First Round Win Over Broadford  (11th March 06)

The senior hurlers got their Clare Cup campaign off to a winning start at the weekend, defeating neighbors and rivals Broadford, 3-8 to 1-9 in Broadford.

The team lineout was: Eric Monaghan, Michael Culhane, Seamus Gleeson, Mike Flynn, Willie Neary, Shane Toughy, Trevor Howard, Shane Burns, John Culhane, Brian Lenihan, Kevin McCarthy, Shane O Brien, Rory Cahill, Pat Minouge and Seanie Conway.

The side has two players making their debut for Smith O’Briens, Pat Minouge and Seanie Conway, formerly of Scariff and Clonlara respectively. Both are sure to bring their undoubted talents to the team such as Pat’s Physical strength and ball winning ability and Seanie’s speed and close control skills.

The two players even gelled well and but in a huge double hit on Padraic Hickey, leaving the Broadford player groggy for some time! Rory Cahill was the star of the first half with two well taken goals in the first ten minutes. Pat Minouge scoring the other in the second half. Best for Smith O’Briens on the day were: Seamus Gleeson, Mike Flynn and Shane Burns. Patrick Kennedy, Liam Walsh and Pa Vaughan came on and did well. A workman like and balanced team performance saw the final score Broadford 1-9   Smith O’Briens 3-8.

The Senior team is managed by Arthur Stritch, ably assisted by selectors Tom Gleeson, Michael Culhane & Pat Sheedy.

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                      CLARE CUP CAMPAIGN 2005

Having won last years intermediate league cup, many would have been forgiven to thinking theteams main ambition was tostay up in the senior league. However after finishing the group stages the only unbeaten beaten after eight games in the four groups this was clearly not the case. One draw at home against Kilnamona been the only blip on an otherwise flawless performance, with seven wins from eight. The team faced a fancied Doora/Barefield team in the final and went down in a spirited contest 2-12 to 1-11. A big negative to emerge form that game was a major shoulder injury to star player Trevor Howard, who is now doubtful for the up coming championships.

To view match pics click here

All the Scores and Statistics from the group. Clare Cup Divison 2B

To view reports of all the games click on the links below.

Clare Cup Senior Hurling league 2005

SEMI FINAL 25 June SOB 1-11 St. Josephs D/B 2-12 (Cratloe)

19 June SOB 2-17 Clare Castle 3-11 (ClareAbbey)..11 June SOB 1-14 Clonlara 0-10 (Clonlara)

6 June SOB 3-15 Tubber 2-8 (Killaloe)....21 May SOB 0-21 Ogonelloe 2-9 (Killaloe)

7 May SOB 1-10 Kilnamona 1-10 (Killaloe)......30 April SOB 0-17 Inagh 3-4 (Inagh)

10 April SOB 1-15 Killanena 0-14 (Killaloe)....28 March SOB 0-22 Feakle 1-8 (Feakle)

Match Reports

Semi final report (25/06/05)

The experience of Ollie Baker played a big part in St Joseph’s victory over Smith O’Briens. It was a result that didn’t seem likely for much of this entertaining tie which saw both teams pick up worrying injuries a few weeks before the various championships get underway.
Four points was also the margin in this game with St Joseph’s scoring their two goals in as many minutes at the turn of the final quarter.
Without team captain Brian Lenihan due to holidays, Smith O’Briens lost up and coming forward John Cusack just before the game with the County under 21 panelist failed a fitness test. To add to their woes Trevor Howard, another member of the County under 21 squad suffered a suspected broken collar bone just on the stroke of half time and this was another huge blow to the Killaloe outfit.
St Joseph’s also had their injury problems losing Jamesie O’Connor after the first quarter and returning for the second half without David Hoey.
With the exception of Clare captain Sean McMahon, all current inter county panelists lined out in Saturday’s semi-final games.

St Joseph’s 2-12 Smith O’Briens 1-11

St Joseph’s will be the first to admit that they were somewhat fortunate to overcome Smith O’Briens at Cratloe when the decision to switch Ollie Baker from centre to full forward at the turn of the final quarter proved to be the vital move.
The Ballinasloe based Garda had just moved to his new position when he was at the end of an excellent move started near his own endline by Lorcan Hassett and involving Damian Kennedy and Marty O’Regan to smash the ball to the net. The goal gave the Doora-Barefield side back the lead and two minutes later Baker turned provider for Marty O’Regan who had his team’s second goal.
With Seamus Gleeson dominating at centre back, Smith O’Briens let it be known from the beginning that they would make their more fancied opponents fight all the way for victory here.

