Men of '85 honoured

St Josephs Miltown county title winning side were honoured at Cusack Park during the half time interval of the county final on Sunday. Preceding this, a night of celebration was held in Cogan's bar to honour the great men of the team. The article below is from the Clare Champion which remembers the county final day of twenty five years ago:

GOING into the 1985 Clare Senior Football Championship race, Miltown St Joseph’s had not won the blue riband of Clare football since 1959.

In the late '70s, 1977 and ’78 to be precise, Miltown had won back-to-back Clare U-21 A titles and the seeds of their 1985 senior success were laid. Twenty-five years on, the team that brought the Jack Daly Cup to Miltown for the eleventh time will be honoured at Cusack Park on Sunday
That team was captained by full-back Gerry McMahon and it included Johnnie McMahon, Joe Cullen and Martin Lafferty from the team that had contested the county final in 1975.
The panel included five sets of brothers: Gerry, Noel and Martin Curtin, Michael and Pat Murray, Peadar and Sean Cleary, Andrew, Noel and Paudie Clancy and Brendan and Paddy Kyne.
The Murrays and John Jones followed in the footsteps of their fathers and grandfathers, that day winning senior football championship medals with Miltown.
Miltown’s 1985 campaign began on Sunday, July 7 when the team comfortably defeated Shannon Rangers on a scoreline of 2-12 to 1-4.
In the second round, Miltown faced old rivals Cooraclare in Doonbeg on August 17. The dressing room atmosphere before the game was tense on two fronts. Firstly, since the first round Miltown’s goalie John Marrinan had tragically lost his life in a traffic accident. His death left a cloud over the entire club but the players decided that a special effort was required to win the championship in John’s memory (His father, Martin ‘Dot’ Marrinan was later presented with John’s medal).
There was also consternation when Joe Cullen failed to show-up. In fact, he didn’t appear until shortly before half-time when it was learned he had crashed his car on the way to the game and his wife had to be taken to hospital.
It was lucky for Miltown that Cullen did arrive at the venue, as his performance in the second half went a long-way in turning the game in Miltown’s favour. Goals by John Jones and Martin Flynn won the day for Miltown, who progressed on a scoreline of 2-6 to 1-8.
In the semi-final, Miltown played Doonbeg in Cooraclare on September 1. Doonbeg scored a goal in the first minute but a Sean Burke goal in the ninth settled Miltown. After Gerry Curtin’s goal in the second-half, Miltown ran out winners 2-8 to 1-3.
In the final on September 15, Miltown met St Breckan’s at Cusack Park. Miltown played with a strong wind in the first-half but only led by three points at half-time. However, following goals from Gerry Curtin, Peadar Cleary, Sean Burke and Martin Flynn, Miltown were crowned county champions for the eleventh time on a scoreline of 4-5 to 0-4.
In the four games, Miltown scored 10-31 and conceded 3-19, with sharpshooter full-forward Martin Flynn the top scorer with 3-16.
After the game, Gerry McMahon was presented with the Jack Daly Cup by Gabriel Keating, football board chairman.
The winning panel comprised Pakie O’Loughlin, Martin Curtin, Gerry McMahon, Noel Clancy, Noel Curtin, Joe Cullen, Michael Murray, Pat Murray, Sean Cleary, Gerry Curtin, Sean Burke, Peadar Cleary, Martin Killeen, Martin Flynn, John Jones.
Subs: Brian Flynn, Johnny McMahon, Martin Lafferty, Paddy Kyne, Brendan Kyne, Paudie Clancy, Andrew Clancy, Francis O’Loughlin, Patrick Queally, Kieran O’Friel, Brian Fitzgerald

