Kilmurry-Ibrickane retain their crown

Kilmurry Ibrickane 0-10 St Joseph's 0-4:KILMURRY/IBRICKANE cruised to victory in the Clare SFC final at Cusack Park, Ennis yesterday claiming their second title in a row and a fourth in five seasons.

The champions had this one in the bag by half-time as they eased 0-8 to 0-1 ahead by the break.

Early scores by Niall Hickey, wing back Thomas O’Connor and Peter O’Dwyer set the trend for the hour. Further points by Ian McInerney (two), from free-kicks plus Noel Downes, Hickey once more and Johnny Daly left them eight ahead before Cathal O’Sullivan spared Doora-Barefield blushes with a well executed point.

Despite three points from Cathal Duggan there was no way back for St Joseph’s.

KILMURRY/IBRICKANE: P O’Dwyer; M McMahon), D Hickey, S Hickey, T O’Connor (0-1), P O’Connor, D Callinan, P O’Dwyer (0-1), I McInerney (0-3, three frees), N Hickey (0-3), M O’Dwyer, E Talty, E Coughlan, J Daly (0-1, free), N Downes (0-1). Subs: S Murrihy for Talty (49), O O’Dwyer for Daly (50), M McCarthy for P O’Dwyer (58), C Morrissey for McInerney (60).

ST JOSEPH’S D O’Keeffe; P Nugent, S Collins, M Brooks; S Flynn, K Dilleen, D Malone; A O’Neill, M Hallinan; G Lyons, C O’Sullivan (0-1), P Dullaghan; D O’Brien, I Whyte, C Duggan (0-3, two frees). Subs: E Lyons for Malone (22), B Clancy for O’Brien (42), C O’Brien for Hallinan (49), L Brannock for Dullaghan (50), E Clohessy for OSullivan (59).

Referee: M Rock (Ennistymon).