They were level three times in the first quarter of an hour before St Joseph’s went three ahead. Fiveminutes from the break, Smith O’Briens got a fortunate break when St Joseph’s goalie Christy O’Connor dropped the ball into the path of Killaloe full forward Kevin McCarthy who kicked to the net and the outsiders went on to lead at half time on a score of 1-6 to 0-8.
Smith O’Briens brought in Shane Tuohy--he was left out of the starting line up due to injury--for Howard while St Joseph’s introduced Darragh O’Driscoll for David Hoey for the second half. Both sides added a brace of points in the first ten minutes of the half to leave the losers one to the good and this was still the position as the game entered the final quarter.

The switch of Baker changed things and with ten minutes remaining St Joseph’s were six points in front. To their credit Smith O’Briens came back strongly and points from Shane O’Brien (2) and Pat Aherne cut the deficit to a goal. They piled on the pressure but they just could not get past the impressive Geoffrey Molloy who got good support from Ken Kennedy and the O’Sullivan brothers,Cathal and Fergal. Elsewhere Marty O’Regan and Lorcan Hassett did well.

Killaloe centre back Seamus Gleeson was, arguably, the best player on view while Ian O’Halloran, Trevor Howard in the second quarter, Pat Aherne, Shane O’Brien and Kevin McCarthy impressed.

TEAMS
St Joseph’s; Christy O’Connor; Conor Redmond, Ken Kennedy, Cathal O’Sullivan; David Hoey, Fergal O’Sullivan, Geoffrey Molloy (0-1); Lorcan Hassett (0-3) Conor Hassett; Jamesie O’Connor, Ollie Baker (1-2) Damian Kennedy (0-2); Caimin O’Connor, Eoin Conroy (0-1), Marty O’Regan (1-3).
Subs: Kevin Dilleen for J.O’Connor; Darragh O’Driscoll for Hoey; Donnacda Keohane for D Kennedy.
Smith O’Briens: Brendan Foley; James Flannery, Ian O’Halloran, Pat Kennedy; Martin Haugh, Seamus Gleeson, Shane Byrnes; Trevor Howard, Paul McKeogh; Michael Culhane (0-1) Pat Aherne (0-2) Willie Neary (0-2); Shane O’Brien (0-5) Kevin McCarthy (1-0) Stephen McCarthy.
Subs: Shane Tuohy (0-1) for Howard.
Referee: Seanie McMahon, Newmarket.

Group Stage Game Reports

Feakle

Encouraging Start to League Campaign (28/03/05)

The Clare Cup (Clare senior hurling league) is the ideal preparation for senior clubs in Clare as it gives each club a multitude of tough competitive games prior to the senior championship starting in earnest.

Feakle was the location for Smith O’Brien’s first venture into the senior ranks this year. The club is still riding on the crest of a wave after last years dizzying heights but the passionate Feakle men were sure to ask some stiff questions of the Smith O'Brien's outfit.

On a beautiful Easter Monday (28th March) afternoon the conditions were ideal for fast skillful hurling and the lads certainly didn’t disappoint. From the throw in the team stuck manfully to their task. With Shane Toughy and Trevor Howard on top at midfield, and the half back line of Willie Neary, Seamus Gleeson and Mike Culhane beginning to get
the upper hand on their respective markers a plentiful supply of ball was ensured to the Smith O 'Brien's forwards. Scoring 0-14 (nine from play) in that first half they were certainly on top.Playing intelligent first time hurling the Feake rearguard was been stretched to breaking point. Feakle rallied however, to sneak in a goal five minutes before the half time interval. At half time SOB's lead by 0-14 to 1-2 and the games was theirs to throw away.

This didn’t transpire with the guys piling on the pressure in the second half to keep a chock hold on proceedings. The backs continued to completely negate the Feakle forwards while the forwards continued to hold all the aces. Over as a contest ten minutes into the second half Smith O’Brien’s ran out comfortable winners 0-24 to 1-8. Seamus Gleeson impressed at centre back and even chipped in with a delightful touchline effort off his left while in full flight. While up front Shane O'Brien, John Cusack, Patrick Aherne and Brian Lenihan were the scorers in chief.

