Inagh-Kilnamona claim first Clare SHC crown

Inagh-Kilnamona etched their name into Clare hurling history by capturing their first-ever Senior Hurling Championship in a commanding 2-18 to 1-14 victory against local rivals Kilmaley. The final, held at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg in Ennis, marked the end of a prolonged wait since the club's formation in 2008, finally bringing home the Canon Hamilton trophy after an intense and fiercely contested battle.

Kilmaley began strongly, taking advantage of favourable conditions and a superb Conor Cleary sideline to open the scoring with a goal from Sean O’Loughlin in the 14th minute. However, Inagh-Kilnamona responded swiftly, with captain Aidan McCarthy narrowing the gap and eventually drawing level by the 25th minute, thanks to crucial points from David Fitzgerald. The match was tightly poised at half-time, with Kilmaley leading 1-8 to 1-7. The second half saw relentless exchanges, highlighted by remarkable defensive efforts, including a critical hook from Mark Callinan and a vital full-length save by goalkeeper Eamonn Foudy.

The decisive moments came in the closing stages as Inagh-Kilnamona surged ahead with a flurry of scores from their experienced contingent, notably two-time All-Star David Fitzgerald who struck three pivotal points from midfield. Captain McCarthy, Sean Rynne, and substitute Niall Mullins extended the lead, while Fred Hegarty sealed the victory with a dramatic late goal. The win was a testament to the team's resilience and skill, rewarded with jubilant celebrations as they lifted the coveted Clare SHC trophy for the very first time.

Scorers for Inagh-Kilnamona included Aidan McCarthy (3 frees), Fred Hegarty 1-5, David Fitzgerald 0-5, with additional points from David Mescall, Niall Mullins, and Sean Rynne. Kilmaley’s efforts were led by Sean O’Loughlin (1-3, including a free), Mikey O’Neill (0-3), and contributions from Mikey O’Malley, Colm Killeen, and others.

Team line-ups and substitutions were as follows:

Inagh-Kilnamona: Eamonn Foudy; Shane Woods, Keith White, Conor Rynne; Kevin Hehir, James Hegarty, Darren Cullinan; Mark Callinan, Sean Rynne; David Fitzgerald, Kealan Guyler, Josh Guyler; Fred Hegarty, Aidan McCarthy, David Mescall.
Subs: Gearoid Barry (for J. Guyler 38'), Niall Mullins (for Mescall 43'), Jason McCarthy (for Cullinan 54'), Jack Mescall (for Callinan 56'), Brian Foudy (for White 63').

Kilmaley: Bryan O’Loughlin; Colin McGuane, Joe Casey, Colin Carmody; Aidan McGuane, Mikey O’Malley, Daire Keane; Tommy Barry, Sean Kennedy; Brian McNamara, Mikey O’Neill, Cian Moloney; Tom O’Rourke, Conor Cleary, Sean O’Loughlin.
Subs: Evan Cahill (for Kennedy 43'), Colm Killeen (for O’Rourke 44'), Eoin Enright (for O’Neill 57'), James Fitzpatrick (for Moloney 58').

Referee: Niall Malone (Éire Óg).