Clondegad have successfully banished the ghosts of 2021’s relegation battle following victory with the narrowest of margins over eighteen time Clare Senior Football Champions Doonbeg in Cusack Park, Ennis.
The Ballynacally based outfit got off to an ideal start, racing into a four point lead with thanks to an opening point from Podge McMahon and a moment of fortune on eight minutes that saw a long delivery from Barry Toner posted for the attention of Gary Brennan on the edge of the Doonbeg square find its way unhindered to the back of the net.
To their credit Doonbeg would answer the rallying call as they were determined to bounce back from an opening round defeat to Kilmurry Ibrickane with Mikie Tubridy and Eoin Killeen pointing in quick succession.
Darragh Burns would then collect and convert a mark for the West Clare outfit before an effort from Kevin McInerney on twenty-three minutes firmly settled the Magpies into the contest.
However five minutes from half time Gary Brennan would convert a placed ball to ensure his side had their noses in front at the interval as the sides went down the tunnel Clondegad 1-02 to Doonbeg’s 0-04.
Doonbeg continued to battle hard in the second half as David Tubridy, Darragh Burns and Eoin Kileen would all again rattle of scores , whilst Brian Behan was influential from the bench.
Clondegad managed to evade their challengers however who were always chasing an elusive score and helping them to a vital victory in no small part in the second period was the outstanding presence of Gearóid and Brandon O’Connell as well as Peter Casey and Cillian Brennan who not only acted as defensive anchors but were constantly on hand to set up the next attack.
Further scores from Eoghan Donnellan and Barry Toner cemented Clondegad’s position and try as they might Doonbeg could not break down their opponents rear guard one final time as it finished in Cusack Park, Clondegad 1-07 to Doonbeg’s 0-09.
Despite now leading the group three standings of the Clare Senior Football Championship, Clondegad’s safe passage to the Quarter Finals is not yet guaranteed as they await a final round clash with Kilmurry Ibrickane.
Meanwhile Doonbeg can still potentially reach the Quarter Finals if they are victorious over Ennistymon in their final group game and in the process achieve a scoring difference that better that of their group opponents whilst they will need a favour from Clondegad who would have to defeat Kilmurry Ibrickane.