Final heartbreak for minors

St. Josephs Miltown minor side went down to Corofin on a 1-7 to 0-7 scoreline in the Minor Div 2 final on Saturday. A strong breeze blew down the field with Miltown facing the elements in the first half. Corofin lead by 0-4 to 0-0 at the break with Miltown failing to register on the scoreboard. Miltown began the second half brightly but were hit by the sucker punch of a Corofin goal ten minutes into the second half. Miltown proceeded to dominate the remainder of the game and were most unlucky not to draw the game with a penalty miss and an over obsession with going for goals in the closing minutes proving costly. Overall, the team and management will look back on a season of progress. However, the loss of key players through injury and unavailablity proved a bridge too far on this occasion.
Miltown Team: Ciaran Flanagan, Eoin Corbett, Martin Rynne, Ciaran Kennelly, Donal Keane, Damien Lafferty, Sean O'Malley, Niall NcGuane, Conor Cleary, Cian Talty, David Meade, Tommy Howard, Liam O'Connell, Eoin Cleary, Francis Gray. Subs: Cathal Hogan, Luke Reidy, Sheamie Parra, Paudie Flynn.

Minors qualify for county final

St. Josephs Miltown minor side defeated Kilmihil on a 0-13 to 1-8 scoreline last Saturday to qualify for a first Minor B county final since 1992. Miltown entered the game as underdogs due to the absence of some key players and a loss to Kilmihil in the group stages. However, many players produced much improved performances to fashion the win. They will now face Corofin in the final.

Minors finish group stage with loss

Corofin 6-3 Miltown 2-3

@ Miltown 26/09/10

Wayward shooting and at times calamitous defending ensured that Miltown minors finished the group stages with a loss to table toppers Corofin. Given that both sides were already through to the knockout stages the game was played without the usual intensity. Miltown, who were without a number of regulars, were under pressure early on and managed to concede 5 goals in the first half, most of which were as much about defensive errors as great forward play. Miltown did have a number of effective performers, Niall McGuane and Damien Lafferty did well at midfield and Donal Keane and Ciaran Keneally were competitive at the back. Corofin led at half time 5-3 to 0-1.
After the half time break Miltown improved and Kevin Long got Miltown's first goal with a powerful shot midway through the half. At this stage St.Joseph's were putting the North Clare side under sustained pressure when Niall McGuane's quick free was well saved by the Corofin goalkeeper. In the end it was a bridge too far for the home side, as time ran out Sheanie Parra added Miltown's second goal from close range.
Miltown now face Kilmihil in the semi final.

Miltown Team: Ciaran Flanagan, Paudie Flynn, Ciaran Kenneally, Eoin Corbett, Sean O'Malley, Martin Rynne, Donal Keane, Damien Lafferty, Niall McGuane, Sheamie Parra, David Meade, Cian Talty, Francis Gray, Kevin Long, Luke Reidy. Sub: Michael Hamilton for Kevin Long.

u-21's bow out at semi stage

St.Josephs Miltown u-21 side bowed out to Lissycasey on a 1-12 to 2-5 scoreline at the u-21 A semi final stage on Saturday. A ridiciously long gap of more than 10 weeks since the quarter final games were played resulted in a very lethargic Miltown display for the first 40 minutes. Lissycasey started much the brighter and raced into a 1-5 to nil lead before Joe Curtin opened Miltown's account. The half time scored stood at 1-7 to 0-2 with Lissycasey in firm control. A Joe Curtin penalty midway through the second half sparked a Miltown revival which was added to when Seanie Malone added a goal in the closing minutes which cut the deficit to three points. Miltown now sensed an escape route which would have been out of keeping with the general trend of the game. However, an otherwise generally sporting game degenerated in the closing minutes which killed the momentum that Miltown were building. Lissycasey kicked the insurance point while a player from each side was dismissed following a mini brawl. Overall, management will point to some key injuries which resulted in missing key players and will wonder what would have been if the championship had been completed as scheduled in July. The team lined out as follows: David Cleary, Brendan O'Brien, Shane Curtin, Colin McGuane, Tiernan O'Friel, Enda O'Gorman, Eoin O'Brien, Gearoid Curtin, Gerard Malone, David Talty, Micheal Malone, Tommy Flynn, Seanie Malone(1-1), Joe Curtin(1-4), Enda Fox. Subs used: Peter Cleary for Enda Fox, Damien Lafferty for Tommy Flynn

Minors Qualify for Division 2 Semi Final.