Victory Secured over Killaneana (10/04/05)

Killaneana were the first team to face the Smith O’Brien seniors at home this year in the second round of the Clare cup. On a drizzly afternoon a good crowd was in attendance. Killaneana featured a much changed team from recent years with many new faces in the line up. Again the visitors led the way in the early stages. The half time score 0-8 to 0-6.In the second half Killaneana kept within a three point margin to ensure the game was to right tohe wire. The decisive score game with five minutes to go as Shane O’Brien Crashed home a greatgoal to seal the win. Some further points were added to give a final score line of Killaneana 0-14 Smith O’Brien’s 1-15.

Inagh put to the sword (30/4/05)

After wins over Feakle and Killanena the seniors league campaign had gotten off to a great start. They traveled to Inagh on Saturday evening, for many it was there first time at the isolated venue! After hammering Inagh in last years Semi final play off in Shannon the Mid Clare side were sure to be after revenge. Fielding a team short their main talisman Tony Carmody they gave as good as they got in the first half.

The concession of two goals against the run of play gave the Inagh men the perfect start. Trevor Howard scored two great long range points to keep in touch with Brian Lenihan (3), John Cusack and Patrick Aherne all chipping in. Smith O’Brien’s trailed by two points at half time despite the aid of a fresh wind. During that first thirty minutes a lot of possession was wasted with long balls from defence going aimlessly wide. The full forward line of James Flannery, Kevin McCarthy and Joseph Furlong battling gamely throughout.

The backs were to the wall in the second half with long puck out reigning down on the half back line. They coped admirably however with Seamus Glesson and Willie Neary solid and the skillful Ian O’Hallloran in control in the full back line. Paul McKeogh and Mike Culhane began to get more into the game as the overall team performance improved.

With Lenny punishing any indiscretions from placed balls and the forwards scoring pretty regularly the half time gap was quickly overturned and Smith O’Brien’s had made it three wins out of three. Refreshments were had at the famous Biddy Early’s brewery on the return journey. Mission accomplished.

Smith O’Brien’s draw with Kilnamona in see saw battle (7/05/05)

With the draw for the senior B championship made, this league game had a certain added spice as the two teams were paired in the same group. After defeating Inagh a week earlier morale was high in the camp. This was sure to be the hardest of the league to date as the three victories secured had all been against Intermediate teams in the senior league. Kilnamona started without former Clare senior Fergal Hegarty and Cathal Lafferty (who came on at half time) but Smith O’Brien’s were also weakened with Patrick Aherne (foot) Shane O’Brien (hamstring) out. Michael Culhane had strained his hamstring a week early against Inagh, and was forced to withdraw after only five minutes due to a reoccurrence of that injury and looks set to be out of action for a month.

This game was a ding dong battle throughout with both defences on top. Score’s been rare and frees proved to be the main source. Kilnamona began to gain the initiative and led by a few points at half time. Smith O’Brien’s battled hard in the second half to narrow the margin but Kilnamonas’ St. Flan Ann’s contingent, who had earlier that weekend won the All Ireland colleges, began to have an influence and score a few valuable points from play.

The guys stuck manfully to the task however, and with Ian O’Halloran and Willie Neary in top form they led the way. Trevor Howard and Brian Lenihan got motoring and began to land some vital scores. At this stage victory looked likely, but discipline let the team down and Kilnamona landed three late frees to go one up. Martin Haugh had a late goal chance from a rebound but fist timed the ball over the bar to secure the draw at 1-13 a piece. Both teams will have learnt a lot about their opponents and could be happy with the result knowing that the main show down will occur in the championship.

Smith O Brien’s seniors continue bright start with win over Ogonelloe (21/05/05)

The senior’s faced into their toughest match of the Clare cup at the weekend with a tie with near neighbors and rivals Ogonelloe. The scene was set for a stormy affair as the clouds gathered over the immaculate Killaloe venue. Ogonelloe started brightly with Brendan McNamara and their midfield gaining the upper hand in the initial stages. Smith O Brien’s looked in for a baptism of fire as the more experienced side tagged on a few frees from Kieran Forde.

