McInerney stars as Cratloe make winning start to Clare SFC title defence

Cathal McInerney and Sean Collins of Cratloe celebrate scoring a goal ©INPHO/Natasha Barton

Cratloe got their Clare senior football championship title defence off to a winning start yesterday evening by handing St Joseph’s Milltown-Malbay a 2-9 to 0-10 defeat.

Cathal McInerney bagged both goals as the holders saw off the 2019 champions by five points in the end in Clarecastle.

Having netted midway through the first-half, McInerney sent over three frees afterwards to send Cratloe towards a 1-6 to 0-6 half-time lead.

The same player would net again in the third quarter and Davy Collins would send over their last score as Milltown-Malbay went in search of goals in the closing stages that never came their way.

Elsewhere, Kilmurray-Ibrickane were 0-10 to 0-8 winners against Eire Og on opening weekend while St Joseph’s Doora Barefield overcame St Breckans with a 1-9 to 1-7 victory.

SFC Group 3, Round 1, Cratloe V St Joseph’s Miltown, at Clarecastle. The final score is @CratloeGAAClub 2-09 @MiltownGAA 0-10. Photographs by John Kelly. @GaaClare #GAA pic.twitter.com/LdulTM5qNs

— The Clare Champion (@ClareChampion) August 2, 2024

🎦 CLARE GAA TV will be streaming two mouthwatering @TUS_ie Senior Football Championship opening round ties this Saturday (Aug 3rd)

Doonbeg 🆚 Ennistymon
📍Hennessy Park, Miltown @ 6pm 🕢

Corofin 🆚 Kildysart
📍Clarecastle @ 7pm 🕢

Please visit/register👉… pic.twitter.com/pKTCUk6VOr

— Clare Gaa (@GaaClare) August 2, 2024