Clondegad kept their championship hopes alive as they sent Corofin into a relegation battle.
Clondegad 1-17
Corofin 2-05
Venue: Dr Hennessy Park, Miltown Malbay
As expected the men from Clondegad ensured their still in the race for Jack Daly as they overcame the challenge of Corofin on Sunday evening.
Nine points was the difference between the teams as Corofin still find themselves readjusting to life at Senior. They have been handed the short straw in their return to the grade having been drawn to Cratloe and Clondegad but it’s helped to realise there’s no easy games at this level.
A goal from County star Jamie Malone put Corofin in front as they led 1-02 0-02 inside the opening quarter. However they were outscored 8-1 in the remainder of the half as Clondegad began to find their rhythm.
They increased their advantage as the second half commenced with seven points the difference inside the opening ten minutes of the half. Malone popped up again to lower the deficit as his shot eluded Declan O’Loughlin in the Clondegad goal.
John Connolle’s side hung on and were awarded a penalty as Corofin netminder Kieran Carkill fouled Clare captain Gary Brennan which resulted in a second yellow for him and a penalty for Clondegad which Brennan made no mistake with to confirm their victory.
Having reached the last four in 2016, Clondegad will be planning to get back to that stage and possibly even further. Today was a test on their way to doing so and they passed it comprehensively.
Seamus Clancy’s Corofin must now regroup ahead of their relegation semi-final which takes place in two weeks time. The North Clare men will be facing one of St Josephs Doora/Barefield, Kilrush Shamrocks or Éire Óg. In order to secure their status they must start scoring more, in their two championship games they have only got nine scores in one hundred and twenty minutes of football.