On Friday night last, Clonmore faced a replay on their 2003 Junior Championship final, same venue of Maghery, same opponents in Annaghmore and unfortunately for the Emmets the same team were victors. These two teams know each other inside out, many players having come through the structure of St Johns which amalgamates both sides at under age level means that rivalry is intense. It was telling on the field that that rivalry had an effect on many players with both sides finding it hard to settle into the game and both making early errors and missing opportunities to get scores on the board. Clonmore, playing into a strong breeze, were first to score James Grimley winning and converting a free after 10 minutes. A minute later Annaghmore registered their first point also from a free, adding another soon after. Then a simple pass in the Clonmore defence was cut out by Annaghmores Shane Smyth who made no mistake in front of the goal. The Pearses quickly added 2 more points and suddenly after a five minute spell Clonmore had a lot to do. Raymond McBennett pointed for Clonmore before Raymond Convie bearing down on goal saw his shot well saved. Annaghmore added 2 more points to stretch their lead but Raymond McBennett after a poor Annaghmore clearance was sharp to react and took another point. Pressure was all on defence, with the Clonmore forwards starved of possession, just 4 wides is a clear indicator of the fact. Annaghmore added the last score of the half to leave scores at the break, Clonmore 0.3, Annaghmore 1.7

On the restart Annaghmore took up where they left off converting a free. A foul on James Grimley was converted by Raymond Convie however Annaghmore replied with another pointed free. Paul McNamee earned a free which he sent long into the square, Aidan Daly was first to react on the loose ball, placing his shot for a well taken goal. James Grimley then pointed to pull Clonmore within 4 points. Both sides exchanged points, Clonmores from Raymond Convie. Clonmore had several chances to register points but all dropped short. Raymond McBennett done well to keep possession in a run along the end line but his shot ended in the side netting. In the dying minutes both teams added 2 points each Raymond Convie scored both for The Emmets.

Final score Roibeard Eiméid Cluain Mór 1.08, Na Piarsigh Eannach Mór 1.12

In the cold light of day Clonmores failure to perform in the first half cost dearly and would have to face the fact that the better team advanced to the next round. Annaghmore took clinical scores at key stages of the game, something Clonmore failed to do.

A disappointing brief introduction to Intermediate championship football but Clonmore will look to regroup and build on the current strong league position with both eyes fixed firmly on promotion.

Book Launch
A book launch will be held in Clonmore Hall on Thursday 8th June.
‘Death by a Country Road’, by Des Fahy, investigates the circumstances around the  deaths of Clonmore man Sean Farmer and Colm McCartney from south Derry who were killed while returning home from a game in Croke Park. The author will be in attendance as will a representative of The Pat Finucane Centre, Derry and members of both mens families.
The launch commences at 8pm refreshments will be provided and everyone is welcome.