Clarecastle 2-19 v 1-19 Sixmilebridge

Division 5B Round 4 @ O’Garney Park

In the end time just ran out for the Junior B’s who lost their first competitive match in nearly a year this evening to old rivals Clarecastle. Trailing by seven points at the interval the second half belonged to the ‘Bridge who came out second best in what was a good test against a physical Clarecastle side that picked off some fine scores particularly in the first half.

‘Bridge and Clarecastle games are nearly always close battles and this was no different with a good physical element to the game with some excellent scores on the evening from both sides. Sixmilebridge got off to a great start against the breeze with early scores from Martin Conlon and Ross O’Donnell before Clarecastle started to get a foothold on the game and they led at the break by 2-14 to 1-10. Errol Tuohy had the ‘Bridge goal after he gave veteran Clarecastle netminder Noel Considine no chance to finish off a well worked move.

After a below par first half, Sixmilebridge came out with all guns blazing in the second half and started to pile on the pressure with the defence and midfield getting on top. The ‘Bridge were rewarded outscoring their opponents by 0-5 to 0-2 in the first ten minutes of the new half before the visitors had a man sent off for a wild pull which resulted in Eamonn O’Donoghue having to go off injured. It seemed this numerical advantage might work in favour of the home side but it proved to be untrue as despite pilling on the pressure the Magpies held on for a one goal victory.

The final round of league games will see the ‘Bridge make the trip to Tulla to take on the home side on the weekend of 24th/25th June with the Bridge, Tulla and Clonlara all in with a chance of clinching a semi-final spot.

Sixmilebridge: Jake Dineen; Ian Chaplin, Eamonn O’Donoghue (Capt), Billy Maxwell; Alan McAuley, Mark McInerney, Jonathan Hayes; Michael O’Halloran (0-3), Eric Lynch; Barry Corbett, Martin Conlon (0-9; 0-6fs), Errol Tuohy (1-2); Caimin Barrett (0-2), Ross O’Donnell (0-1), James O’Neill (0-2).

Subs: Tadgh Devanney for Hayes (injury), Pa Punch for McInerney, Jamie Lyons for Corbett, Ed Skehan for O’Donoghue (injury), Ryan McCarthy, Dean McKenna, Paul Horan.

Note: Our condolences to the McNamara family on the passing of Mickey (Michael) for whom his sons Martin is Chairman of Clarecastle GAA and Leonard is Adult Activities Officer. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam.