Champions progress to meet Sixmilebridge

CLARE SHC SEMI-FINAL: Crusheen 2-15 Kilmaley 0-13:TITLE-HOLDERS Crusheen made it safely through to a second successive decider by virtue of a merited eight-point victory over Kilmaley at Cusack Park, Ennis, yesterday.

After a relatively even opening half that ended with the holders 0-9 to 0-6 in front, Kilmaley conceded two early second-half goals which effectively snuffed out their attempt to regain the crown they last won in 2004.

Fergus Kennedy grabbed the first goal, three minutes after the break when he was put in a scoring position by team-captain Gerry O’Grady. Then Jamie Fitzgibbon added another goal four minutes later to leave Crusheen 2-9 to 0-8 in front, with a final appearance beckoning.

Veteran half-forward David Forde helped himself to five impressive scores over the hour, on a day when Crusheen’s defence was magnificent throughout.

Their outstanding performance was especially instrumental in seeing the club into a final against Sixmilebridge who beat neighbours Cratloe at Cusack Park on Saturday. Former Waterford manager and incumbent Clare boss, 40-year-old Davy Fitzgerald, came out of retirement and made two decisive saves in the second half to help ’Bridge to a 1-17 to 1-13 win.

CRUSHEEN:D Tuohy; J Brigdale, Cronan Dillon, A Brigdale; C O'Doherty, Cian Dillon (0-1), Cathal Dillon; P Vaughan (0-6, 0-4 frees, 0-1 65), J Meaney; G O'Donnell (0-1), J Fitzgibbon (1-0), D Forde (0-5); P Meaney (0-1), G O'Grady, F Kennedy (1-1). Subs: C O'Donnell for P Meaney (47 mins).

KILMALEY:K Dillon; M O'Connor, A Cahill, C McGuane; N Casey, A Markham, C McMahon; K Kennedy (0-6, 0-5 frees), C Lynch (0-2); D Keane (0-1), D McMahon, B McMahon; N McGuane, S Hurley, C Neylon (0-1).

Subs:M O'Neill (0-2) for B McMahon inj. (14 mins), E Enright for N McGuane (39), C Clancy for Neylon (41), J Cabey for Hurley (51), J Clohessy (0-1) for Casey (53).

Referee:R Hickey (Éire Óg, Ennis)