AIB Munster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship Semi Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 1-17 Midleton (Cork) 1-13

Sixmilebridge (Clare) defeated Midleton (Cork) by 1-17 to 1-13 in the AIB Munster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship on Sunday November 17^th at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Game plan works to perfection for slick Sixmilebridge

Report from the Irish Examiner newspaper

Sixmilebridge (Clare) 1-17 Midleton (Cork) 1-13

A near-perfect day for hurling at Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday for this Munster SHC semi-final, and a near-perfect game plan by Sixmilebridge. The Clare champions came to Cork and did what no team in the Rebel county had been able to do in the concluding stages of their championship — put the shackles on the ever-dangerous Conor Lehane. Ever-dangerous? Why yes; having averaged 2-8 in his last three championship games, though tightly-marked here by the giant Páidí Fitzpatrick, Conor managed only 1-6 against the Bridge, 1-1 from play, but that could easily have been 2-6, his shot from close range in the 50th minute skinning the outside of the post and ending up in the side netting.

Another part of the Sixmilebridge game plan saw captain Alan Quilligan delegated to take care of the other Midleton danger man, Luke O’Farrell; again it worked, Luke limited to just a point by the equally sticky Aidan. Main man responsible for that plan? Manager John O’Meara. “Conor is a top-class inter-county player and we had to give him due respect. He got 2-10 in the Cork final, we met last night and decided there was no way we could let that happen against us. We felt if we could hold him to maybe 1-5 or something like that we’d be happy enough but I thought Páidí was outstanding on him, as was Aidan Quilligan on Luke O’Farrell inside. In fact we’re delighted with the way everyone in our backline played, and the lads at the other end were able to get enough to get us over the line.”

From early on it was obvious that this was going to be a very different kind of game to the Cork final at the same venue a couple of weeks ago. Gone was the openness, gone was the free rein to Lehane to roam the plains and score almost at will. Instead it was a mano-a-mano dogfight, trench warfare, the sides on just a point apiece after the first quarter (though Midleton already had five wides). No accident either — this was exactly what John O’Meara and Sixmilebridge had in mind as they headed for Cork. “A lot of the media and bookies had us as huge underdogs, didn’t give us much of a chance but we felt we were in with a right shot. After seeing the Cork county final I thought our own final against Newmarket-on-Fergus was a lot more intense; I knew if we brought that level of intensity to Cork we’d have a great chance.”

This isn’t to say that Sixmilebridge had it all their own way. Had Midleton not been so profligate in that opening half (eight wides), had Lehane’s 50th minute shot been on the other side of the post, who knows? Those are the what-ifs, however; the facts are Sixmilebridge went on to then dominate the rest of the first half, should have been much more than a point ahead at the break (1-7 to 1-6). Their goal had come in the 18th minute, centre-forward Alan Mulready the recipient of a long, visionary pass from outstanding midfielder Jamie Shanahan, beating his man and finishing clinically. Sixmilebridge also had points in this half from centre-back Caimin Morey (another stellar performance), Mulready himself, Pa Sheehan, Shane Golden, Kevin Lynch and full-forward Niall Gilligan (two) and with just two minutes left in the half, were comfortably in control, 1-7 to 0-5. Two big scores from Lehane, however, first a goal swatted home after his 20m free was saved, then a pointed free after Brian Hartnett had been fouled, and it was back to the minimum at the break.

“Disappointing, giving up 1-1 in the final few minutes of the half,” said John. “We felt we had the better hurling done, said we’d go out in the second half and give it a right lash. Some of the subs we brought on played very well, and we managed to get some scores at crucial times. In general I think everyone upped their game a few notches in the second half.” That they did and in this half Sixmilebridge made no mistake. Ten points to seven they outscored Midleton, many of those points scored in almost instant reply to Midleton at the other end, lack of concentration around the middle third costing the Cork champions dearly. Indiscipline was also costing the Magpies in this half, Jamie Shanahan taking over the free-taking duties from Gilligan (restricted by injury but continued to perform well in open play, made two points for Pa Sheehan) and doing so impeccably, four from four.

All in all then a fair result, the better team progressing to a Munster final meeting with 2011 champions Na Piarsaigh next Sunday, meaning another busy week of planning for O’Meara and his merry men. “We’re absolutely thrilled to be there especially considering where we came from, losing the first round of the Clare championship back in early May. Na Piarsaigh are our neighbours, only in the road. We played them in friendlies earlier on in the year, we won one each but that won’t count for anything. They’re probably on a different mission to us, Munster champions a couple of years ago but beaten by eventual All-Ireland champions Loughgiel Shamrocks in the semi-final after extra-time. They probably feel there’s an All-Ireland club title in them but we’re going to give it a hell of a lash — a great, great way to end a super year for Clare hurling.”

