Disappointing start for Junior A's

St.Josephs Miltown suffered a narrow two point defeat to Ennistymon in the opening game of the Junior A championship Saturday evening on a 1-10 to 0-11 scoreline. Despite the very slippery underfoot conditions, Miltown opened brightly to lead by 0-4 to 0-1 after ten minutes. The remainder of the half was dominated by Ennistymon who lead 1-6 to 0-5 at the break. The goal was a fortuituous effort when a shot for a pointed dipped under the crossbar. Miltown came much more into the game in the second half with Michael Talty and Seanie Malone providing the leadership upfront. Ennistymon were very dangerous on the counter attack and sealed victory with the last point in injury time when Miltown had reduced the lead to one point. Miltown now require victories in their remaining group games against Meelick and Doonbeg if a quarter final place is to be assured. The team lined out as follows: Robbie Healy, Jason Clancy, James Galvin, David Murrihy, Eoin O'Brien, John O'Malley, Barry Kelly, Michael Neylon, John O'Sullivan, Enda Fox, Colm Haugh, Noel Sexton, Seanie Malone, Michael Talty, Tomas Meade Subs used: Gearoid Hynes, Gerard Malone, Eoin McDonagh, David Talty, Ian Sexton

League runs ended for 2009

The league campaigns for both St.Josephs Miltown senior and Junior A sides ended for 2009 on Sunday. The senior side succumbed to hot favourites Kilmurry ibrickane on a 0-14 to 0-5 scoreline in the Cusack Cup Div1 semi final. Miltown battled bravely but Kilmurry appear to be a few steps ahead of all other teams in Clare at this time with an unbeaten record across all three domestic competitions that now stretches back to September 2007. Miltown trailed by 0-9 to 0-3 at the break but never gave up at any stage. Dessie Molohan and Eoin Curtin got a brace of points while Kevin Keavey chipped in with the other score. Miltown will be satisfied with their performances throughout the league and hope to maintain progress in the championship.
Meanwhile, an understrength Junior A side were defeated by Naomh Eoin in a semi final playoff in Div 4. Miltown led by 1-3 to 0-5 at the break despite a missed penalty. A three goal quick fire blast midway through the second half by Naomh Eoin killed the game as a contest. Seanie Malone and Eoin McDonagh grabbed the goals in a 3-10 to 2-4 defeat.
Both teams will now take the week to enjoy the Willie Clancy festival before returning to training to focus heavily on upcoming championship games.

Opening Round Defeat for Minors

Kilrush 2-9 Miltown 0-6 @ Kilrush

Miltown's minor campaign started poorly with a loss to Kilrush, Miltown were without intercounty minor Micheal Malone, who was out with a damaged heel.

St.Joseph's began well and had 2 goal chances early on, but Tommy Flynn and Sean O'Malley both fired wide when goals seemed definite. Kilrush rose to the challenge and mistakes in the Miltown defence allowed Kilrush to get their 2 goals which were the difference between the sides.

To make matters worse Miltown suffered two serious injuries during the match, Martin Rynne has a suspected collarbone fracture and Ciaran O'Malley has a recurrence of a knee problem.

Miltown Team: L.O'Brien, A.Flanagan, E.O'Brien, M.Rynne, D.McDonagh, D.Lafferty, T.O'Friel, E.Corbett, C.O'Malley, J.Gray, S.Malone, S.O'Malley, E.Fox, F.Gray, T.Flynn. Subs: C.Talty for C.O'Malley, M.Murrihy for M.Rynne, T.Howard for F.Gray, D.Meade for J.Gray, D.O'Brien for A.Flanagan.

16's lose semi final.

Wolfe Tones 0-12 Miltown 0-5

Wolfe Tones progress to meet Kilmurray Ibrickane in the under 16 final after Miltown lost out in the Banner grounds on Wednesday the 24th last.

Miltown got the opening point through Cathal Hogan. But five unanswered points for the Shannon side left Miltown in trouble. Darragh McDonagh closed the gap for Miltown and centre forward Conor Cleary narrowed it further. However Wolfe Tones pulled away and finished the half 8 points to 3 ahead.

The second half was no better for Miltown only managing 2 points in the half. Numerous good scoring opportunities were missed with some bad shooting producing at least 8 wides. Wolfe Tones also had wides but managed to tag on crucial scores to stroll home by 7 points.

Miltown Team: C. Flanagan, A. O'Brien, D.Keane, J.Organ, C.Kenneally, M.Rynne, D.O'Brien, D.McDonagh (C), C.O'Malley, L.O'Connell, C.Cleary, C.Talty, L.Reidy, C.Hogan, E.Cleary. Subs: S.Mahoney for J.Organ, D.Pender for L.Reidy, P.Flynn for A.O'Brien, K.Downes for L.O'Connell.

U21 B Championship - 1st Round

Corofin 3-3 Miltown 1-6

Same fixture from last years first round, different result. The amazing part of this game was how Miltown managed to lose. The injuries to Peter Cleary, Shane Curtin and Micheal Malone disturbed Miltown preparations for the match. St.Joseph's dominated the second half, wind assisted, but only managed to add 4 points to their tally. Corofin for their part only had about 5 attacks and centre forward Jason Tierney scored 3 goals.

First goal came from the penalty spot, a long ball forward was deflected goal ward by the Corofin wing forward, Sean O'Brien scrambled to his left and made a good save. The ball dribbled across the open goal, full back David Cleary attempted to clear but managed to foul the ball giving Corofin the penalty. Tierney duly slotted it home. The second goal came from a good move down the Corofin right and finished with Tierney lashing the ball home from a tight angle, a superb finish from the Corofin man. Miltown were reeling now and things were compounded when Tierney put them 4 points in front. A Corofin free on the right following a foul by Brian Sexton was floated into the box. Confusion between Brian Sexton and Sean O'Brien allowed Tierney to steal in and fist to the net.

