A Blitzing performance from Clooney Quin who dominated in almost every facet of the pitch laid the foundations for a crucial victory in group three of the Clare Senior Hurling Championship.
Despite racing into a two point lead thanks to a Cian Moloney free and a Gearóid O’grady strike from play in the opening three minutes, Kilmaley would fail to score for the remainder of the opening quarter where they trailed by 0-07 to 0-02 and would not add to their spread of scorers throughout the first half.
Clooney Quin on the other hand brutally punished their opponents inaction with Peter Duggan converting six first half frees, in addition to strong opening period showings from Ryan Taylor, Eoin O’Brien, Ulick O’Sullivan and John Keneally consolidating a much deserved lead.
The ever dangerous presence of Kilmihil man Gearóid O’Grady in attack for the Clare Cup Champions proved dividends on twenty minutes when he showed his class to finish a lethal low bouncing effort to the back of Keith Hogan’s net for the games only goal of the day, however it did little to stem the tide at half time as Clooney Quin led by 0-13 to Kilmaley’s 1-04.
On the restart the county finalist of 2017 picked up exactly where they left off and would score five points without reply with the usual suspects of Peter Duggan displaying unerring accuracy from placed balls with Eoin O’Brien and Donagh O’Sullivan also to the fore.
Shane Harrison too got in on the scoring act for the winners before Gearóid O’Grady again issued Kilmaley’s rallying call opening their second half account on with a point on thirty – six minutes.
Credit must too go to Clooney Quin net minder Keith Hogan who made two stunning saves, first from the aforementioned O’Grady and then from Cian Moloney to ensure there would be no fairytale comeback for Kilmaley.
Despite Cathal Darcy’s best efforts to reduce arrears upon his introduction for Kilmaley by contributing two points from play , a ruthless edge from Clooney Quin emerged adding three more points in additional time to earn a commanding victory in Cusack Park, Ennis on a full time score line of Clooney Quin 0-26 to Kilmaley’s 1-09.