A fresh but sunny autumn evening in Broadford was the setting for the East Clare League Final for the Tony Marsh Cup on Saturday. A fine crowd came to watch two worthy teams, Feakle and O’Callaghan’s Mills, battle it out for the 2015 title.

At half-time the match seemed to be going well for the Mills with a score of 1-08 to Feakle’s 0-04. However, Feakle mounted a strong attack in the second half, including two notable goals, to make their presence felt and ensure the game was not all one-sided. The final victory, however, went to O’Callaghan’s Mills with scores at the end of play O’Callaghan’s Mills 2-19 Feakle 2-11.

The prize-giving ceremony was hosted by Vice Chairman of the County Board Joe Cooney and the Tony Marsh Cup was presented by Genevieve Marsh.

Well done and thank you to both teams and congratulations to O’Callaghan’s Mills on their win.

Broadford Hurling Club would also like to extend its thanks to the entire Marsh family for presenting the cup in memory of the late Tony Marsh.

Broadford U13's produced a strong full squad performance on Thursday evening seeing off Cratloe in an away fixture on a scoreline of 4-02 to 0-1.
Although the first half finished with few scores it was Broadford who had most of the play. The game started with the first score going to Cratloe. Cratloe's forwards were to get some good ball earlier on but with excellent back play from James Quinn Tuite and Gearóid Vaughan they were having no joy in increasing their scoreline. The few wides that Cratloe got in this period were punished by the huge puck outs from Tomás McMahon. This provided the likes of David Boland and Alex Mason with serious go-forward ball. Broadford piled on the pressure straight after the first Cratloe score. The full-forward line worked tirelessly to win ball and put the Cratloe backs under pressure with Ben Flynn, Harry Cooper and Marcus Corrigan contesting every ball. Eric Berquist supplying the forward line with some great ball with quick ground-strikes. It was all credit to the Cratloe goalie for his defence that kept Broadford at bay in the first half.
The most impressive aspect of this game was that it was a squad performance. The second half was a repetition of the first in that Broadford had most of the play again. The breakthrough came from Broadford very early on with a superbly struck goal from Niall O' Farrell.  The hard graft was done in midfield by Oisín Kavanagh and David Boland. From then on Broadford looked like opening the flood-gates. Conor O' Donnell continued as he did in the first half winning all the 50-50 balls and picking out some excellent passes. The little ball that did go to the Cratloe backs was easily swept up by the excellent back play of the likes of T.J. Dillon, Paul McNamara and Cormac O' Brien. There was no shortage of skill on show here. David Boland increased the score with a brace of points and next came another goal from Niall O' Farrell. There was no let up for Cratloe when Cathal O' Sullivan stepped up for his goal after working tirelessly to win ball in the previous few minutes.
It was all one-way traffic at this stage and the game was dead and buried when Niall powered in to get his hat-trick. 
Well done to all involved. Great squad performance.   

The Camogie Intermediate Semi-Final takes place on Sunday at 10:30am with  
Feakle/Broadford taking on St Joseph’s in Kilkishen.

Good luck to all the team and mentors. 

​Come along to lend your support if you can.

The Broadford U16 Camogie team played Kilmaley on Wednesday evening in the Under 16’s Semi-Final; which took place in Clarecastle.

Whilst Kilmaley won the match with a final score of 4-07 to Broadfords’s 5-02, Broadford’s triumph and sheer determination in the second half of the match just cannot be overstated and demonstrated that this team are made of sterner stuff.

Twenty minutes in the first half and Broadford were without a score to Kilmaley’s score line of 2-04. This however was not for want of trying.  A number of long pucks from Zoe O’Keefe and Aoife Vaughan were received and kept in play by Susan O’Shea and Moya Marsh who tried to make the most of the opportunities but were unable to break Kilmaley’s strong defensive play; yet coming close to goals a number of times. This, along with Broadford’s own hard-played defence with some notable blocks from Apryl O’Regan and Goalie Aoife Boland ensured that Kilmaley had to work hard to achieve their bounty. A free taken by Anna-Lee Marsh and one over the bar from play for Cathriona Millane helped lift Broadford’s spirits though, with the halftime score at 0-02 to 2-05.

