Seniors enter last chance saloon

St. Josephs Miltown senior side will now meet Kilmihil in the senior relegation final following a 0-10 to 1-5 defeat to Liscannor on Saturday evening. This was a much improved performance from Miltown but Liscannors greater experience proved crucial on the evening. Miltown trailed 0-8 to 1-1 at half time having played against the strong breeze. Eoin Curtin got the goal following a superb run from Graham Kelly, Joe Curtin got the point before being forced off with an ankle injury. A missed goal chance before half time was to prove crucial as it allowed Lisannor adopt a more defensive approach in the second half. Miltown had lots of possession in the second half but failed to make it count on the scoreboard. The team lined out as follows: Niall Quinn, Enda Malone, Gordon Kelly, Gearoid Curtin, Seanie Malone, Michael Talty, Conor McKenna, Sean Meade, Kevin Keavey, Dessie Molohan(0-3), Gary Egan, Micheal Malone, Joe Curtin(0-1), Eoin Curtin (1-1), Graham Kelly. Subs used: Enda O'Gorman for Joe Curtin inj, John Meade for Gary Egan, Kevin Burke

In other news, the minors will play competition favourites Ennistymon in the semi final next Saturday. The senior ladies won the senior B county final defeating Newmarket on a 6-4 to 3-7 scoreline

Minors reach 'A' semi final

St. Josephs Miltown u-18 side produced a battling display to defeat last years champions Doora Barefield on a 0-9 to 1-5 scoreline. They now have qualified for a semi final spot with a draw to take place to determine the pairings. All the four quarter finalists from Miltown's group are through with Ennistymon, Kilmihil and Kilmurry Ibrickane also winning their quarter final games. Miltown lead by 0-6 to 0-1 at half time on Saturday having played with the breeze. Doora Barefield dominated the opening twenty minutes of the second half and looked to be in the driving seat when they struck for a goal to lead by 1-5 to 0-7 with ten minutes left. Cathal Hogan equalised for Miltown but was dismissed shortly after on a second yellow. In the closing minutes, Conor Cleary struck over a superb free from 50 metres out for the winner. The scorers on the day were: Cathal Hogan 0-5, Eoin Cleary 0-2 & Conor Cleary 0-2.

Disastrous evening for seniors

An unlikely sequence of results this evening has plunged St. Josephsd Miltown senior side into a relegation semi final playoff against Liscannor. Miltowns 1-10 to 0-6 defeat to Cratloe combined with a seven point win for Doora Barefield over Shannon Gaels moved Miltown to bottom position in the group on scoring averages. Miltown finished on two points with a -7 scoring average which meant they finished fractionally below the Gales who ended on -6. This will be of little consolation as a major battle is now ahead to preserve senior status. Miltown again played well in the first half today and were levl at 0-4 each at half time. Nine first half wides for Miltown were to prove costly as Cratloe assumed control in the second half. The team lined out as follows: Niall Quinn, Enda O'Gorman, Kevin Burke, Enda Malone, Gearoid Curtin, Sean Meade, Seanie Malone, Gordon Kelly, John Meade, Eoin Curtin (0-1), Micheal Malone, Graham Kelly, Kevin Keavey (0-1), Dessie Molohan (0-3), Gary Egan (0-1). Subs used: Michael Barry for Kevin Burke, Dara McDonagh for Gary Egan, David Talty for Kevin Keavey

21's bow out at semi final stage

St. Josephs Miltown bowed out of the u-21 'A' championship following a 2-9 to 0-9 defeat to holders Ennistymon on Sunday evening. Miltown were chasing the game from the outset against an Ennistymon side who were more economical with their scoring chances on the evening. Miltown trailed by 0-7 to 0-3 at half time with a number of missed frees costing Miltown dearly. The loss of senior player Joe Curtin to a hamstring injury also being a major blow. Miltown rallied strongly in the thirq qaurter and cut the gap to 0-8 to 0-6. However, two rapid fire goals killed the game as a contest while Miltown battled to the end with the hardworking Eoin Cleary causing problems for a number of Ennistymon defenders on the evening. The team lined out as follows: Padraig Queally, Colin McGuane, David Cleary, Eoin O'Brien, Tiernan O'Friel, Gearoid Curtin (0-1), Donal Keane, Peter Cleary, Dara McDonagh, David Talty, Micheal Malone (0-1), Conor Cleary (0-1), Seanie Malone (0-1), Joe Curtin, Eoin Cleary(0-5). Subs used: Tommy Flynn for Joe Curtin, Aidan McGuane for Tiernan O'Friel

u-14's reach semi final

St. Josephs Miltown u-14 side have continued their successful season by qualifying for the u-14 division 1 semi final. They defeated Ennistymon in a high scoring playoff last evening on a 7-14 to 4-13 scoreline. They now meet hot favourites Wolftones in the semi final in what is a repeat of this years Feile final. The team and management are wished the very best of luck to continue their encouraging recent displays.