Miltown 1-10 Kilrush 0-4

@ Hennessy Park

Miltown secured qualification for the semi final of the Minor Division 2 championship, with one game to spare, following a comprehensive win over Kilrush Shamrocks. Miltown went ahead after 2 minutes, when Eoin Cleary converted a penalty after he had been fouled. Points from Cian Talty and Eoin Cleary gave Miltown a 1-4 to 0-3 lead at half time.

Miltown added six points in the second half, with some excellent scores coming from Darragh McDonagh and in particular Sean Malone. Martin Rynne, Niall McGuane and Ciaran Kenneally were solid in defence as St.Joseph's cruised to victory. The final group game against Corofin will decided if Miltown face Kilmihil or Kilrush in the semi final.

Miltown Team: C.Flanagan, E.Corbett, C.Kenneally, D.Keane, N.McGuane, M.Rynne, S.O'Malley (Capt), D. McDonagh, D. Lafferty, C.Talty, D.Meade, T.Howard, S.Malone, E.Cleary, F.Gray. Subs: S.Parra for T.Howard, S.Mahoney for D.Lafferty, P.Flynn for F.Gray.

Canny Cup 2010

Miltown U10 Canny Cup Team.
Back Row LtoR:C.Devitt, Z.Whelehan, J.Clancy, J.Downes, M.Murray, C.Flanagan, R.Meade, O.O'Looney, E. Reidy. T.Flynn. Front Row: E.Crowley, D.Grimes, M.Cunningham, S.Reidy, B.Whelehan, L.Carton, C.O'Malley

Miltown U10's gave a good account of themselves at the recent Canny Cup tournament in Kilrush. They managed to beat Killimer 2-4 to 0-2 with both goals coming from Jack Downes. A narrow 4 point defeat by Ennistymon 4-4 to 3-3 with the goals coming from again, the in form, Jack Downes and Oisin O'Looney (2). Kilmihil were the next opponents for St.Joseph's and they ran out easy winner 4-6 to 0-2. With goals from Euan Reidy (2), Micheal Murray & Jack Downes. The final group game against O'Curry's/Naomh Eoin was to decide qualification to the quarter finals. Unfortunately a tired Miltown side went down easily 5-4 to 1-2 with Micheal Murray getting the goal. Overall a very credible performance in what was the more difficult qualification group. 

U12 Garda Tournament Final

Miltown U12 Team that contested Garda Tournament Div4 Final.
Back Row: C.Keane, Daniel Curtin, T.Clancy, S.Crowe, R.Sexton, N.Hehir (capt), E.Looney, Daithi Curtin, P.Murray, P.Haran.
Front Row: D.O'Sullivan, C.Lenihan, O. O'Looney, M.Murray, D.Meade, T.O'Neill, J.O'Connor, J.Marrinan, E.Reidy.
Missing from Photo: Cormac Byrne & Sean Clancy

Na Fianna 2-3 Miltown 0-7.

Played @ Cusack Park 03/09/10

Miltown went down by 2 points in a closely fought Division 4 Garda tournament final. Playing with the wind in the first half Miltown started well, Padraig Murray was well on top at midfield and Miltown had Na Fianna under sustained pressure for long periods. However St.Joseph's struggled to convert their dominance in to scores and a number of goal chances went unconverted. When Joe Marrinan rattled the crossbar just before half time you had to feel Miltown's luck was out. At half time Miltown led 5 points to 1.

The second half was more balanced and Miltown's defence were holding Na Fianna forwards at bay. Unfortunately for Miltown, Na Fianna got a fortuitous goal when a long range shot dipped under Thomas Clancy's crossbar. Na Fianna added a further goal and despite very tenacious play in the second half Miltown were unable to regain the lead.

Overall Miltown played the better football on the day but just could not convert their chances when they came.