Maybe the Broadford girls overcame their initial nervousness in the first half, or maybe the great encouragement they received from mentors Deirdre Boland, Regina Heffernan and Anne Marsh during halftime helped to give them that extra bit of confidence. Whatever the explanation, Broadford came back fighting for the second-half.  Zoe O’Keefe, Aoife O’Brien and Anna-Lee Marsh ensured the ball was kept in play along sidelines and heading in the right direction for Broadford but Kilmaley claimed the first score of the second half with another goal. However, from the depths of adversity Susan O’Shea scored the first goal for Broadford after a fine solo run and pass from Cathriona Millane.  This was then soon followed by a second goal, this time from Alexandra Troy and a third at the ten minute mark from Anna-Lee Marsh. Three goals in succession without reply (3-02 to 3-05) and Broadford was well a truly back in the game! With Kilmaley’s lead reduced the excitement on the sidelines was palpable as the two teams battled it out. With the weather and light deteriorating the prospects of a stunning comeback for Broadford seemed to slip away again with points from a free, a 45 and a further goal in succession put Kilmaley ahead again by eight points (3-02 to 4-07) with less than ten minutes left on the clock. A free taken inside of 45m gave Broadford a late opportunity though and Alexandra Troy went for goal with the Kilmaley girls lined up in defence of the net but the a ball is knocked forward and back in to play and ultimately goes wide. A 45 and another shot for Alexandra and the ball drops in front of the goal. Players storm in to defend and attack in equal measure but Anna-Lee Marsh gets the goal for Broadford. Heading in to extra time and both teams send the ball up and down the pitch in equal measure, including fine solo runs for Aoife Vaughan and Aoife O’Brien running through the Kilmaley defences and the Broadford defences denying Kilmaley two serious goal opportunities. However In the very last throws of play Braodford secures the last goal in an act of final defiance. Final score 5-02 to 4-07.

The Kilamey team were a strong opponents and dealt Broadford a bruising first half but the Broadford girls triumphed over adversity in the second half to drastically reduce Kilmaley’s lead and keep Kilmaley fighting for their victory. The Broadford team left the field at the end of the match disappointed but truly admired by their supporters and opponents alike. Bad luck girls.

The U16's team just came up short on Saturday last in Newmarket-On-Fergus. The final score was Éire Óg 3-9 Broadford-Smith O' Briens 1-12.
Éire Óg got the stronger start going up two points but with strong running from Niall Moloney and Eoin Power, Broadford (SOB) went level. Niall scoring a brace and Eoin 1. 
The mid-field was a strongly contested area with strong challenges put in by Goose, Niall O' Brien and in wing-forward by Jamie Butler. The Éire Óg forwards were well shepherded for long periods by James Vaughan, Cian Mulqueen and Éanna McNamara. Cian catching some incredible ball out of the sky in both halves. The first half sparked into life when Eoin Power caught a long-range free from Niall O' Brien and smashed it into the net. Broadford (SOB) kept the score ticking over in the first half with the dependable free-taking of J.C. McMahon. It was pretty much level at half-time even though Broadford (SOB) had been below par in stages.
Éire Óg started the stronger in the second-half and went ahead by a few points. It was however the immense defensive work by the likes of Mike Gough that kept the scores down. Gough storming out of defence on numerous occasions to the cheers of the sizeable Broadford (SOB) crowd. Points from J.C. McMahon and Niall O' Brien kept the score board ticking over but a fortunate goal from the opposition looked like it might not be Broadford (SOB)'s day. It shows however the character of this young team that after going four points down with not much time on the clock, they battled to go level again. Cian Cremins and Eoin Power winning the 'dirty ball' to give serious scoring changes to the full-forward line. At this stage it looked like Broadford (SOB) might get the winner but it was a swift Éire Óg break that gifted them a goal after a great save from Paddy Donnelan that proved to be the winning score. 
All credit must be given to this young team who have displayed their bravery, skill and 'never say die' attitude this year. Thanks to the parents for their excellent support at each match. A special mention must go to the coaches who have truly developed this team this year. 
   
