On the 17th of March, St. Patrick’s Day 2011, Clarinbridge took to the field in Croke Park against the Killkenny and Leinster champions O’Loughlain Gaels. When the forty minute mark came O’Loughlain Gaels looked as if they were going to win. Their fantastic centre forward scored the first 6 scores, but when the second half started Clarinbridge started their comeback and were on their way to victory, thanks to Micháel’s magic words at half time. Clarinbridge started scoring from every position and eventually won the match 2-18 to 12pts. They were crowned the club hurling champions of Ireland for 2011. The team and their captain climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand to receive the Tommy Moore, All-Ireland Cup. The captain Paul Callalan made a great speech the supports from Clarinbridge raised the roof of the Hogan stand with a raucous roar. The two Kerins brothers also had their turn in the spotlight, Mark with man of the match and Alan setting the record for the first person to win both the club Gaelic football championship with Salthill and the hurling with Clarinbridge. That night there were great celebrations in the village and the parish was set a light with bomb fires in every town-land.
By Marcus Brennan and Mikey Culhane.
