Senior Hurling Championship, Rd. 3

Sixmilebridge 3-17
O' Callaghans Mills 1-21

Venue - Shannon
Referee - John Bugler

This 3rd round group game in the championship started very well for the 'Bridge who ran in to a 1-4 to 0-0 lead thanks to a Seadna Morey goal after 9 seconds. Fiachra O' Bhraoin was drafted into midfield to make his senior debut in place of the injured Brian Corry and put in a decent shift over the hour. In the first half, Cathal Malone was in fantastic form and struck 6 points from play. However the Mills came thundering back with 2 goals in last 5 mins of the half. The half time score saw the sides level, Smb 1-11 v OC Mills 2-8.

With 40 minutes gone in the second half the teams were still level at Smb 1-16 v OC Mills 2-13. Paul Corry was introduced for his senior debut late on and gave a great display fully justifying his introduction and further to his good performances in the intermediate championship this year. In the last few minutes of the game the 'Bridge were leading by 4 points, however the Mills kept plugging away and with the last puck of the game in injury time Colm Cleary popped up with a goal for the Mills. The game finished Smb 1-21 v OC Mills 3-17. Despite a fantastic start and fantastic displays from Cathal Malone and Sedana Morey at times, the Bridge should have been able to take the crucial 2 points on offer but a determined performance from the Mills where they never gave up allowed them to eventually pip the Bridge at the post with the last puck of the game in injury time.

The final result, although disappointing to have lost, coupled with Clonlara’s 0-22 to 1-10 win over Crusheen, looked to have still sent the 'Bridge through to the last eight on scoring difference. However it has since been clarified by Clare Gaa that under 2023 Official Rule 6.21 (c) ii, which only takes into account games between the teams tied, that Crusheen progress to the Quarter Final and Sixmilebridge enter the Senior B competition and the Mills face relegation battle.

See Video highlights of the game here:
https://vimeo.com/858179861/1b0a224e2f

Sixmilebridge Team
Derek Fahy (0-1, 1f), Leon Kelly, Barry Fitzpatrick (0-1), Brian Carey (0-1), Paidi Fitzpatrick, Caimin Morey, Noel Purcell, Fiachra O' Bhraoin, Seadna Morey (1-3), Cathal Malone (0-6), Lorcan Fitzpatrick (0-1) (Sub Jordan Downes), Conor Deasy (0-1), Shane Golden (0-1), Alex Morey (0-6, 5f), David Kennedy (Sub Paul Corry)