Minors exit championship

St Josephs Miltown minor side made a disappointing exit in the B quarter final on Sunday when they went down to Cooraclare on a 3-10 to 3-6 scoreline. This effectively completes the season for Miltown sides for 2009.

Miltown sign off for championship '09

Miltown played Kilrush in the quarter final of the senior championship under hot sun in Cooraclare on Saturday. Both teams started nervously with a number of failed attempts before Eoin Curtin opened the score for Miltown with a well won free. This was answered almost immediately by a goal from Kilrush after the Kilrush forwards responded quickest to a loose ball in the square to tap it into the net. This goal spurred Miltown on and they answered with two points from frees. The teams traded points for most of the half but Kilrush’s dominance around the middle of the field became more pronounced towards the end of the half resulting in 3 unanswered points from Kilrush before the break. Miltown started well in the second half and some good play resulted in Joe Curtin scoring a lovely point. This point was the first and only score Miltown had from play and proved to be the last score for Miltown. With 10 to go there was still just two points between the teams and despite some valiant play from the likes of Enda Malone and the Kelly brothers Miltown were unable to make any inroads into a Kilrush team who were growing in confidence as the game progressed. Ultimately Kilrush’s dominance around the middle of the field offered them an attacking platform that was too much for Miltown, Kilrush now progress to meet Kilkee in the semi-final. The final score was Kilrush 1-8 Miltown 0-6.

Despite the result Miltown have a lot of positives to take from the year with the emergence of number of young players who with out exception have performed very well this year. These players will benefit from there experience this year and will provide new life to the team for next year. The team should take this together with the players to return from the injury list for next year as a great foundation on which to build on there best result for 3 years. A greater strength to the panel is key in order to move forward for 2010 as a crippling long term injury list left the squad very threadbare throughout the 2009 championship. The team lined out as follows versus Kilrush:

C O’ Loughlin, E O’ Gorman, G Kelly, E Malone, B Curtin, G Kelly, M Hehir, C Lafferty, M Neylon, E Curtin, S O’ Connell, D Talty, D Molohan, K Burke, S Malone,

Subs: M Barry for M Neylon, J Curtin for D Talty, M Neylon for S O’ Connell

Miltown St Josephs football club would like to thank the players, management and mentors for the effort and work they put in this year.

Minors complete league section with victory

St Josephs Miltown minor football side completed their league campaign last night with a victory over Parteen. In what was arguably the longest possible away trip a Miltown side has taken in recent years, Miltown recorded a 1-11 to 2-4 victory. This combined with earlier victories over Newmarket and the Kildysart-Coolmen amalgamation means that Miltown will now likely comnpete in the Minor 'B' quarter final in the coming weeks as the A,B & C gradings are based on final league positions. Management will be hoping that the coming weeks will enable a host of injuries to heal up and be in a position to field their strongest side for the quarter final game.
On the senior front, the senior championship quarter final tie against Kilrush will take place this Saturday @ 4pm in Cooraclare. Michael Talty from Kilmurry Ibrickane will officiate. Hopes are high that the team can continue their improved form in recent times and pull of an upset to claim a county semi-final spot. Best of luck to all involved!

Destination: Quarter Final!

