03/06/2024:  Kildysart showed true grit and mettle today when they held firm and produced a one-point victory over Ennistymon in the final round of the Cusack Cup, ensuring their 6th year in the top tier for 2025, Kildysart 2-10, Ennistymon 1-12.  Kildysart will now turn their attention to Championship and will be buoyed by their performance in inflicting Ennistymon’s only second loss of the campaign.

Ennistymon started the scoring with a point from play in the first minute.  This was quickly countered by a free from Conor Hassett, who moments later provided the ball for Keith Murphy’s point to put Kildysart in front.  Stevie Sheehan lobbed a long diagonal ball to Diarmuid O’Donnell, who offloaded to Seamus Casey, who curled over a lovely point, to put Kildysart ahead by two.  O’Donnell, who made his first appearance in the league today due to his Clare duties, then won a free near the sideline.  His resulting effort dropped to Murphy who turned and fired for home.  The save by the North Clare ‘keeper was picked up by Jack Cotter and slotted to the net, Kildysart 1-3, Ennistymon 0-1.  Rory McMahon made one of his trademark runs and slotted between the posts to extend the Blue’s lead to 6 with ten minutes played.  However, Ennistymon roared to life and dominated the second quarter with five unanswered scores to very much make a game of it.  Score at the break, Kildysart 1-4, Ennistymon 0-6.

Ennistymon started the second half with two quick points to bring their tally to 7 scores without reply from the home side and nudged in front by one.  The sides traded scores over the next few minutes and both times that scores from O’Donnell brought us level, Ennistymon was equal to the cause and pulled ahead again.  Forty minutes on the clock and Kildysart trail by one, Kildysart 1-6, Ennistymon 0-10.  Then O’Donnell took a hard knock in the square and the Blues were awarded a penalty.  Acting captain Rory McMahon stepped up to the spot and hit it low and hard to the right-hand corner to give Kildysart a two-point cushion.  A brace from O’Donnell and a fisted effort from Michael Eustace gave Kildysart a 4-point advantage with three minutes of full-time remaining.  In the 59th minute, Ennistymon pointed to see Kildysart with the dreaded 1-score advantage, Kildysart 2-9, Ennistymon 0-12.  And in the 61st minute, the title holders broke down our rear guard and raided for a goal – all square with about two minutes stoppage time remaining.  And this is where Kildysart showed their grit and determination.  A draw was enough to keep Kildysart in the Cusack Cup but they went on the attack for the win.  A well-worked ball fell nicely to Kieran O’Brien who charged forward and fisted over the winning point.  The next play saw Ennistymon earn a free from about 50 metres out and when it went astray the final whistle blew.  Final score: Kildysart 2-10, Ennistymon 1-12.  Referee: Fergal O’Brien.

Kildysart: Kieran Eyres, Mark Moloney, Kieran Leahy, Stevie Sheehan, Oisin Coyle, Conor Moloney, Rory McMahon-captain (1-1, 1p), Conor Cusack, Kieran O’Brien (0-1), Mikey Donnellan, Seamus Casey (0-1), Conor Hassett (0-1, 1f), Diarmuid O’Donnell (0-4, 1f), Keith Murphy (0-1), Jack Cotter (1-0).  Subs: Conall Casey for Cotter (45 min), Michael Eustace (0-1) for Cusack.

Ennistymon, Lissycasey and Miltown are heading to the business end of the competition.  With their win over Clondegad today, Lissycasey are tied with Ennistymon for the top spot, but the North Clare side is heading to the final, based on head-to-head results.  Not sure what team Miltown put out today with their 3-16 to 0-3 loss to Doora Barefield, but they had enough work done to finish third in the group.  Breckans (4 pts) got their first win of the campaign today v KIB but it was not enough to save their division one status.  Clondegad rounded out the bottom of the table on 2 points and will play in Division 2 next year.  Barefield, KIB & Kildysart finish mid-table.  Looking to secure promotion from the Garry Cup are Eire Og, who go straight through to the final with Kilmihil and Corofin battling it out in the semi for the last spot.