It was a real pity in the end. Things had started well for Miltown. 1-2 to 3 points up after half time, Tommy Flynn neatly taking the goal just before the break, left Miltown thinking the second round was in the bag but a poor second half display cost Miltown.

Miltown Team: S. O'Brien, E. O'Brien, D.Cleary, B. Sexton, E. O'Gorman, J. Sexton (C), C. McGuane, G.Curtin, G. Malone, T. Flynn, D. Talty, E.Fox, S. Malone, J.Curtin, D. O'Malley. Subs: S.O'Malley for B.Sexton

Disappointing results at underage level

The past few weeks have seen a number of disappointing results at underage level for the St. Josephs Miltown teams in action. The under-21 side bowed out at the first hurdle in the defense of the u-21 'B' title won in 2008. A 3-3 to 1-6 defeat was the result against Corofin where the concession of three second half goals was to prove a hammer blow which the team failed to recover from. The under-16 side battled bravely in the Division 1 semi-final but went under to Wolftones on a 0-12 to 0-5 scoreline. Overall, the team performed well to reach a semi final and the aim will be to build on this at minor level. The under-14 championship has proven to be most difficult for all involved as the team has failed to build on a decent showing in the Feile competition earlier this year. Three defeats have been the result from the first three games of the Division 1-2 competition.

Winning start in Senior championship

Miltown St. Josephs senior team opened their 2009 campaign with a 0-9 to 0-5 over St. Josephs Doora Barefield in Kilmihil this evening. In a solid if unspectacular performance, Miltown knocked over four unanswered points in the last ten minutes to seal the victory. In the first half, whilst playing into the breeze, Miltown started very well to race into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead. However, the performance level dropped alarmingly at this stage as Miltown went nearly 30 minutes without recording a score. The scores were level 0-4 each at the interval. Gary Egan and Dessie Molohan knocked over fine points in this half. The second half was a dour affair as Barefield failed to build on a lot to possession. With ten minutes, remaining debut corner back Enda O'Gorman was unluckily dismissed on a second yellow card. The sending off and the introduction of Micheal Malone seemed to drive on Miltown at this stage. Dessie Molohan and the Kellys, Gordon & Graham knocked over fine scores in the final minutes. While there is plenty room for improvement, the management team and players will be delighted to have got the campaign off to a winning start. They face Lissycasey in the second round which is scheduled for early August. The team lined out as follows:
Conor O'Loughlin, Enda O'Gorman, Kevin Burke, David Cleary, Brian Curtin, Gordon Kelly, Enda Malone, John Meade, Cathal Lafferty, Gearoid Curtin, Gary Egan, Graham Kelly, Kevin Keavey, Dessie Molohan, Eoin Curtin. Subs used: Micheal Malone, Joe Curtin
Well done to all involved!

Junior A's record victory in playoff

Miltown St.Joseph's Junior A team avenged an earlier league defeat to record a 0-13 to 1-9 victory in the Division 4 playoff against O'Callaghans Mills on Sunday. In a very closely fought contest, which was level at half time, a solid all round performance was topped off by some fine point taking by Seanie Malone in the second half. This allied to some fine defensive play by Kieran Shannon and Eoin 'Tayto' O'Brien were crucial factors in the win. Miltown now advance to meet Naomh Eoin in the next stage of the play off.
The senior side continue their preparations for this Friday's championship opener against St.Josephs Doora Barefield. Barefield on the back of last year's u-21 'A' victory will enter the game as slight favourites, but manager James Healy and the management team will be very hopeful of victory if a number of injury concerns clear up in advance.
On the underage front, the u-12's were very unlucky to lose out by one point in the quarter final, while the u-14's are in the early stages of their championship. Miltown have been drawn against Corofin in the opening round of the u-21 'B' championship

Representing the county with pride

Sunday 7th June saw a total of five players from the St. Josephs Miltown club represent Clare in Munster championship action. Graham and Gordon Kelly were the respective wing backs on the Clare senior team that were narrowly defeated by Limerick in the Munster semi final. Both produced stirring displays that unfortunately were not replicated throughout the entire team. Conor O'Loughlin, Brian Curtin and Dessie Molohan all played leading roles in Clare's 0-13 to 1-6 victory over Limerick in the Junior semi final. Clare now advance to play Cork in the Munster final. This along with the representation of Seanie Malone + Micheal Malone at minor level gives a total of seven players who have represented the club at the highest level in 2009. Well done to all involved!

Semi-final playoff for Junior A's

Following a disappointing second half performance against Doonbeg, Miltown Junior A's now face a three way playoff with Naomh Eoin & O'Callaghan's Mills to see who grabs the last semi final spot on offer in the Division 4 league. Fielding without a host of regulars, Miltown led 0-5 to 0-1 at half time. However, in the second half, Doonbeg grabbed control to run out winners on a 2-6 to 0-8 scoreline. Unfortunately, due to a lack of urgency on the county boards part, it now appears the playoffs may not take place in the short-term which will put Miltown at a severe disadvantage due to the loss of players to the senior team in the interim.
The senior side continue preparations for the county championship opener in three weeks with an ever increasing injury list to contend with. Manager James Healy will be hoping to get all players back on board and for an upturn in recent form in the coming weeks.

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.