Miltown St. Josephs senior team have qualified for the Senior 'A' championship quarter final for the first time since 2006 when recording a 1-7 to 1-4 playoff victory over Lissycasey. Miltown elected to play with the aid of the breeze in the first half and Joe Hayes in the Lissycasey goal pulled off a fine save from Seanie Malone in the opening minutes. Dessie Molohan opened the scoring with the resultant 45. Lissycasey were playing a short hand passing game which lead to a free ridden first half. Kevin Burke collected a long high ball to goal six minutes from half time to give Miltown a 1-2 to 0-1 half time lead. On the resumption, Seanie Malone added a point to extend the lead to five. Next up Lissycasey goaled from a hotly debated penalty and followed up with three points to lead on a 1-4 to 1-3 scoreline. Lissycasey's Alan Nagle had been dismissed ten minutes into the second half following a wild kick at Brian Curtin. In the last fifteen minutes, Miltown played a patient build up game and four points from play in a row followed to seal the win. The points arrived from Joe Curtin, Sean O'Connell, Dessie Molohan and Michael Hehir. Miltown will now enter the quarter final as firm underdogs against a resurgent Kilrush side who have defeated Cooraclare and Eire Og in their last two games. The immediate priority for Miltown in the coming week is to try and reduce the injury list which currently has six players who didn't tog on Saturday. The team lined out as follows: Conor O'Loughlin, Enda O'Gorman, Graham Kelly, Enda Malone, Brian Curtin, Gordon Kelly, Michael Hehir (0-1), Michael Neylon, Cathal Lafferty, Eoin Curtin, Sean O'Connell (0-1) , David Talty, Dessie Molohan (0-3, 1 '45, 1f), Kevin Burke (1-0), Seanie Malone(0-1). Subs used: Joe Curtin(0-1), Michael Barry

Seniors win 1st leg of playoff

St Josephs Miltown senior side recorded a 0-10 to 0-7 victory over St. Josephs Doora-Barefield in the championship play-off on Tuesday evening. Miltown played with the aid of fresh breeze to lead on a 0-6 to 0-2 scoreline at half time. A four point lead did not look a particularly strong advantage given the conditions and the fact that Miltown had also missed a first half penalty. However some superb defensive displays from Enda Malone and the Kelly brothers in particular during the second half along with a real return to form from Eoin Curtin in the forwards ensured that Miltown advanced to a meeting with Lissycasey this Saturday to determine who advances to meet Kilrush in the championship quarter final. While, all the advantages seem to lie with Lissycasey following a comprehensive victory in the group stages allied to the fact that Miltown have less than 92 hours of a turnaround in comparison to a two week preparation time for Lissycasey. It has to be said that if Miltown can reduce the queue for the treatment table and get some key performers back on the pitch, that a great opportunity presents to make the business end of the championship. The game takes place in Kilmihil on Saturday at 2:30.The team lined out as follows versus Doora Barefield: Conor O'Loughlin, Enda O'Gorman, Graham Kelly, Enda Malone, Brian Curtin, Gordon Kelly, Michael Hehir, Michael Neylon, John Meade, Eoin Curtin, Cathal Lafferty, David Talty, Dessie Molohan, Kevin Burke, Seanie Malone. Subs used: Sean O'Connell, Gearoid Curtin, Joe Curtin, David Cleary

Miltown Draw Barefield in Senior Playoff

Miltown will play St. Joseph's Doora Barefield in the first phase of the group playoff. This tie is to be played this weekend, date and venue to be finalised over the coming days. The winners will play Lissycasey, the following weekend, to determine who advances to the quarter final of the Senior Championship.

The losers of both ties will then play to decide the Senior B and relegation positions.

Senior hopes still alive

Pride restored certainly after this battling performance from St. Josephs Miltown senior side. Unfortunately a goal two minutes from the end of normal time gave Kilkee a late lead to take victory on a 1-14 to 1-12 scoreline. However, Doora Barefield's victory over Lissycasey creates a three way playoff for the final quarter final spot. Miltown turned in a powerful first half performance to lead on a 1-9 to 0-4 scoreline at the break. Dessie Molohan fired 1-6 in the first half along with points from Cathal Lafferty, David Talty and Gordon Kelly. With the aid of the breeze in the second half, Kilkee knocked over a succession of points to bring the lead back to one goal with ten minutes left. The loss of full back Graham Kelly with injury at this stage was to prove crucial in the closing minutes. Two minutes from the end of normal time, Conor O'Loughlin produced a superb double save but Kilkee stuck a goal at the third attempt. Miltown now trailed by a point but forced two 45's in a bid to snatch a draw which would have sealed a quarter final spot. Kilkee scored an insurance point on the counterattack to seal the win. Miltown now await the draw during the week to determine who the opponents will be in the play-off. The team lined out as follows: Conor O'Loughlin, Enda O'Gorman, Graham Kelly, Enda Malone, Brian Curtin, Gordon Kelly(0-1), Michael Hehir, Michael Neylon, John Meade, Eoin Curtin (0-1), Cathal Lafferty (0-1), David Talty (0-1), Dessie Molohan (1-7), Kevin Burke, Seanie Malone (0-1). Subs used: Shane Curtin, Sean O'Connell, Joe Curtin