The home team soon settled however and narrowed the margin with Brian Lenihan, John Cusack and Shane O’Brien prominent. The on form Seamus Gleeson scored a great long range effort from distance after a burst from defence. Willie Neary then landed a long range free to give Smith O’Brien’s the lead for the first time. Forde then goaled for Ogonelloe to leave them in front at the interval by two points. Thunder bellowed over the ground at half time, perhaps a sign of fire works in the second half?

This was a game the team had targeted to win and they began the second half in determined fashion. Worryingly the calm conditions changed, and the Ogonelloe men had a fresh breeze at their backs as they played into the clubhouse end. With Stephen McCarthy beginning to throw over points for fun from a variety of angles the deficit was wiped out. The halfbacks began to completely take over and curb the supply to the Ogonelloe inside line. When full forward Kevin McCarthy scored 1-1 in a five minute blitz the outcome was sealed and the run continues…..

TUBBER report coming soon.

Smith O ‘Brien’s defeat championship rivals Clonlara (11/06/05)

With five wins and a draw already secured in the group stages the Clare Cup campaign was going better than anyone had hoped. Getting a chance to play near neighbors Clonlara in competitive fair at senior level had not come around in quiet a while so both sets of players where ready for a ding dong battle. Similarly to the Kilnamona game both teams were drawn against each other in the up coming championship which added an extra bit of spice to this already interesting encounter.

Played in blistering heat in Clonlara, Johnny Healy refereed the game when the appointed ref failed to show. The tight sloping pitch suited the home team, but Smith O’ Brien’s took the early initiative with Brian Lenihan setting up Patrick Aherne for their first score. The defense was on top as usual with the half back line of Seamus Gleeson, Willie Neary and Shane Burns to the fore. The two Conway brothers proving the main attacking threat for Clonlara.

John Cusack came more into the game at wing forward with Stephen McCarthy working hard in the corner. One of the highlights of the first half was the tussle between Trevor Howard and Tomas O’Donovan, particularly a shoulder that knocked the big Clonlara man.

Half time score Smith O’ Brien’s 0-9 Clonlara 0-6.

Again Smith O’ Brien’s got some momentum going with Paul McKeogh and Patrick Kennedy on top in their relative positions. The game was effectively decided when captain Brian Lenihan scored the games only goal ten minutes from the end. O’Donovan was moved to centre forward where his barging runs cause some difficulties. Cian Moloney entered the fray, returning from a long term shoulder injury but time was against them. The sun was relentless in the second half and both teams tired visibly in the last few minutes with the standard dropping but Smith O’ Brien’s help out comfortably to win.

Final Score: Smith O’Brien’s 1-14 Clonlara 0-10

Both teams will need to up their performance when they meet next time out in the championship, in what promised to be a cracking encounter.

It was great to hear the game being broadcast live on our local radio Station KRFM. Naiose Lawlor did commentary in place of the legendary Paul McCarthy, with Pat Aherne offering half time comment. Great credit is due to all, as it gives many people especially the elderly a chance to listen live to the game, particularly Paddy Collins and Peter Murphy.

Seniors end the Clare Cup group stages unbeaten (19-06-05)

Having already being declared group winners the pressure was off as the team traveled to Clarecastle who were rooted to the bottom of the group. The prolonged spell of good weather continued and the sun beat down for this two pm throw in. The writing looked on the wall for the magpies as team captain Brian Lenihan ran on to a Shane O’Brien hand pass to slot home an early goal for the first score of the game.The home team had other ideas however and with their full forward proving a real threat especially in the air, the defense was kept on their toes. Their wing forward Ken, was accurate from frees to keep them in touch.

The undoubted highlight of the game if not the league campaign to date, came courtesy of a blistering solo effort from O’Brien’s Bridge man Trevor Howard. Directly from Brendan Foleys long puck out he soared highest to claim the ball from a forest of players. With one thing on his mind he left the group in his wake showing lighting speed to flash past the converging defenders and blast home, off his hurley from 20 yards. The ball never touching the ground from the puck out to goal. Quiet simply magic!

This left the team 5 points up at the break but the magpies were determined not to cave in. With the backs now dominating and the forwards beginning to link up well early in the second half the points looked secure. John Cusack was unerring from frees and notched up 0-9 altogether. Brian Lenihan has to retire with a hamstring strain and is a doubt for the semi final. On a good note however Michael Culhane returned from his injury with no ill effects. With time almost up the magpies struck for two late goals to narrow the gap, but it was a case of too little too late as Smith O’Brien’s won 2-17 to 3-11.