Disappointing result for seniors

St. Josephs Miltown senior side went down to a 0-9 to 0-6 defeat to Shannon Gaels in round 2 of the Senior Championship football on Sunday in Kilmihil. This result means that Miltown must now beat unbeaten Cratloe by a minimum of fiove points in their final game to keep the qualification hopes entirely in their own hands. Miltown played reasonably well in the opening half and were level at four eacgh having played against the breeze. A point each from Joe and Eoin Curtin from play along with two Eoin Curtin frees being the scorers. Some needless fouling had handed Shannon Gaels the four points. Miltown inexplicably failed to perform in the second half despite having a man advantage for the last 20 minutes. Dessie Molohan and Seanie Malone notched two late points. The team lined out as follows: Niall Quinn, Enda Malone, Graham Kelly, David Cleary, Enda O'Gorman, Sean Meade, Dara McDonagh, Micheal Malone, Michael Barry, Seanie Malone(0-1), John Meade, Kevin Keavey, Joe Curtin(0-1), Dessie Molohan(0-1), Eoin Curtin (0-3). Subs used: Gary Egan for Joe Curtin, Michael Hehir for Kevin Keavey, Joe Curtin for Michael Barry, Gerard Malone for Dessie Molohan

Minors win opening game

Miltown 4-12 Cooraclare 0-9

Miltown opened their Minor A campaign with a comfortable win over Cooraclare following a blistering second half display. The sides were level at the break 1-4 to 7 points, Miltown's goal coming from a Eoin Cleary penalty after Luke Reidy had been fouled. However the home side stuttered through the first half and were fortunate to be level. A well taken Liam O'Connell goal following the restart settled St.Joseph's nerves and they pulled clear with further goals from Jonathon Marrinan and Cathal Hogan. Miltown travel to Kilmhil in the next round.

Miltown Team: C.Flanagan (C), C.Kenneally, M.Rynne, S.Parra, C.Talty, D.Keane, A.McGuane, D.McDonagh, C.Cleary, L.Reidy, E.Cleary, L.O'Connell, J.Marrinan, C.Hogan, C.MacMathuna. Subs: S.Mahoney, B.Talty, D.Clancy & E.Deveraux.

The Callan Challenge 2011

St. Josephs Miltown GAA are happy to support the Callan Challenge 2011 and encourage all club members and followers to support the event. Please see below for press release for the event which will take place on Sunday August 7th:

The Callan Challenge
Sunday, 7 August, 2011 – 11am

The Callan Challenge is a unique adventure, taking place for the first time on Sunday, 7 August, at 11.00 a.m. At 390 metres, Mount Callan is the major inland landmark in west Clare and all runners, joggers and walkers are invited to join in the journey to the summit, enjoying breath-taking views of the Atlantic coastline, including the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, while helping to raise much-needed funds for two worthy local causes.
All participants will be taken by bus from the registration point in Miltown Malbay to the start of the event on the south-west slopes of the mountain. The route will be clearly waymarked and stewarded, with regular water stations and all finishers will be given an official time and memento of the occasion. Buses will bring runners and walkers back to Miltown from the finish point on the north-west side of Callan.
While most of the 7km route is on fairly easy gravel roads, there is some challenging terrain near the summit, with about 1km of soft boggy ground with rough undergrowth. Appropriate footwear and clothing is essential and the event is not suitable for children under 10 years.
The race is open to participants at all levels of fitness and the course will remain open for two and a half hours to allow people to go at their own pace and enjoy the experience.

Entry fee is €20 (children between 10 and 16 years go free but must be accompanied by an adult) and all profit from the event will go to the West Clare Mini-Marathon Cancer Fund and Spraoi Family Resource Centre, Miltown Malbay.

Entry is now open on www.runireland.com, you can visit our website at www.callanchallenge.com or see us on Facebook.