Deciding weekend for adult teams in championships!

This upcoming weekend is a season defining one for both the Senior and Junior 'A' teams in championship action. Both teams are well aware that they failed to play to potential in their last games.
The senior side face an undefeated St.Senan's Kilkee side in Kilmihil this Saturday.
While Miltown will enter the game as rank outsiders in the view of all pundits, the potential is in the Miltown side to produce an upset if players can pull a big performance out of the bag. Unless Doora-Barefield shock Lissycasey in the other group game, a victory is essential for Miltown to remain in contention for the Senior championship.
The Junior 'A' side are also in a must win situation when they face a very experienced Doonbeg side with a host of players with senior championship medals in their backpocket. Unfortunately, last years side who made the semi final stage has been virtually decimated through a combination of young players moving to senior level, injuries and emigration. All involved will be hoping for a massive performance and to pull off an upset to remain in the competition.
Best of luck to both teams!

Successive victories for minor footballers

St. Josephs Miltown minor footballers have recorded two successive victories in their last two games to bounce back into contention after a difficult start to the championship. They defeated the Coolmeen-Kildysart amalgamation on a 1-15 to 2-5 scoreline and followed up with a 0-7 to 0-1 victory over Newmarket. The two remaining games are against Kilmihil and Parteen. The three groups of eight teams will then be split into an 'A', 'B' & 'C' knock-out competition dependent upon final league placings.

Senior hopes on the brink

A truly abject display from St.Josephs Miltown senior side resulted in a 0-13 to 1-3 defeat against Lissycasey. After the winning start against Doora Barefield, hopes were high of emerging from the group but this result leaves Miltown needing a victory against unbeaten St.Senans Kilkee in their final game.
Despite being wiped out in the central eight positions in the first half, Miltown only trailed by three points on a 0-7 to 1-1 scoreline at the break. Bizarelly, Miltown could have been level as Eoin Curtin blasted wide when played in at an angle by Dessie Molohan. Dessie had raised hopes with a superb individual goal before halftime. For the second half, Miltown had introduced Micheal Malone and Graham Kelly who were surprisingly in the view of many supporters left on the bench. Management appeared to have got the balance right for the second half as Miltown proceeded to dominate the opening fifteen minutes of the second half. However, some terrible shooting only generated a single point in this period as a hatful of goal and point chances went abegging. Unfortunately, Graham Kelly picked up a double yellow which lead to his dismissal ten minutes from the end. Miltown again lost their shape as a result. Lissycasey found their shooting boots near the end and rattled over a succession of points. Only Enda Malone at the back and Dessie Molohan upfront played to their potential on the evening. Commitment levels of the players will need to be upped massively and a lot of soul searching from all involved is required if Miltown are to shock Kilkee and keep their season alive. The team lined out as follows: Conor O'Loughlin, Gordon Kelly, Kevin Burke, Enda Malone, Brian Curtin, Michael Neylon, Michael Hehir, Cathal Lafferty, Gary Egan, John Meade, Gearoid Curtin, Kevin Keavey, David Talty, Dessie Molohan (1-3), Eoin Curtin Subs used: Micheal Malone, Graham Kelly, Sean O'Connell, Seanie Malone, Joe Curtin

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