Miltown Team: T.Clancy, E.Reidy, S.Crowe, P.Haran, O. O'Looney, T. O'Neill, E. O'Looney, P.Murray, D. Meade, J.Marrinan, J.O'Connor, N.Hehir (C), Daniel Curtin, Daithi Curtin, R. Sexton. Subs: C.Keane for D.Meade, C.Lenihan for Daniel Curtin, M.Murray for P.Haran.
Scorers: N.Hehir (0-2), J.Marrinan (0-2), R.Sexton, Daniel Curtin & Daithi Curtin 1 pt each.

Comfortable win for minors

St Josephs Miltown minor side continued their winning run with a 5-12 to 0-2 victory over Doonbeg on Saturday evening. Miltown have two remaining group games to play against Kilrush and Corofin. One additional win would like guarantee a semi final place.

Miltown Team: C.Flanagan, J.Organ, C.Kenneally, D.Keane,S. O'Malley,  S.Malone, N.McGuane, C.Cleary, D.McDonagh, L. O'Connell, D.Meade, C.Talty, F.Gray, E.Cleary, T.Howard. Subs: D.Lafferty, P.Flynn, S.Parra & S.Mahoney.

Seniors complete their season

St. Josephs Miltown senior team completed their 2010 season on Saturday when they bowed out of the Senior B competition with a semi final defeat to Ennistymon on a 2-13 to 2-10 scoreline. Motivation was always going to be a problem for this game following from the disappointment of narrowly missing out on scoring differences for a quarter final spot. Missing five starters from the championship team, it was a much depleted team that fielded on the day. However, many of the newcomers played very well but some poor turnover of possession on the day which lead to at least 2-2 was to prove costly. Miltown lead 1-8 to 1-4 at half time with Dessie Molohan slotting home a goal. Miltown continued to hold the upperhand in the second half with Michael Barry continuing his good form of recent games with a fine goal. Miltown lead by 2-10 to 1-10 entering the closing stages but Ennistymon hit 1-3 in the closing stages to take the win. One worrying note from the day was an injury picked up in the opening minutes by Seanie Malone which could prove costly to the minor side in upcoming games. The team lined out as follows: Conor O'Loughlin, Michael Talty, Shane Curtin, Enda Malone, Ian Sexton, Gearoid Curtin, Michael Hehir, Cathal Lafferty, Michael Barry (1-2), David Talty, Gary Egan, Seanie Malone, Joe Curtin(0-1), John Meade, Eoin Curtin(0-3). Subs used: Dessie Molohan(1-4) for Seanie Malone(inj), Dara McDonagh for Cathal Lafferty, Michael Talty for Enda O'Gorman(inj).

In other news, the u-14 side completed their campaign with a 8-9 to 4-4 victory over Cratloe but missed out on a semi final spot.

Seniors edged out on score difference

St. Josephs Miltown senior side missed out on a quarter final spot by two points on scoring difference following a 2-14 to 1-11 defeat to Kilmurry Ibrickane. Kilmurry started very brightly and lead 2-5 to 0-2 after 15 minutes. The slow start was to prove costly but inspired by some great high fielding by Michael Barry, Miltown hit 1-2 without reply to bring the lead back to four points. Eoin Curtin blasted home a goal from the penalty but had another point ruled out for a controversial square ball call. The five minutes of injury time played at the end of the first half was a key factor in the game as Kilmurry Ibrickane hit three points while Graham Kelly was sent off for a clash with Odran O'Dwyer. Miltown made two changes at half time but couldn't penetrate the Kilmurry Ibrickane for a second goal. However, the team battled all the way to the end. Ultimately, the game against Liscannor when Miltown were missing a number of key players through injury was to prove the difference between qualifying and not. The team lined out as follows: Conor O'Loughlin, Enda Malone, Graham Kely, Shane Curtin, David Cleary, Gordon Kelly(0-1), Enda O'Gorman, Sean Meade, John Meade, Micheal Malone(0-1), Gary Egan, Kevin Keavey(0-1), Eoin Curtin(1-5), Michael Barry(0-1), Joe Curtin(0-1). Subs used: Ian Sexton for Shane Curtin(inj.), Dessie Molohan(0-1) for Gary Egan, Cathal Lafferty for Kevin Keavey, Gearoid Curtin for John Meade, Seanie Malone for Joe Curtin

