New Champions!
This year’s tournament – played in glorious sunshine – saw Clare Corinthians claim the trophy for the first time. Read on for a full tournament report…
Group A
With ten matches in the group the action was fast and furious. Goals were at a premium, and after the final round of games it was still unclear who would go through.
The next round of games saw Clare Corinthians become clear leaders at the top of the table, beating Whitegate Mixed Bag. Mixed Bag Dynamos drew with KJI Allstars, this being the Allstars’ second point.
In their final game KJI Allstars defeated Lisdoonvarna United, thus putting them level on points with Mixed Bag Dynamos. They did, however, have an inferior goal difference. This meant their only chance was that Mixed Bag Dynamos would lose to Clare Corinthians in their final game.
The final two matches saw firstly the key meeting of Mixed Bag Dynamos and Clare Corinthians. Mixed Bag went behind early, but pressed hard looking for an equaliser. They had a couple of half chances, but couldn’t breach the Corinthians’ goal. A 1-0 defeat would have seen them stay ahead of KJI Allstars, but with the final kick of the game Corinthians bagged another. Coming into the final game Whitegate Mixed Bag needed therefore only a point to progress to the knockout rounds. A feisty affair saw, however, Lisdoonvarna – newcomers to the tournament – finally find their feet and come out deserved winners.
This meant that after all the group matches two teams – Mixed Bag Dynamos and KJI Allstars – had identical records in joint second place. As per the rules a penalty shoot out was needed to decide which team would go through. It was a close call, but KJI came out eventual winners, 4-3 being the outcome of penalties.
|
Group A League Table |
|||||||||
| Pos | Teams | Pl | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pnts |
|
1 |
Clare Corinthians |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
6 |
10 |
|
2 |
KJI Allstars |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
|
2 |
Mixed Bag Dynamos |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
|
4 |
Whitegate Mixed Bag |
4 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
-2 |
4 |
|
5 |
Lisdoonvarna United |
4 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
7 |
-4 |
3 |
| *KJI Allstars beat Mixed Bag Dynamos 4-3 in penalty shoot out to decide 2nd place | |||||||||
|
Group A Scores |
|||
| Mixed Bag Dynamos |
0 |
0 |
Whitegate Mixed Bag |
| KJI Allstars |
0 |
0 |
Clare Corinthians |
| Lisdoonvarna United |
0 |
2 |
Mixed Bag Dynamos |
| Whitegate Mixed Bag |
1 |
0 |
KJI Allstars |
| Clare Corinthians |
2 |
0 |
Lisdoonvarna United |
| Mixed Bag Dynamos |
0 |
0 |
KJI Allstars |
| Whitegate Mixed Bag |
0 |
2 |
Clare Corinthians |
| Lisdoonvarna United |
1 |
2 |
KJI Allstars |
| Mixed Bag Dynamos |
0 |
2 |
Clare Corinthians |
| Whitegate Mixed Bag |
1 |
2 |
Lisdoonvarna United |
Group B
The opening game in the group saw Invictus beat LIT All Stars. This was followed by a repeat of last year’s final, with Cider Babies facing East Clare Patriots. As in that game Cider Babies came out on top.
A close encounter between Invictus and East Clare Patriots came next. The teams drew 1-1, which seemed a fair result. Cider Babies continued their winning ways, defeating LIT All Stars in an entertaining game.
The final round of games saw Cider Babies again victorious, defeating Invictus 3-0. Consequently the Babies ended up clear group winners.
East Clare Patriots had the opportunity to overtake Invictus into second place if they could defeat LIT All Stars. The All Stars’ lack of substitutes showed as they put up a brave show but ran out of steam, and the Patriots won 5-1, thus progressing to the knockout stages.
|
Group B League Table |
|||||||||
| Pos | Teams | Pl | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pnts |
|
1 |
Cider Babies |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
9 |
|
2 |
East Clare Patriots |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
|
3 |
Invictus |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
-1 |
4 |
|
4 |
LIT All Stars |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
9 |
-8 |
0 |
|
Group B Scores |
|||
| LIT All Stars |
0 |
2 |
Invictus |
| East Clare Patriots |
0 |
2 |
Cider Babies |
| Invictus |
1 |
1 |
East Clare Patriots |
| LIT All Stars |
0 |
2 |
Cider Babies |
| Invictus |
0 |
3 |
Cider Babies |
| LIT All Stars |
1 |
5 |
East Clare Patriots |
Knockout Stages
In the first semi final Cider Babies played against KJI Allstars. Cider Babies were on top throughout, but found themselves up against a resolute Allstars defence. The all important goal did come, however, and so reigning champions Cider Babies again got to the final.
The second semi final was a more open affair and saw some thrilling attacking play. Clare Corinthians played with flair, and created several opportunities, but only scored one early goal – the East Clare Patriots keeper was in inspired form and kept his team in the match. Whilst the Patriots managed to get a goal, Corinthians eventually scored two more and thus headed to the final.
Going into the final Cider Babies had a 100% record, having won every match and looking consistently strong. In contrast Clare Corinthians had grown into the tournament, looking better with every game. A final worthy of the occasion looked on the cards, and it didn’t disappoint, with both sides playing fine football. In the end, however, the Corinthians came out on top and won the game 2-0.
The tournament was a charity fund raiser, with all proceeds going to Ennis and Clare Samaritans – to help them with their invaluable work supporting people in distress. The director of the local Samaritans presented the Iniscealtra Community shield to Steve, the captain of the winning team. In accepting the trophy Steve dedicated it to his mother, who had passed away 20 years earlier to the day.
A total of €920 was raised. Thanks go to referees Clive and Owen, to Scarriff GAA Club for the use of their facilities, to Denise for help with the admin, to the Red Cross who provided expert care, and of course to all the players who participated and brought such a fine spirit to the occasion.