The following report is by Daragh Small.
Kilkerrin-Clonberne manager Willie Ward said his players deserve to showcase their skills on the biggest stage after the reigning champions booked their place in a currentaccount.ie All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final at Croke Park.
They did it in style too, with a comfortable 2-10 to 0-2 win away to Munster champions Ballymacarbry. On the other side of the draw the experienced Donaghmoyne came through their clash with Kilmacud Crokes, which sets up a rematch of last January’s semi-final.
Kilkerrin-Clonberne claimed a 2-8 to 0-8 victory over their Monaghan counterparts in that semi-final, before they went on to defeat Mourneabbey at St Brendan’s Park in Birr.
But Ward is thrilled to see them target their second-ever crown in Croke Park on 10 December.
“I’m delighted to be taking that team to Croke Park because I think if any team every deserved it, they do,” said Ward.
“They’ve been unbelievable ambassadors for the game in the last few years. And they’ve carried themselves so well in victory and defeat.
“Every single play, everyone is working to be where they should be and doing the job they should be doing and I suppose that is the thing. They get the job done.”
It was semi-finals weekend in the currentaccount.ie All-Ireland Championships with Longford Slashers and Mullinahone setting up a meeting in the intermediate ranks, while Salthill-Knocknacarra booked their place in a junior decider against Naomh Abán.
But the first game of the weekend saw Kilkerrin-Clonberne go to Fraher Field in Dungarvan and leave with a comprehensive win. Ailish Morrissey fired 1-3 with Chloe Miskell also scoring a goal.
“They (Kilkerrin-Clonberne) seemed to have a handy enough game, but they must have played well,” said Donaghmoyne manager Francie Coleman after his side’s 1-11 to 0-7 win over Kilmacud Crokes on Sunday.
“We played them last year in the semi-final and they’re a very good team. You’d want to be on top of your game to beat a Galway team, but we’ll try.”
Donaghmoyne welcomed Cathriona McConnell back into their ranks fresh off her wedding day, and she top-scored with 0-7. Lauren Garland hit the net and the five-time winners marched on.
“Fair play to Tina (Cathriona McConnell), she got married yesterday and landed in a helicopter an hour before the game,” said Coleman.
“She scored some mighty points and she’s doing that as long as I can remember. She kept us in games all down through the years and we’re delighted for her.”
In the intermediate grade, Longford Slashers were too strong for Charlestown and Kate Shannon was their goal scorer in a 1-11 to 0-10 victory. Mullinahone needed extra-time before they eventually saw off Derrygonnelly 2-6 to 1-7, thanks to Lorraine O’Shea’s goal.
In junior, Salthill-Knocknacarra battled the elements with Kate Thompson applying the finishing touches for a 1-7 to 1-6 win. They will meet Naomh Abán who were too strong for Castleblayney Faughs, winning 0-12 to 0-7.
Results:
Currentaccount.ie All-Ireland Senior Club semi-finals
Kilkerrin-Clonberne 2-10 Ballymacarbry 0-2
Donaghmoyne 1-11 Kilmacud Crokes 0-7
Currentaccount.ie All-Ireland Intermediate Club semi-finals
Longford Slashers 1-11 Charlestown 0-10
Mullinahone 2-6 Derrygonnelly Harps 1-7
Currentaccount.ie All-Ireland Junior Club semi-finals
Naomh Abán 0-12 Castleblayney Faughs 0-7
Salthill-Knocknacarra 1-7 O’Dwyers 1-6
Upcoming Fixtures:
Saturday December 10 at Croke Park
Currentaccount.ie All-Ireland Intermediate Club Final
Longford Slashers v Mullinahone – 3pm
Currentaccount.ie All-Ireland Senior Club Final
Kilkerrin-Clonberne v Donaghmoyne – 5pm
Sunday December 11 – TBC
Currentaccount.ie All-Ireland Junior Club Final
Salthill-Knocknacarra v Naomh Abán