The Junior A side capped off a disappointing evening for the club when they bowed out of the championship following a one point defeat to Ennistymon on a 2-8 to 1-10 scoreline. The sides were level at 0-5 each at the break. Ennistymon started the second half strongly and raced into a 1-7 to 0-5 lead. However, inspired by Peter Cleary returning after a two year lay off due to injury, Miltown hit back to lead by 1-10 to 1-7 with five minutes remaining. Needing to win by four points to book a quarter final, Miltown had to push forward and Ennistymon scored a breakaway goal to level the tie. The winning point quickly followed and despite some late attacks, Miltown could not find an equaliser. The team lined out as follows: Robbie Healy(0-1), James O'Brien, James Galvin, Kieran Shannon, Gearoid Hynes, Dara McDonagh, Noel Sexton(0-1), Michael Neylon, Gerard Malone, Eoin McDonagh, Michael Talty(0-2), Enda Fox(0-1), Tomas Meade, Peter Cleary(1-1), Niall Quinn(0-5). Subs used: Michael Crehan for Eoin McDonagh

Massive weekend of championship action

The coming weekend could be defined as the biggest of the year for St Josephs Miltown at senior and Junior A level. Both are in championship defining action on Sunday evening in Ennistymon. The Seniors face Kilmurry Ibrickane at 5:15pm with the Junior A game versus Ennistymon to follow at 6:45. The permutations due to the new scoring difference systme introduced this year are too complicated to go into here, safe to say the best chance of progressing to 1/4 final action are to win both games.
The week is off to a positive start with the minor side recording a 4-14 to 1-3 victory over the North Clare amalgamation of Liscannor/Michael Cusacks/Tubber/Kilfenora. There is a now a break unfortunately until after the All Ireland minor final which is making the campaign very disjointed.
The Junior A side will hope to progress to the 1/4 final but will face a tough challenge against Ennistymon who could be still alive provided Naomh Eoin beat Meelick on the Saturday.
The Senior game does not need any hyping-up save to say, a massive challenge awaits against this years All Ireland club finalists. The following is the preview of the game from this week's Clare Champion. Best of luck to both teams on Sunday!

Before Miltown beat Doonbeg in the semi-final of the Cusack Cup and subsequently won it, they wouldn’t have been given any chance of defeating Kilmurry-Ibrickane in their final championship group game. The landscape has changed significantly in recent weeks however, and the Clare and Munster champions will prepare for their neighbourly Group 4 battle knowing that if they are not ready, Miltown have what it takes to beat them in Ennistymon at 6.15pm on Sunday evening.
What might soften Kilmurry’s approach is their knowledge that, unless they are hammered, they will still make the quarter-finals. Miltown know that they must win to remain in control of their own destiny.
So far, Kilmurry have won both their group games against Kilkee and Liscannor, while Miltown lost to Liscannor but impressively defeated Kilkee last time out.
If Miltown lose, they need Kilkee to defeat Liscannor and hope that scoring averages help the Cusack Cup holders into the last eight and a meeting with a team from Group 1, which includes Cratloe, Doora-Barefield and Ennistymon.
Michael Barry played outstanding football against Kilkee two weeks ago, while Miltown also had excellent displays from John Meade, Gary Egan and Eoin Curtin. Conor O’Loughlin is having a great year in goals, while Graham and Gordon Kelly added real steel to the Miltown rearguard.
Under Martin Keavey, Martin Cahill and now Seán Dempsey, Kilmurry are still the team to beat in Clare. Beaten in the March 17 All-Ireland club final, Kilmurry are chasing three in a row, something that the club has never achieved. Although they didn’t exactly torment the umpires with a succession of scores against Liscannor a fortnight ago, Kilmurry still won and all but secured their place in the quarter-final with a match to spare.
Players such as Declan Callinan, the O’Dwyer’s, the Hickeys, Stephen Moloney and Enda Coughlan know that they are now just six weeks away from county final day on October 3. If they can build up some steady momentum, they will be very difficult to stop.
First though they wouldn’t mind calling a halt to Miltown’s recent gallop and in the process help to end their championship season. As long as Kilmurry are focused and ready for a big battle, they should see off Miltown.

