Michael Donoghue and his Management Team must have woken up the Sunday morning after the All-Ireland Club semi Final and thought they had just fallen out of a dream.

It was a remarkable victory and one which has become Clarinbridge's trade mark; they just never give up and continue to battle until the final whistle. Clarinbridge showed the same steely determination against Loughrea in the County final and subsequent replay.

Had they a rub of the green, yes! Of course they did, but what team doesn't. What is most impressive is the way they switched into auto drive and clinically finished off the job when the opportunity presented itself. It is this patience and composure that is surely the secret of the Galway men's success.

The combination of youth and experience is exceptionally well balanced in this team, who have campaigners from 2001 still playing key and highly influential roles, they bring a sense of calm and determination which is clearly picked up on by the younger guns that follow and lead with complete confidence.

The Kerins brothers Alan and Mark both long time servants to both Club and County are showing exactly how gifted they are in the ancient art of Hurling and again on the big day both players stepped up to the plate and let their true hurling qualities shine through.

It is good to see the younger members of the team freely expressing their talent and fearless determination, their mentor and Manager Michael Donoghue must be extremely proud of the manner in which they have approached each of their games. Remaining true to their game plan and executing each set piece with military precision, especially at critical stages, even when the game seemed to have been taken out of their hands.

All true enthusiasts of the game of hurling will have felt gutted for De La Salle and in particular to John Mullane. John Mullane always demonstrates great leadership and exceptional personal skill, the semi final was no exception scoring 11 points of their final tally 1- 27. Neither team deserved to lose but such is the inevitability of sport there can be only one victor. It will be of little comfort to De La Salle, how close the margin, a mere point separating the teams at the final whistle.

The senior team has brought success, enjoyment, unity and pride to the parish of Clarinbridge, It took years of hard work, commitment and dedication by many people to reach the standard that now exists in the club. It is a great honor for everyone today to be a member during these exciting times in a modern run club whose volunteers perform their duties in a highly professional manner. Often the unsung heroes a note of recognition must be made to for the Club Officers, Team Managers and Players of the past and present who have worked selflessly throughout the years, often through difficult and challenging times.

Teams are remembered for their winning performance in finals not in Semi Finals and Clarinbridge really came good on St Patrick's Day with a resounding win over O'Loughlin Gaels, the Kilkenny and Leinster champions.

The Galway men put all their focus and energy into those 60 minutes and pulled away in the second half to bring home the Tommy Moore Cup.

Clarinbridge GAA Club Information

- The Clarinbridge GAA club is in existence 122 years this year.

- While the senior team captures the limelight, the other adult teams and juvenile hurling and football teams enjoyed great success for themselves and the Club.

- At adult level, the Club has teams in the minor, U-21, Intermediate, Junior B and Junior C as well as the senior grade.

- The Clarinbridge GAA club is strong and vibrant, with over 470 members with approximately 170 adult playing members. The Club facilities include modern dressing rooms, a ball alley, meeting room and three playing fields.

- There are over three hundred children and teenagers partaking in GAA activities in Clarinbridge and we have two teams competing at all underage levels.

- The GAA club has given countless hours of pleasure and enjoyment and created life time friendships since its foundation. Games are played with as much passion and pride as they were over a century ago. Clarinbridge maintains the well fare of the Parish and greater community close to its heart, and continues to unite the community through the spirit of Sport, Pride and friendship at the same time creating positive role models for our young people and will continue to do so for future generations.

Clarinbridge G.A.A. Club - Roll of Honour

Senior: 2001 County & Connaught Champions & 2010 County Champions

Intermediate: 1983 & 1994

Junior A: 2003

Junior C: 1994

U21 A: 1995

Minor A: 1992 & 1998

Minor B: 2001

U16 A: 1990, 1991, 2009

U16 A2: 2002

U16 B: 1989

U14 A: 1989,1995,2004,2008

U14 1988: All Ireland Community Games Champions

U12 B Hurling: 2008

U12 A Hurling: 1989,1992,1993,1994,1995,2009,2010

U12 A Football: 2009 & 2010

E Mail: [email protected], www.clarinbridgegaa.ie

We were delighted to hear at Thornton Sports that Clarinbridge had used the Synthetic Grass pitch in Gort in their preparation, built by Thornton's the surface was designed and installed to mimic the very best of the best natural grass GAA surfaces such as Croke Park. All the Management and Staff of Thornton Sports Ireland would like to congratulate Clarinbridge GAA on their success in the final and were proud to welcome them back to Galway when they crossed the Shannon with the Tommy Moore Cup.

Dick Ridge Marketing and Development Manager Thornton Sports Ireland

Office 090 9741955 Mobile 086 8096068

Email: [email protected]

website: www.thorntonsports.ie Tweet

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