Cusack Cup hopes ended for 2011

St.Josephs Miltown's hopes of back to back Cusack Cup titles were ended last weekend when they went down to Kilmurry Ibriackane in this years semi final. In a game played in terrible weather conditions, Miltown played below par on the evening and never threatened to upset the favourites. Attention will now turn to the next game in the senior championship against Shannon Gaels on the weekend of August 14th. The report below is from this weeks Clare Champion.

Lightning start wins it for Kilmurry-Ibrickane
Kilmurry-Ibrickane 1-9
St Joseph’s Miltown 0-6

Foul weather didn’t help either team but Kilmurry Ibrickane were less inhibited and eased into Sunday’s Cusack Cup final without much fuss.
Playing against a very strong wind, Kilmurry settled immediately and led 1-3 to 0-0 after 12 minutes. Miltown had won the toss and played with the breeze but they made virtually no use of it until they were already well behind. That said, Miltown could have scored first if Dessie Molohan had pointed a free he won off Martin McMahon in the first minute.
Kilmurry took a grip for the next 15 minutes with Niall Hickey, Michael Hogan and Ian McInerney (free) all scoring points.
Hickey and Hogan played particularly well in the first half, with Hogan picking up loads of loose ball and using it to good effect. Hickey’s fisted point was created by a Peter O’Dwyer diagonal pass to Thomas Lernihan, who burst forward from right half-back, while McInerney’s free was won by Evan Talty.
Hogan won the Kilmurry penalty, having been placed by a slick popped pass from Hickey. Michael Hehir impeded the Kilmurry centre-forward and Enda Coughlan, up from centre-back, buried the penalty.
Miltown had to respond if they were going to make the game competitive. Dessie Molohan won another free from Martin McMahon, who was certain that the decision was incorrect. However Molohan pointed before playing a clever one-two with Gary Egan for Miltown’s second score two minutes later.
Michael Hogan pointed his second point a minute later, after Enda Coughlan had raided from the Kilmurry half-back line. Micheál Malone and Ian McInerney, after Peter O’Dwyer was fouled, traded points, while Molohan kicked his third point of the half in injury time, leaving the Cusack Cup holders trailing 1-5 to 0-4 at half time.
With the rain now plummeting down and the skies darkening, Miltown emerged with much more energy and resolve. They placed Micheál Malone at midfield with Michael Barry and possession-wise, Miltown dominated the opening 10 minutes of the second half. Yet they only added a single pointed Eoin Curtin free to their total after Curtin himself was fouled. Had Miltown added another score or two at this juncture, they would have made a real go at reeling in their neighbours.
Instead, Kilmurry kicked four unanswered points between the thirteenth and 24th minutes. Peter O’Dwyer fired over two of these scores while Ian McInerney kicked two frees, won by O’Dwyer and Johnny Daly, who netted but Michael Rock had blown his whistle for a free before the net shook.
Rock had earlier ordered irate Kilmurry secretary Michael Considine to leave the sideline. He was enraged that Enda Coughlan wasn’t awarded a free for a late Graham Kelly shoulder in the 17th minute.
The referee allowed play to continue as Kilmurry had the advantage but didn’t issue any yellow card subsequently.
In injury time, Eoin Curtin kicked Miltown’s last score from a free as Kilmurry qualified for their first final since 2009.
Michael Hogan played superbly for Kilmurry in the first half as did Niall Hickey, who was very surprisingly substituted 12 minutes into the second half.
Peter O’Dwyer and Seamus Murrihy won a plentiful supply of ball at midfield, while Enda Coughlan excelled at centre-back.
Seán Meade played solidly at full-back for Miltown and kept Noel Downes quiet, while Graham Kelly was much tighter on Michael Hogan during the second period. Up front, Dessie Molohan scored two nice points from play, while Micheál Malone also worked hard.

Kilmurry Ibrickane: Peter O’Dwyer; Martin McMahon, Darren Hickey, John Willie Sexton; Evan Talty, Enda Coughlan, Thomas Lernihan; Peter O’Dwyer (captain), Seamus Murrihy; Mark McCarthy, Michael Hogan, Ian McInerney; Stephen Moloney, Noel Downes, Niall Hickey.
Subs: Johnny Daly for Niall Hickey, Seamus Lynch for Stephen Moloney, Michael O’Dwyer for Noel Downes,Vinny Talty for Peter O’Dwyer, Thomas O’Connor for Thomas Lernihan.
Scorers: Ian McInerney (0-4f), Enda Coughlan (1-0 pen), Peter O’Dwyer, Michael Hogan (0-2 each), Niall Hickey (0-1).
Wides: 12 Frees won: 16 45s: 0
Yellow cards: Evan Talty, Martin McMahon.