   

On a Sunday that can at best be described as grim with the wind and rain driving across the open pitch towards the dugouts, Bodyke was the scene for the Junior B quarter-final between Broadford and Tulla.  Whilst this spectator was struggling miserably with plastic bags and an umbrella in vain and uncoordinated attempts to keep the camera dry and make notes at the same time; the entirely more organised Broadford lads were not letting the rotten conditions get the better of them and took three points, the first from a 65, in the first three minutes of the match. A goal from John McNamara soon afterwards gave Broadford a six point lead. Both teams continued to battle it out but Broadford was definitely the stronger side.  A penalty from Declan Teefy sent easily to the back of the net and four more appearances of the white flag with just two points in response, gave Broadford an eleven point lead over Tulla at the end of the first half. (2-07 to 0-02).

Wham-bam and the second half started very differently and Tulla gave Broadford and its loyal, damp supporters something to think about.  A goal from a free in the first minute of play followed by a second goal from play after a free was dropped just short of the goal and Broadford’s healthy lead was reduced to just five points in the first three minutes of play.  A further bout of play around the Broadford goal left in no doubt that Tulla had come back fighting.  Broadford’s Seanie Cassey responds with one over the bar that requires the ref to confer with the umpire but the point is awarded and not ruled wide.  Minutes later and some 25m out in front of the opponent’s goal and Cassey has the ball again, slips on the wet ground and the ball drops but as his opponent comes in to take the advantage Cassey stumbles in to a great recovery of the ball, and himself, and sends it over the bar. Broadford is reasserting its lead but the next ten minutes of play and Tulla continue to have the slight edge gaining a further three points with Broadford only managing to rally wides for their efforts (2-09 to 2-05). Broadford has to defend against a number of close challenges from Tulla around the Broadford goal and manages to stave off the spectre of the green flag and Tulla is only able to score one more over the bar for their efforts.  In the final ten minutes, several points from frees and from play for Broadford and they managed to maintain and extend their lead once again. 
Final score 2-13 to 2-06.


Thanks to taking an early lead and banking a healthy score in the first half, Broadford came out ahead against a side that pulled out the stops in the second half.

Well done Broadford.

Broadford played Sixmilebridge in their Intermediate semi-final match in Tulla on Friday evening.  A minute’s silence was held before the start of the match for Mattie Gunning who died last week.

Six minutes in to the match and Broadford looked to be facing an uphill struggle with the ‘Bridge taking an early lead with 4 points on the board. A point from play for Padraig Hickey announced Broadford were now in the game! Points from play followed from Diarmuid Moloney and Cathal Chaplin and a free from Cathal soon after and the scores were level at 4 points apiece 15 minutes in to the first half. The game ebbed and flowed and neither side seemed in ultimate control but with the help of some fine midfield interceptions from Aonghus O’Brien and his sending of the ball down to the likes of Shane Taylor and Craig Chaplin, who was on form for the high catches, and a number of successful frees from Padraig Hickey’ Broadford managed to maintain a lead until the 27th minute (0-10 to 0-08). The ‘Bridge piled on the pressure though in the last few minutes and levelled the scores with the help of two frees. Before the halftime whistle the ‘Bridge looked like they might deal a severe blow to Broadford as they came close to a goal scoring chance from intense play in front of the Broadford goal but Broadford defended well and a save from goalie Alan McMahon who then sent the ball in the direction of Aonghus O’Brien, who in turn cleared it up the field to give Broadford the last play in the first half ensuring the Bridge did not leave the field with an all-important advantage. Half-time score 0-10 to 0-10.