Scorers for Sixmilebridge: J Shanahan 0-5 (three frees, one 65); A Mulready 1-1; P Sheehan 0-3; N Gilligan 0-3 (two frees); S Morey, S Golden, C Morey, K Lynch, C Deasy, 0-1 each.

Scorers for Midleton: C Lehane 1-5 (three frees, one 65); P Haughney 0-2; A Ryan 0-2; P Dowling, L O’Farrell, C Walsh, T Wallace (free), 0-1 each.

Sixmilebridge subs: S O’Sullivan for Lynch (inj. 34); C Deasy for R Shanahan (54); D Morey for Sheehan (58); B Corry for Mulready (60+2).

Midleton subs: D Ryan for O’Shea (inj. 20); P O’Keeffe for Walsh (60).

Referee: J Ryan (Tipperary).

The key moment

50th minute, Sixmilebridge leading 1-14 to 1-11, Conor Lehane’s shot hits the net but it’s the side netting. If Midleton had got parity at that stage, who knows?

Pub talk

The year Clare are having and the superiority they now enjoy over Cork at both county and club level.

Haven’t seen that before

Sixmilebridge beating Midleton in the Munster championship, avenging the loss of 1983.

The main man

Several contenders from the Bridge, including evergreen Niall Gilligan and Caimin Morey but we’ll go for midfielder Jamie Shanahan.

The man in black

Johnny Ryan (Tipperary) didn’t win a lot of friends in Midleton in the second half but overall, did well.

What’s next?

Sixmilebridge meet Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) next Sunday in the Munster final, venue to be decided; Midleton can get back to celebrating and planning.

When – Sunday November 17^th at 2:00pm

Where – Pairc Ui Chaoimh

Referee – Johnny Ryan (Tipperary)
Standby Referee – Fergal Horgan (Tipperary)
Linesman – John McCormack (Tipperary)
4th Official – TBC (Tipperary)
Umpires – Tony Lacey, Willie Cross, Seamus Manton, Michael Butler (Tipperary)

Extra time – (2 periods x 10 minutes only) to be played if sides finish level at the end of 60 minutes

Replay date – Saturday November 23rd at a Clare venue

Next Round – the winners qualify for the Munster Club Final versus Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) on Sunday November 24^th

Admission Prices –
Adults – €15
Student/OAP – €10
All Under 16s free

Contact Munster GAA PRO Ed Donnelly at pro.munster@gaa.ie for more information

For the Record

Munster GAA HURLING Club Senior Championship 2013

Quarter-Final

Sunday October 27^th

@ Semple Stadium Thurles           Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) 3-17 Loughmore-Castleiney (Tipperary) 2-18

Semi-Finals
Sunday November 10^th

@ Gaelic Grounds Limerick           Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) 0-20 Passage (Waterford) 3-9

Sunday November 17^th (Replay date – Saturday November 23rd)

@ Pairc Ui Chaoimh Sixmilebridge (Clare) v Midleton (Cork) @ 2:00pm

Final

Sunday November 24^th (Replay date – Saturday November 30^th)

Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) v Sixmilebridge (Clare) or Midleton (Cork)

2:00pm throw-in

Odds and Ends

Midleton (Cork) and Sixmilebridge (Clare) have only met once in the Munster Club Senior Hurling Championship which resulted in a 2-14 to 0-15 semi-final victory for Midleton in 1983 played at Midleton. On that occasion, a tally of 2-2 from Midleton’s Colm O’Neill proved decisive.

From 2010 through 2013, the travelling team has won 9 of the 11 matches played in the Munster Club Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals. The victory for Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) over Passage (Waterford) in the 2013 Semi-Final and the win of Thurles Sarsfields (Tipperary) over Sarsfields (Cork) at Semple Stadium in the 2012 Semi-Finals are the only exceptions in the past 4 seasons.

The Munster Club Senior Hurling Championship is very competitive with only one score separating the champions and runner-up in each final from 2004 through 2011 (drawn match). Thurles Sarsfields (Tipperary) won the 2012 final versus De La Salle (Waterford) by five points.

This will be the 21^st match for Sixmilebridge in the Munster Club Senior Hurling Championship. Their record to date is Won 13, Lost 6, Drawn 1 with Munster club titles secured in 1984, 1995 and 2000. Midleton have played 14 matches in the competition with a record of Won 8, Lost 3, Drawn 3, winning the Munster club title in 1983 and 1987.