Miltown: Niall Quinn; Enda Malone (captain), Seán Meade, David Cleary; Gearóid Curtin, Graham Kelly, Michael Hehir; Michael Barry, John Meade; Gary Egan, Eoin Curtin, Micheál Malone; Joe Curtin, Dessie Molohan, Darragh McDonagh.
Subs: Kevin Burke for Enda Malone (injured), Seánie Malone for Gary Egan, Ger Malone for Darragh McDonagh, Seán O’Connell for Joe Curtin.
Scorers: Dessie Molohan (0-3, 0-2f), Eoin Curtin (0-2f), Micheál Malone (0-1).
Wides: 6 Frees won: 29 45s: 1
Yellow cards: Michael Barry, Graham Kelly, Michael Hehir.
Referee: Michael Rock (Ennistymon

Impressive win for Junior side

St. Josephs Miltown Junior A side recorded a surprise win over last years beaten finalists Eire Og in the Junior A championship last evening in Cooraclare. Miltown went into the game on the back of a poor league campaign but produced a great battling display on the evening to pull off the win. Colm Haugh goaled in just the second minute of the game to set Miltown on the way to a 1-6 to 0-6 win. At half time, the score stood at 1-3 to 0-4, Tommy Flynn converting a free with Gerard Malone hitting two impressive points from distance. Gerard Malone continued the scoring in the second half to end with a tally of 0-5. Miltown had opportinuties to put the game out of sight in the second half but a serious of wides could have proved costly were it not for a fine save by Robbie Healy with ten minutes remaining. The team and management will hope to build on this display now and aim for a quarter final spot in the remaining two group games. The team lined out as follows: Robbie Healy, Eoin O'Brien, Michael Talty, Brendan O'Brien, Tiernan O'Friel, Michael Neylon, James O'Brien, Gerard Malone (0-5), Peter Cleary, David Murrihy, Eoin McDonagh, Patrick Hehir, Tomas Meade, Colm Haugh (1-0), Tommy Flynn (0-1) Subs used: Kieran Shannon for Eoin McDonagh

21's qualify for 'A' semi final

The report from this week's Clare Champion on Miltown's 2-8 to 2-6 victory over St. Breckans last Saturday is as follows:

Miltown squeeze into semis
St Joseph’s Miltown 2-8 St Breckan’s 2-6

Miltown qualified for the semi-final of the U-21A football championship following a narrow win over St Breckan’s in Ennistymon last Saturday. St Breckan’s, who won last year’s U-21B title, led by a point five minutes from time. A trio of late scores from Eoin Cleary, Conor Cleary and Joe Curtin secured a place in the last four for Miltown. They will play Ennistymon in the semi-final at a date to be arranged.
Both teams were playing their second U-21 championship games inside a week last week following first-round wins over Kilrush and Kilmurry-Ibrickane.
Goals from Conor Cleary, set up by his twin brother Eoin, and a Joe Curtin penalty helped Miltown into a 2-2 to 0-3 half-time lead. The penalty was won by Micheál Malone following a superb run. Curtin also scored from the spot against Kilrush the previous week.
Five points behind at half-time, St Breckan’s fought back admirably in the second half.
Goals from John Stack and Conor Cormican brought St Breckan’s right back into the game.
However, those late Miltown points edged them into the semi-final.
St Breckan’s were without both Michael Hogan (knee) and Cormac Hehir (appendix), who had featured in their quarter-final win over Kilmurry-Ibrickane.

Miltown: Pádraig Queally; Eoin O’Brien, David Cleary, Colin McGuane; Tiernán O’Friel, Gearóid Curtin, Donal Keane; Daragh McDonagh, Peter Cleary; Thomas Flynn, Micheál Malone, Conor Cleary; Eoin Cleary, Joe Curtin, David Talty.
Subs: Damien Lafferty for Thomas Flynn and Niall McGuane for Donal Keane.
St Breckan’s: Craig Flanagan; Seán Howley, Michael Reddan, Dale Masterson; Noel McDonagh, Stephen Tierney, Adrian Nilan; John Paul Keating, Seán Cormican; Lorcan Mahon, Conor Cormican, Eanna Mulqueeny; John Stack, John Mooney. Mark O’Donnell

Winning start for u-21's

St. Josephs Miltown u-21 side made an impressive start in the 'A' championship last Saturday with a comprehensive victory over Kilrush. They lead throughout the tie despite the concession of the three goals to record a 2-17 to 3-4 victory. The now meet a much fancied St. Breckans side on this Saturday in the quarter final.