Cusack Cup Final Highlights - relive the win

Paschal Brooks has kindly forwarded match highlights of the recent Cusack Cup final for use on the website. It is a super package showing clips of the game with match commentary by James Murrihy, player interviews and some scenes from after the game. It can be viewed at the following link (copy & paste the link to a browser to view): http://vimeo.com/13681953

For further information on services available, please visit brooksvideo.com

Impressive win for seniors

St. Josephs Miltown senior side recorded an impressive 2-11 to 1-9 win over Kilkee in Round 2 of the senior championship on Sunday evening in Doonbeg. Miltown started very sluggishly as Kilkee raced into a 0-6 to no score lead. It appeared at this stage that Miltown were about to be caught cold after their Cusack Cup win. However, a great run by Enda O'Gorman up the wing resulted in Michael Barry finishing the cross to the net. Miltown added three further points before the break to retire at half time on a 1-3 to 0-6 scoreline. It was certainly all to play for at this stage and Miltown got a good start to the second half with an Eoin Curtin point from play. However, Kilkee hit back for a rapid-fire 1-1 to take a three point lead. The goal was a little controversial with Michael O'Shea appearing to pick the ball off the ground before scoring a fine goal. Miltown hit back instantly when Michael Barry raced through to fire home the equaliser. Miltown assumed control in the last 20 minutes to hit a series of fine points to seal the win thanks to a powerful performance from Sean Meade at midfield. Dessie Molohan hit two fine points along with scores from Michael Barry, Gary Egan and Eoin Curtin. The team lined out as follows: Conor O'Loughlin, Enda Malone, Graham Kelly, David Cleary, Gearoid Curtin, Gordon Kelly, Enda O'Gorman, Sean Meade, John Meade (0-1), Kevin Keavey, Gary Egan, Micheal Malone (0-1), Joe Curtin, Michael Barry (2-2), Eoin Curtin (0-4). Subs Used: Dessie Molohan (0-2) for Joe Curtin, Seanie Malone for Micheal Malone, Cathal Lafferty for Enda O'Gorman, Michael Hehir for Kevin Keavey

Narrow defeat for Junior A's

St. Josephs Miltown Junior A team went down to Meelick on a 0-10 to 0-7 scoreline in their second championship group game on Saturday. A lack of cutting edge in the forward line was to prove costly on the evening. Miltown opened brightly but three early wides failed to settle the team. Meelick came very strong into the game and lead by 0-7 to 0-3 at the break. Michael Neylon hit two points from midfield with Niall Quinn pointing a free. Miltown came much stronger into the game in the second half and had cut the deficit to 0-7 to 0-5 midway through the half. Two very dubious frees awarded to Meelick cut the comeback short however as Meelick re-established a four point lead. Miltown however battled to the end with Niall Quinn and Enda Fox hitting two long range points from play. Meelick held on however to leave Miltown needing a win against Ennistymon in their final game which would likely guarantee a quarter final spot. The team lined out as follows: Robbie Healy, Brendan O'Brien, Eoin Corbett, James O'Brien, Dara McDonagh, Ian Sexton, Eoin O'Brien, Michael Neylon (0-2), Gerard Malone, Tommy Flynn, Michael Talty, Gearoid HYnes, Tomas Meade, Niall Quinn(0-4), Colm Haugh. Subs used: Noel Sexton for Tmmy Flynn, Enda Fox (0-1) for Tomas Meade, James Galvin for James O'Brien, Peter Cleary for Colm Haugh