Sixmilebridge matches in the Munster Club Championship

1977

Semi-Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 1-7 Kilruane MacDonaghs (Tipperary) 0-8 at Cloughjordan
Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 3-5 St. Finbarrs (Cork) 3-5 at Tulla
Final Replay – St. Finbarrs (Cork) 2-8 Sixmilebridge (Clare) 0-6 at Tipperary

1983

Semi-Final – Midleton (Cork) 2-14 Sixmilebridge (Clare) 0-15 at Midleton

1984

Quarter-Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 2-10 St. Finbarrs (Cork) 1-7 at Pairc Ui Chaoimh

Semi-Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 4-19 Ballyduff (Kerry) 1-9 at Cusack Park Ennis

Final -Sixmilebridge (Clare) 4-10 Patrickswell (Limerick) 2-6 at Semple Stadium Thurles

1989

Semi-Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 1-18 Glen Rovers (Cork) 4-4 at Glen Park Cork

Final – Ballybrown (Limerick) 2-12 Sixmilebridge (Clare) 1-8 at the Gaelic Grounds Limerick

1992

Quarter-Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 1-15 Ballyheigue (Kerry) 1-7 at Ballyheighe

Semi-Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 3-12 Ballygunner (Waterford) 0-5 at Sixmilebridge

Final – Kilmallock (Limerick) 3-11 Sixmilebridge (Clare) 2-11 at the Gaelic Grounds Limerick

1993
Semi-Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 2-9 Lismore (Waterford) 1-4 at Sixmilebridge

Final – Toomevara (Tipperary) 0-15 Sixmilebridge (Clare) 0-7 at the Gaelic Grounds Limerick

1995

Semi-Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 5-11 Ballygunner (Waterford) 2-10 at Walsh Park Waterford
Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 2-18 Eire Og Nenagh (Tipperary) 1-7 at the Gaelic Grounds Limerick

2000

Semi-Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 0-13 Patrickswell (Limerick) 0-12 at the Gaelic Grounds Limerick

Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 2-17 Mount Sion (Waterford) 3-8 at Semple Stadium Thurles

2002
Semi-Final – Sixmilebridge (Clare) 2-13 Blackrock (Cork) 1-15 at Cusack Park Ennis
Final – Mount Sion (Waterford) 0-12 Sixmilebridge (Clare) 0-10 at Semple Stadium Thurles

Midleton matches in the Munster Club Championship

1983

Q-Final – Midleton (Cork) 2-15 Mount Sion (Waterford) 1-7 at Walsh Park Waterford
S-Final – Midleton (Cork) 2-14 Sixmilebridge (Clare) 0-15 at Midleton
Final – Midleton (Cork) 3-6 Borris-Ileigh (Tipperary) 1-12 at Kilmallock
Final Replay – Midleton (Cork) 1-14 Borris-Ileigh (Tipperary) 1-11 at Kilmallock

1986

Q-Final – Claughan (Limerick) 2-10 Midleton (Cork) 2-10 at Midleton

Q-Final Replay – Claughan (Limerick) 1-10 Midleton (Cork) 1-7 at the Gaelic Grounds Limerick

1987

Q-Final – Midleton (Cork) 3-12 Clarecastle (Clare) 2-11 at Cusack Park Ennis

S-Final – Midleton (Cork) 2-13 Ballyduff Upper (Waterford) 2-5 at Midleton

Final – Midleton (Cork) 1-12 Cappawhite (Tipperary) 1-11 at Kilmallock

1991

S-Final – Midleton (Cork) 1-9 Lismore (Waterford) 0-10 at Midleton

Final – Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary) 0-9 Midleton (Cork) 0-6 at Mitchelstown

1994

Q-Final – Midleton (Cork) 2-19 Mount Sion (Waterford) 0-9 at Midleton
S-Final – Kilmallock (Limerick) 0-10 Midleton (Cork) 1-7 at Kilmallock

S-Final Replay – Kilmallock 0-14 Midleton (Cork) 2-7 at Midleton

Munster GAA Club HURLING Senior Championship Roll Of Honour

Cork (17) – 1964, 1965, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1987, 2003, 2005, 2009

Tipperary (12) – 1966, 1969, 1970, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1991, 1993, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2012

Clare (9) – 1967, 1968, 1984, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Limerick (6) – 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2011

Waterford (5) – 1981, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2010

Munster GAA Club HURLING Senior Championship – List of Winning Teams

Visit the Munster GAA web site History section to view the complete list of each winning team since the competition began 1888 – https://munster.gaa.ie/history/shclub_teams/

All Ireland GAA Club HURLING Senior Championship

In the Club Senior Hurling All Ireland Roll of Honour, Cork clubs have won 9 titles followed by Tipperary with 3 and Clare with 2. Galway lead the roll of honour with 12 club titles followed by Kilkenny clubs with 10.

Munster Club Senior HURLING Cup

Club Championship Senior Hurling Cup – O’Neill Cup

Presented by Sarsfields Club, Cork, in 1972 to commemorate Billy O’Neill who founded their club in 1903.