Inagh-Kilnamona dethrone Éire Óg to reach Clare SHC final

Inagh-Kilnamona's Aidan McCarthy in action with Clare ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Inagh-Kilnamona are through to the Clare senior hurling championship final after overcoming defending champions Éire Óg Inis by 1-24 to 2-14.

Aidan McCarthy led the way with a superb 0-13 haul, while Fred Hegarty’s second-half goal proved crucial as Inagh-Kilnamona pulled clear.

Éire Óg struggled for fluency early on and found themselves seven points behind at half-time, trailing 0-14 to 0-7. Danny Russell missed three frees, while David McNamara was forced off with an injury after just minutes.

They responded after the break when Marco Cleary found the net, but McCarthy quickly settled any nerves with a point before powering through the centre and setting up Hegarty for a goal.

David Reidy’s late goal offered Éire Óg some hope, but Inagh-Kilnamona held firm to secure their place in the decider.

For Éire Óg, it was a disappointing end to their title defence and to Shane O’Donnell’s final season. The veteran forward was given a standing ovation as he left the field.

Inagh-Kilnamona will now meet Kilmaley in the Banner County's SHC decider after their 0-25 to 1-11 win over Scariff yesterday.