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An Clarach Cumann Luthchleas Gael
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Annual Primary Schools Indoor Hurling CHAMPIONS 2009 Congrats to our lads!
This eagerly awaited affair took place in Shinrone on Tuesday last 10th February. Clara Boys School was playing in the A Final for the first time. It was a big step up in class, from the qualifiers and we would have to perform to our best to hope to hold our own in the top flight. The panel included Seamus O’Brien, Denis Hackett, Martin Fleming, Adam Dolan, Colm Doyle (Capt), Stephen Buckley, Luke Dignam, Rory Cushen and Kevin O’Meara and was bolstered by the return of Carl Stewart after illness. The five ‘Qualifiers’ were drawn to play each other on a league basis, and we were out in match 1 V’s the home team, Shinrone. This was a tight affair from the start, with play switching from end to end relentlessly. There were several near misses on both sides and the first half finished 4 – 3 to Shinrone. In the second period we just couldn’t pull level; The half was shared 3 – 3 giving the narrowest of victories. The Clara scorers were, Stephen, Colm and Adam with 2 goals a piece. While the lads were disappointed to lose they were aware that it would be the top two teams to play in the final. All was no lost. St Rynaghs won their opener V’s Clonlisk also by the minimum 8 – 7. We played Broughal in game 3 and the boys warmed well to their task to earn a well deserved victory on the score line 7 -1. over scores were Luke 3 Adam 2 and Colm and Kevin 1 each. Match 4 saw Shinrone clock up their second victory 8 – 5 V’s Clonlisk. Game 5 was a big one for Clara V’s St Rynaghs and we had to win to have any chance of the final. We were out of the blocks like and Olympic sprinter to lead 3 -1 at half time, thanks to a triple strike from Stephen Buckley; St Rynaghs were stunned. Clara kept up the pressure in the second half and with further goals from lLuke 2 Stephen and Kevin 1 a piece, St Rynaghs were defeated 7 – 3. Shinrone continued their good run with a comprehensive 6 – 1 win which ended Broughals hopes and our final match was against Clonlisk, and the boys now full of confidence ran in nine great goals to win 9 – 4. Clara scores were Luke 4, Adam 2 and 1 each for Stephen, Carl and Denis. We would be at worst in a play-off. St Rynaghs next faced the unbeaten home-side needing to win to force themselves in to a play-off. After a hard battle they shared Shinrone 7 – 4, and John Leahy had to do his mathematics and goal difference would decide. We wound up with best goal difference and were straight through to the final. St Rynaghs and Shinrone would have to meet again. This was just another of the series of tight battles with the Banagher lads just prevailing in the end in the final St Rynaghs wanted revenge and started like a train and before we knew it, we were 3 – 1 down – half-time. The second half was a super charged period, Banagher unable to pull further ahead and yet Clara finding it difficult to close the gap. Four minutes to go and we were 5 -2 down, things not looking food. However, a super human effort brought the two sides level 6 – 6 with less than a minute to go. Up steps Stephen Buckley to slot a cracker and it was all over. Clara scores Stephen 3, Martin, Carl, Luke and Colm one a piece. Clara 7 - St Rynaghs- 6 a historic victory; and the celebrations could start, with Colm Doyle striking up to collect the cup. There was a great reception for the victors when they eventually arrived back at the school with coveted Trophy with all the students and teachers giving a guard of honour. This victory should be a great inspiration to all our under 8’s and under 10’s, as an example of what can be achieved by effort. These lads have proven that they can hold their own with the best in the County, and they did everyone proud by the manner of their victory. This bunch of lads have a
bright future ahead of them; if they continue to train and practice, and
we look forward to seeing them lining out with a Clara Seniour Hurling
Team and who knows maybe Offaly! AND WHY NOT!
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