League campaigns continue

Miltown St Joseph's senior team completed their league section of the Cusack Cup with a one point defeat to Cooraclare on a 2-9 to 2-8 scoreline. While Miltown's last few results have been disappointing, they have secured a Cusack Cup semi final spot against Kilmurry ibrickane. John Meade and Dessie Molohan were the goalscorer's against Cooraclare. All attention is now focused on the opening championship tie with Doora Barefield on June 20th which is a season defining game. Two O'Gorman cup games on the coming weekends will aid with preparations.
The Junior A side remain locked in a huge battle for semi final places after a 1-7 to 0-3 victory over Lissycasey on Sunday. A strong defensive effort led by Barry Kelly and David Talty were the key to this victory. The forward unit failed to play to potential with the exception of Seanie Malone who grabbed a second half total of 1-3 on his debut at this level. The remaining league game takes place this Saturday away to Doonbeg. A victory will guarantee a semi final spot where a draw or loss leads to any amount of permutations due to only two points separating six teams at the top of the group.
On the underage front, the under-16's have qualified for the 'A' semi finals to take place in late June. The under-12's continue to introduce players and are proving competitive in all games whilst recording some encouraging victories.

The Three Irish Tenors concert

Sunday May 31st of the June bank holiday weekend sees the club running a major fundraiser for the year with the hosting of the Three Irish Tenors at the Armada Hotel from 8:30pm. Tickets are €25 and are available from any club member. Attendance is highly recommended for a great nights entertainment and for further information on the Irish tenors, please visit http://www.thethreeirishtenors.com/

La na gClub 125 year celebrations

Miltown St. Josephs GAA club participated actively in the 125 year La na gClub celebrations that were held countrywide on Sunday May 10th. The day kicked off with a GAA themed mass at 11:30 with celebrants Fr. Murphy and Canon Mullin. Club members participated throughout the mass.
The celebrations continued with a fun day blitz at the GAA field from 1:30 - 5:30. All age groups from under 8's through to adult participated in mixed games which also saw the return of the Pete Cleary and John Marrinan tournaments after a lapse of a number of years.
Many thanks to all who prepared in advance, helped on the day and above all took part in the event.

Seniors qualify for Cusack Cup semi final

Miltown's senior team qualified for the Cusack Cup Div 1 league semi final despite a 1.15 to 0.8 defeat to Kilmurry Ibrickane on Sunday. Indiscipline cost Miltown very dearly in this game with both county players Graham and Gordon Kelly dismissed around the quarter hour mark in a few minutes of madness. Graham was dismissed after an unsavoury 20 man brawl that erupted with the scores tied at 0-3 apiece. Bizarelly, the referee determined that no Kilmurry player was even worthy of a caution despite the outbreak of violence. The 13 men of Miltown battled bravely to only trail by 0-12 to 0-8 with 10 minutes remaining. However, Kilmurry finished strongly to claim the victory. Victory over Cooraclare in the remaining league game will give Miltown a semi versus Doonbeg where defeat will setup a Kilmurry semi.
The Junior A side remain firmly in contention for a semi final spot after a 2.6 to 0.8 victory over Naomh Eoin. Miltown had done the hard work whilst playing into the breeze in the first half and led 2.2 to 0.4 at the break. Michael Talty and Tomas Meade grabbed the goals.

Results roundup & weekend preview

The Senior team unfortunately lost their unbeaten run to Eire Og last Saturday on a 3-10 to 1-9. On a day when regular forward Gary Egan was pressed into emergency action as goalkeeper due to an injury crisis, Miltown started very brightly a goal from John Meade established an early lead. Things went downhill from here and two Eire Og goals before half time meant the teams went in level on a 2-3 to 1-6 half time score. Eire Og dominated the second half to run out winners.
The Junior A side went down on a 2-5 to 1-6 score to Coolmeen on Sunday in Miltown. A Colm Haugh goal before half time gave Miltown a slender lead. A goal for Coolmeen midway through the second half proved crucial as Miltown were left to rue some wasteful shooting.
The under 16's are firmly on course for a semi final place after a 2.5 to 0.5 victory over Wolftones.
On this coming weekend, the senior team face the massive challenge of a Kilmurry Ibrickane side who are unbeaten in Clare football since mid 2007. Miltown suffered a demoralising defeat in the corresponding fixture last year but would dearly love to end their neighbours unbeaten run on this occasion.
Due to poor fixture planning, the Junior A side are also in action on Sunday against Naomh Eoin. There is a number of players involved in both and the fixture scheduling places the management in a disappointing position.
The under 16's can book a semi final spot on Monday evening with victory over Cooraclare.
Best of luck to all teams in action.