Front runners to book spots in the knockout stages of the TUS Clare senior football championship have emerged after the opening rounds.
Champions Eire Óg were eye catching winners over Cratloe, while last years beaten finalists Kilmurry edged the highest scoring tie of the round against neighbours Miltown.
Eire Og are the early pace setters in Group One after goals in either half from Mark McInerney and Manus Doherty saw them beat Cratloe by 2-23 to 0-11.
Cratloe’s woes were compounded by the loss of Cathal McInerney to a hamstring injury that is likely to see him sidelined for the majority of the group stages in both codes.
Eire Og boss Shane Daniels is pleased to get the season off to a winning start
Elsewhere in Group One, a see saw contest between Doora Barefield and Kildysart eventually finished level, with Kildysart battling back from a 7 point half time deficit to lead in the closing stages, but the Parish found a late equaliser to earn a share of the spoils at 1-12 each.
Lissycasey have early control of Group Two, with Aidan Horse Moloney’s side seeing off neighbours Kilmihil by 0-21 to 0-6.
Moloney is urging caution though ahead of their next outing.
There was a much tighter affair in the other game in Group Two, where two late orange flags for Doonbeg left just a point between the sides, but Ennistymon kept their noses in front to record a 2-9 to 0-14 win, with Eoin and Brendy Rouine accounting for the goals.
St Breckan’s are sitting top of Group Three thanks to their 0-13 to 0-5 win over last years intermediate champions Wolfe Tones, with county star Jamie Stack landing 0-10 of his sides tally.
There was no shortage of patrons or scores in Cooraclare for the final game of the weekend where Caoilfhionn O’Dea’s late goal eventually swung the tie Kilmurry Ibrickane’s way as they beat Miltown by 2-15 to 1-13.
Bricks boss David Egan says it was a game that really could have gone any way.
Hear from all three managers below
In the intermediate championship, Group One saw wins for Corofin and Cooraclare, Kilrush edged the Banner by a point in Group Two while Michael Cusacks and Ennistymon’s second string ended level.
There was also a draw in Group Three where Shannon Gaels and O’Curry’s ended level while Clondegad saw off neighbours Coolmeen