The report below is taken from this week's Clare Champion:
Miltown 2-17 Kilrush 3-4
Miltown’s impressive first-half display paved the way for their first-round win over Kilrush in Doonbeg last Saturday evening. They led 1-10 to 1-1 at half-time with Joe Curtin scoring from the penalty spot before half-time. Thomas Flynn added their second goal.
Eoin Tarrant scored two of Kilrush’s goals from the penalty spot, while he also added four points. Seán Madigan scored the remaining goal. Miltown now take on St Breckan’s in Saturday’s quarter-final.
Miltown: Pádraig Queally; Eoin O’Brien, David Cleary, Colin McGuane; Tiernán O’Friel, Gearóid Curtin, Donal Keane; Daragh McDonagh, Peter Cleary; Thomas Flynn, Micheál Malone, Conor Cleary; Eoin Cleary, Joe Curtin, David Talty.
Subs: Damien Lafferty, Eoin McDonagh, John Grey.
Kilrush: Ross Cullinan; Niall Brennan, Niall Gilbride, Shane Carey; Seamus Bolton, Conor Downes, Donal Madigan; Calum Bond, Seán Madigan; Cian Murray, Eoin Tarrant, Pádraig Browne; David Moran, Darragh Bolton, Seán Downes.
Subs: Craig Fenlon, Anthony Lillis, Thomas Moloney, Con Prendeville.
Referee: Michael Talty (Kilmurry Ibrickane).

Seniors reach Cusack Cup semi final

Despite a very mixed Cusack Cup Div 1 league campaign, St Josephs Miltown have claimed the fourth semi final spot and a meeting with table toppers Kilmurry Ibrickane. Miltown completed the league section with a 1-8 to 1-7 defeat to county champions. Miltown lead by 1-5 to 0-4 at half time but a last minute point from David Tubridy snatched the win for Doonbeg. The team lined out as follows: Niall Quinn, David Cleary, Kevin Burke, Enda Malone, Michael Hehir (0-1), Graham Kelly, Gearoid Curtin, John Meade, Gary Egan (0-1), Eoin Curtin (0-1), Micheal Malone (1-0), Darragh McDonagh, David Talty, Dessie Molohan (0-3), Joe Curtin (0-1) Subs used: Gerard Malone for Joe Curtin, Michael Barry for McDonagh

In other news, the senior team has been dealt a blow with the emigration of county captain Gordon Kelly and Enda O'Gorman to the US for the summer months. It is hoped that both will return in time for round two of the championship in mid August.

The u-14 side have recorded three wins from three in the u-14 championship with comprehensive wins over St Breckans, Cooraclare and Clarecastle

Crucial victory in championship opener

St. Josephs Miltown senior side recorded a 1-7 to 1-4 victory over St.Josephs Doora Barefield in their championship opener last evening. Miltoen led 1-2 to 1-1 after a scrappy first half and pushed on to victory courtesy of an improved second half display. The team lined out as follows: Niall Quinn, David Cleary, Sean Meade, Enda Malone, Brian Curtin, Gordon Kelly, Gearoid Curtin (0-1), Micheal Malone (0-1), Dara McDonagh, Kevin Keavey, Graham Kelly, Eoin Curtin (0-2), Dessie Molohan (1-3), Gary Egan, Joe Curtin Subs used: David Talty for Joe Curtin, John Meade for Kevin Keavey, Michael Hehir for Dara McDonagh, Kevin Burke for Sean Meade.#

During the week, the under u-14 side recorded a comprehensive 8-10 to 2-6 over St Breckans in the opening game of the league section of the u-14 championship

Senior game deferred to Friday June 10th

St. Josephs Miltown senior team championship opener has been deferred to Friday week 10th June due to the sudden death of Doora Barefield player Niall White. St. Josephs Miltown Malbay GAA expresses its sympathy to Niall's family, friends and colleagues at St. Josephs Doora Barefield