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Final Four Of 2016 Clare SHC and IHC Decided

2014 champions Cratloe had to withstand a strong second half from Eire Og before they sealed their place in the last four of the Clare SHC with a 0-18 to 1-12 win.

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Cratloe led after a lacklustre opening half, going in 0-8 to 0-5 ahead at the break.

The Townies were much improved after the restart, with a Shane O'Donnell goal and David Reidy free levelling the game after 35 minutes.

The sides would go tit for tat over the next 10 minutes, and were level on four different occasions.

Two in a row for Eire Óg saw them lead 1-11 to 0-12 with 50 minutes on the clock, but from this point on, Cratloe took control of the game, and led by Conor McGrath, they hit 6 in a row to ensure their place in the semi final draw.

Manager Joe McGrath said their response to the pressure they faced in the second half was a huge positive

The opening game of the day saw Feakle advance to the semi finals, a feat they've acheived in just their second year back in the senior ranks.

Second half goals from Gary Guilfoyle and Oisin Donnellan saw them beat Wolfe Tones by 2-19 to 2-15, while Shane McGrath accounted for 0-11 of his sides tally over the course of the hour.

They led 0-11 to 1-6 at the break after a late goal from John Guilfoyle cut the gap, but Guilfoyle's goal early in the second half put them back in the ascendency once more.

With ten minutes to play, Aaron Cunningham struck for two quickfire points and Andy Shanagher also found the target to leave the Shannon men ahead by two.

The sides traded points until Donnellans goal three minutes from time swung the tie back in Feakle's favour, and from here they closed the game out to take the four point win, despite a late goal from Aaron Cunningham with the last puc of the game.

Feakle boss Val Donnellan says they were determined to continue their progression.

Last evening saw 2015 beaten finalists Clonlara get back into the last four, but only after a massive battle against Tulla.

The south east Clare men led by 0-8 to 0-4 at half time having enjoyed much of the play in the opening half. 

Cathal Tots O'Connell accounted for  0-5 of that tally in the first half.

Tulla came out after the break and struck the first four points unanswered to level the game once more, before scores from Nicky O'Connell, John Conlon and Darach Honan gave Clonlara a three point lead.

The crucial moment of the game was a missed penalty from David McInerney just minutes later, with the resultant follow up also being blocked.

From here Clonlara always kept their noses in front and sealed their passage to the semi finals with a 0-15 to 0-12 win.

Manager Damien Power said the fact they never panicked was crucial

The second game in Cusack Park last night saw Ballyea produce a brilliant performance to beat Crusheen 1-18 to 0-13.

Despite a slow start which saw them 0-7 to 0-2 behind midway through the opening half, the winners struck 1-8 unanswered, with Gary Brennans goal seeing them go in at the break ahead by 1-9 to 0-7.

The trend continued in the second period, with Tony Kelly producing a sensational display that saw him strike 0-11 over the hour, while Jack Browne and Gearoid O'Connell were defiant in defence.

Manager Robbie Hogan was delighted to get the win

Elsewhere last night, the relegation final finished in a draw as Kilmaley and Newmarket played out a 0-15 a piece stalemate.

No details are yet known for that replay

The draw for the last four will be made tomorrow evening in Clareabbey at 6.15pm.

The last four were also decided in the Clare Intermediate Hurling Championship.

This afternoon saw St Josephs Doora Barefield beating Smith O'Briens by 2-14 to 1-15, with the goals coming from Alan O'Neill and David Conroy in the opening half.

Tubber are also into the last four after goals from Donal McMahon and Clive Earley saw them beat Parteen 2-21 to 0-11.

Sixmilebridges second side beat Cratloe's second string on Saturday afternoon by 1-16 to 0-15, while Broadford booking a semi final spot with a 0-21 to 0-12 win over Scariff.

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