Bridge just edge close encounter with Magpies to stay top

The 'Bridge seniors last week just edged what ended up being a very close affair. Spectatotrs however could not be blamed for thinking that the points would easily go to the 'Bridge after seeing the half time score where the 'Bridge were in front by a huge 13 point margin 2-12 to 1-02. 

Whilst the weather wasn't the best there wasnt a huge gale blowing and if there was it might have explained the dramatic turnaround in the second half when the 'Bridge only managed 3 points and Clarecastle came very close to getting a draw with 2 late '65s dropped into the square seeking the elusive equalising goal. On both occasions shots on goal resulted but neither hit the target.

The 'Bridge started without a few regulars but as the second half progressed, Niall Gilligan, Seadna Morey, Sam Sullivan and Darragh Fitzgerald were introduced. Pa Sheehan and Paidi Fitzpatrick were lost to injury. Clarecastle introduced Patrick Kelly at half time at centreback and he had a big influence on the game as did Stephen O' Halloran who vacated the centreback position and moved to centre forward.

Goals in the first half for the 'Bridge were provided by Brian Carey and Shane Golden. Good for the winners on the day were Brian Carey, Pa Sheehan and Noel Purcell whilst Bobby Duggan, Stephen O' Halloran and Patrick Kelly stood out for Clarecastle.

The 'Bridge have won all 5 of their Clare Cup outings this year but will be well aware that the championship opener against Eire Og in 3 weeks time will be tougher than any challenge met already this year.

Sixmilebridge: Derek Fahy, Cathal Lynch, Aidan Quilligan, Tadgh Keogh, Noel Purcell, Caimin Morey (0-02, 2f), Paidi Fitzpatrick (Sam O' Sullivan), Alex Morey (0-01) (Seadna Morey), Pa Sheehan (0-03) (Darragh Fitzgerald), Cathal Malone (0-01), Brian Carey (1-01), Conor Deasy (0-02), Sean Lynch (0-03, 1f) (Niall Gilligan), Shane Golden (1-01), Gavin Whyte (0-01)

Clarecastle: Jonathan Griffey, Jamie O' Conor (Tommy Howard), Gearoid Ryan, Joe Barry, Adam Healy, Stephen O' Halloran (0-04), Conor Galvin, Mark McGuane (Patrick Kelly), Jonathan Clancy (0-02), Pakie Healy, Bobby Duggan (1-07, 1-04f), Stephen Ward (0-01), Brian Lynch (Eric Flynn) (Fergus Ryan), Conor Plunkett, Eamon Callinan (0-01)Referee: Jim Hickey