All to play for in the second half and two wides for Broadford in the first minute of play showed the Broadford lads were going to take every chance afforded them. Anonghus O’Brien intercepts the ball from the puck out and sends it straight back over the bar – the first points of the second half to Broadford!  Further points from play and frees for both sides over the next few minutes and the ‘Bridge were ahead by a point (0-12 to 0-13). Just seven minutes in and Broadford were on the attack outside the Bridge square and Stiofan McMahon was pulled down to the ground leading to a penalty taken by Cathal Chaplin. Chaplin went for the goal but a fine save from the Bridge goalie denied Broadford the three points they craved.  The ball found its way back in to play and was soon up to Broadford’s midfield. Intercepted by Sean Phelan he walloped the ball down the centre of the field to inside the box, Craig Chaplin reached high with his hurley and flicked the ball on the remains of its journey to the back of the net. 1-12 to 0-13.  Just two points ahead but a boost of hope for the Broadford players and supporters.  Donnie Whelan comes on from the bench and soon extends Broadford’s lead by another two points from play after commanding  near the side lines, taking the ball to the 20m line and crossing it diagonally  over the bar. This is followed by a long strike over the bar from Shane Taylor after a fine pass from Diarmuid Moloney. (1-15 to 0-13) The Bridge not despondent soon launched their own attacks in front of the Broadford goal. Firstly after a run up the far side of the pitch but the ball was retrieved and send back down the field by Steven Gunning from the back line. Their second attempt soon after from a free from the 65m line dropped in front of the goal but was stopped by Alan McMahon who ran across the back line and again sent it down the field.  The Bridge lads were desperately seeking goals and were heaping on the pressure in spades but could not find the elusive goal having to settle for three over the bar with Padraig Hickey finding just one point to help keep the Bridge at bay. 1-16 to 0-16 and 22 minutes down. So close but yet so far for Broadford.  With the watery sun dropping behind the baying spectators and casting long shadows, Diarmuid Moloney scored a point for Broadford that would hopefully mark the beginning of the end at the 25 minute mark.  A point from Hickey with just one in response from the Bridge took the score line to 1-18 to 0-17. With the ‘Bridge’s continued attempts to land one in the back of the net a win for Broadford was still not guaranteed at this point.  Cathal takes a free for Broadford from the far side and over 65m out and drops it in front of the goal but the ball is sent wide.  Disputed but Broadford gets the 65 and Hickey sends it over bar as it just clips the post. (1-18 to 0-16).  27 minutes down and Broadford just need to keep their heads; the Bridge has possession again and seems to have the option to press on for the goal but thankfully take the point. Alan takes the puck out and the ball finds its way down to Hickey who storms a short distance down the field and scores Broadford’s last point.  The Bridge scores its final point from a free and the last two minutes of the game seem to last an eternity with calls for the ref to blow it up. The Bridge continues to look for that goal in the last minute but another fine save from Broadford ensures it is not to be. A final free for the Bridge going wide finally ended the game. Final score 1-19 to 0-18.

An exciting game and Sixmilebridge a very worthy opponent that just need a break to take the game in a different direction.  Broadford now look forward to the Final!

Looking forward to Broadford Hurling Clubs, “Night at the Dogs” tomorrow at Limerick Greyhound Stadium.

We have had great support for this event from the club’s players, members and friends; from the Broadford Minor and Camogie clubs; and not least from our sponsors to whom we are truly grateful, many of which are local businesses and organisations or have had strong links with the club in the past.

Thank you once again for your support!

It’s all go this weekend for Broadford’s hurlers.

The action starts Friday evening with Broadford facing Sixmilebridge in their Intermediate Championship semi-final faceoff.  The match takes place in Tulla with the throw-in at 6pm.

Saturday afternoon and the U16B semi-final takes place in Newmarket-on-Fergus. Broadford face Eire Og at 4pm.

Sunday at 12 noon it’s the Junior B Championship quarter-final with Broadford vs Tulla in Bodyke.

All matches promise to be exciting so good luck to all the teams and trainers and come along and lend your support if you can make it.

Don’t forget the Dog Night on Saturday.  If you still need tickets then you can contact Pat on 087 3506359 or Seanie 087 7693396