Clarinbridge hold their nerve to triumph in marathon battle

Clarinbridge 1-17

Oranmore/Maree 2-14

(AET, Clarinbridge won 4-3 on penalties)

Pádraic Ó Ciardha at Pearse Stadium

CLARINBRIDGE began what could be a great week for the club as they claimed this year’s Minor A hurling title in dramatic fashion last Saturday. A penalty shootout was needed to separate themselves and local rivals Oranmore/Maree, but goalkeeper Chris Callanan’s save in sudden death meant the county title would be coming back to Clarinbridge for the second time in just a matter of months.

It was only in September that the club won the delayed 2020 Minor A decider but the move from U18 to U17 for this year’s competition meant only four starters from that victorious side were eligible this time out. The conveyor belt of talent coming through Clarinbridge ensured a smooth transition, however, and this team was bolstered by a scattering of Clarinbridge’s U15 team that won a national Féile title last month, ‘keeper Callanan and Aaron Niland, who top-scored with 1-10, included.

In a game where both sides overcame horrible conditions early on to serve up an absorbing contest, a shootout was a hugely unsatisfactory ending despite the drama. When the teams couldn’t be separated after five penalties each, both sets of supporters chanted for a replay, signalling their displeasure at what was unfolding.

In the end, it was Oranmore/Maree’s Rory Burke who was the unfortunate one to see his decisive effort saved. It was a truly undeserved finish after Burke, who finished with a tally of 2-8, had done so much to bring his side that far. The centre-back had already converted once in the shootout to keep his side’s hopes alive and it was an earlier Burke penalty at the very end of extra-time which made the shootout necessary. It was a great mark of respect and a touch of class from Clarinbridge that many of their players commiserated with Burke before enjoying their own celebrations.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App

Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.

Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.

Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite  HERE.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.