story as five wides against the conditions was acceptable but twelve with its aid was inexplicable considering they only lost by two for a finish.

Without two of the three Collins brothers from the start didn’t help their cause as 2013 All-Ireland winners Podge and Sean were replaced by newcomers Oisin Collins and Cathal Lohan.

Podge did make a cameo appearance midway through the second period but ultimately couldn’t turn the tide on a gritty Feakle who admirably clung to their advantage against the sizeable wind.

When favoured by the conditions, Ger Conway’s team started superbly as following a brace of McGrath frees, Martin Daly’s persistence paid off when dispossessing David Collins to fire to the net from close range in only the seventh minute.

Daly had a subsequent chance blocked only two minutes later as Cratloe looked a little at sea but their vast experience ensured that they did finally settle predominantly through Rian Considine’s placed balls before grabbing an equalising goal in the 19th minute.

It stemmed from a long range Diarmuid Ryan free that first saw a Shane Neville shot blocked before the rebound was instinctively flicked to the net by Cathal McInerney at 1-4 apiece.

With the intensity levels rising, the sides would be deadlocked twice more before wind-assisted Feakle made a burst for the half-time line with four unanswered points, three from the stick of Shane McGrath to edge 1-9 to 1-7 in front.

The razor-sharp McGrath also sniped the opening two scores of the new half to further exploit Cratloe’s incremental shooting deficiencies.

Rian Considine did lessen the damage with a brace of frees but surrounded by seven wides, Cratloe were understandably a picture of frustration.

McGrath raided for three more points by the turn of the final quarter at 1-14 to 1-10 but that was as safe as they looked for the remainder as Cratloe defied their consistent inconsistency in front of the posts to somehow keep the leaders within striking distance.

Considine’s frees were soothing while top scorer Conor McGrath finally kicked into gear late on with two points without reply to lower the arrears to just the minimum by the 54th minute at 1-16 to 1-15.

They simply couldn’t manage to regain parity once more though as Feakle substitute Fiachra Donnellan, son of 1988 winner Val, eased the pressure valve with a point before two wides of their own left them vulnerable when conceding a last gasp 20 metre free.

With two points the gap, recent All-Ireland winner Diarmuid Ryan came up from centre-back to unleash a low piledriver that was superbly stopped by county team-mate Eibhear Quilligan to the sound of the final whistle.

Feakle will face the winners of Sunday’s semi-final between Inagh-Kilnamona and Sixmilebridge on Sunday, October 20th while Cratloe don’t have time to wallow in any self-pity either as they prepare to defend their Clare SFC crown in seven days' time against arch-rivals Kilmurry Ibrickane at the same stage and venue.

Scorers for Feakle: S McGrath 0-11 (5f); M Daly 1-0; R O’Connor, O O’Connor, O Donnellan, E Tuohy, E Daly, F Donnellan 0-1 each 

Scorers for Cratloe: R Considine 0-8 (7f); C McInerney 1-2; C McGrath 0-3, E Boyce 0-2 

Feakle: E Quilligan; E McMahon, A Hogan, O Clune; K Bane, C Smyth, E Tuohy; R O’Connor, E Noonan; O Donnellan, S McGrath, R Bane; P Daly, M Daly, O O’Connor.

Subs: E Daly for McMahon 13, inj), S Conway for K. Bane (ht), O McGann for R. Bane (44), F Donnellan for P. Daly (54), E Madden for Noonan (57) 

Cratloe: E Deegan; R McNamara, David Collins, O Collins; C Ryan, D Ryan, J Moylan; E Boyce, C Lohan; S Neville, C McGrath, K Danaher; Daithi Collins, C McInerney, R Considine Subs: P Collins for Danaher (42), D Neville for S. Neville (48), J McInerney for McNamara (60) 

Referee: J Bugler (Whitegate)