Clonlara rid themselves of their bridesmaids' tag with a first Clare SHC title in 15 years at Cusack Park yesterday.

Micheál O’Loughlin bagged 2-9 as the South East Clare outfit defeated Crusheen for a third time in this year's championship by 3-18 to 2-16 to put behind them three final defeats and six semi-final losses since their last Canon Hamilton Cup success in 2008 when county star John Conlon was also playing.  

First half goals from O'Loughlin and 2013 All-Ireland winner Colm Galvin helped the winners to a 2-7 to 0-6 interval lead. But Crusheen, who had racked up 11 wides in the opening half, stormed back with 1-2 from county U20 Oisín O'Donnell to trail by 1-13 to 2-13 at the end of the third quarter.

However, O’Loughlin steadied Clonlara with his second major in the 50th minute and they surged nine points clear before Breffni Horner grabbed a late consolation goal from Crusheen.

 

John Conlon wins his second Clare SHC medal with @clonlaragaaclub - fifteen years after his first . He spoke to Clare GAA TV after todays @TUS_ie SHC Final about the club maturing in that time and the hard work that’s going on behind the scenes . https://t.co/zg43TEIVEy

— Clare Gaa (@GaaClare) October 22, 2023

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