Clare Champion News and Sports Chat

Clare Champion Newspaper

Champion Sports Chat is the weekly local sports podcast by The Clare Champion newspaper. Publishing every Monday evening at 7pm.

  • 1 hour 47 minutes
    ‘We've had our fun and that's all that matters’
    0:00-9:22 - Intro; 9:22-44:54 - Clare's progression to a third consecutive Munster Senior Hurling Final against Limerick is analysed with Ger O'Connell and Kevin McNamara who looked back on another heart stopping finale, this time against Tipperary along with peering ahead to the club championship draws that were made last week; 44:54-1.00:31 - Avenue United are the double league and Clare Cup champions for the second time in three years following a tense titanic final showdown with arch-rivals Newmarket Celtic that was only decided on penalties on Saturday. CDSL PRO Dean Russell joined the lads to reflect on that historic achievement, the season as a whole and the crowning of the inaugural Donovan Sports Alternative Clare Cup champion; 1.00:31-1.35:09 - Mark Fitzgerald's senior footballers need to bounce back against Tyrone in Omagh this Sunday in what is a make-or-break tie for both in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. Kieran Madigan sizes up that task along with giving his initial thoughts on the senior, intermediate and Junior A Championship draws; 1.35:09- The long goodbye for Eoin and James commences with previews of the flagship ladies football and camogie squads' All-Ireland Championship starts; the summer series of Run the Banner; Aine Donegan's latest US Open bid and Munster's end of season hopes before signing off for the final time.
    29 May 2024, 4:21 pm
  • 1 hour 27 minutes
    ‘Is it all about enjoying hitting people with sticks?’
    Champion Chatter - Season 03 Episode 20 Please note this was recorded before Monday's Munster Minor Hurling Final 0:00-9:30 - Intro 9:30-35:32 - A major weekend for the senior, Under 20 and minor hurlers in their respective Munster Championships is discussed with Ger O'Connell. 35:32-49:28 - A strong Cork finish denied Clare's flagship footballers of a positive stat to the All-Ireland Senior Championship, with Mark Fitzgerald's side now facing a must win tie against Tyrone according to Kieran Madigan. 49:28-1.05:44 - It's Avenue United versus Newmarket Celtic in a fourth different competition as the Clare soccer season finishes with the ultimate Clare Cup showdown between the county's kingpins. Dean Russell also outlines the runners and riders in the league promotion and relegation races. 1.05:44-1.21:10 - Dual stars Laura Foley and Roisin Begley join Eoin and James to review their hockey season with Catholic Institute along with looking ahead to their All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship campaign with Clare that starts this Saturday at home to Down in Cusack Park (2pm) 1.21:10 - Round Up of the Run the Banner Summer series: Aine Donegan's US Open build-up; Clare Under 16 Camogie squad's latest away day; A dramatic Division 1 LGFA League victory for Kilmurry Ibrickane; Update on Clare's involvement in women's national soccer and Munster Rugby still on track for top spot in the URC.
    22 May 2024, 10:38 am
  • 1 hour 39 minutes
    'We have to hand on this sporting faith to the next generation'
    0:00-9:15 - Intro; 9:15-26:02: - All four CDSL titles were decided over the past week, with PRO Dean Russell joining Eoin and James to reflect on Avenue United's Premier Division reclamation; a return to First Division glory for Newmarket Celtic B and Shannon Olympic B's dramatic Third Division showdown steal; 26:02-58:56 - A momentous season on the field followed an equally jubilant year off it for Ennis Rugby Club's centenary celebrations in 2023. In recent weeks, the men's side completed their return to Munster Junior League Division 2 after a flawless Division 3 campaign while in their inaugural season in the top flight in Munster, the womens' side captured a league and cup double. Players Emily Anglim, Nell Walsh, Joe Connaughton and Head of Girls and Women's Rugby Lorchan Hoyne came into the studio to reflect on those series of highs; 58:56-1.22:50 - Their provincial campaign may have ended but the Clare footballers first taste of All-Ireland Senior Championship action commences on home soil this Saturday evening when hosting Cork in Cusack Park at 6pm. Football Analyst Kieran Madigan looks ahead to that tie along with weighing up the minors Munster Semi-Final exit to the same opposition; 1.22:50-1.30:16 - James caught up with new GAA President Jarlath Burns this week at the Super 9's Hurling Competition in Gort to discuss his tenure so far, his hopes for the summer and the admirable work of the Future Leaders project that saw the TY Students of Gort Community School organise and promote this annual event; 1.30:16 - Another Cork showdown for the Clare U-20 hurlers who hosts the Rebels in Cusack Park on Friday evening (6.45pm) for a place in the final against Tipperary; there were disappointments for the Celtic Challenge hurling side and Under 16 Camogie squad in their championship defeats. We wish our Clare athletes all the best in this weekend's Munster track and field championships and welcome back Chloe Moloney to action following injury as she lined out for Peamount United as well as looking at Munster Rugby and the Clare Feile Football Finals.
    16 May 2024, 11:26 am
  • 1 hour 12 minutes
    'It will be another cracker to look forward to and hopefully i'll be allowed outside for that one'
    Champion Chatter - Season 03 Episode 18 0:00-9:24 - Intro; 9:24-40:50 - The occasion was historic even if the result didn't follow as a plucky Clare pushed Kerry all the way in their Munster Senior Football Championship Final rematch in Cusack Park on Sunday. Football analyst Kieran Madigan looked back on the Banner's seven point reverse as well as the minors Phase 1 Final victory to tee up a semi-final showdown with Cork; 40:50-1.01:07 - Newmarket Celtic and Avenue United face two title deciders in the Premier League and Clare Cup over the next few weeks after prevailing over Fern Celtic and Bridge United respectively at the weekend. There's also massive conclusions in the First and Third Divisions according to CDSL PRO Dean Russell; 1.01:07 - A comprehensive final stanza included an update on the Women's Premier Division; an early set-back for Clare's Under 16 Camogie side while the hand of opportunity is presented to the minor hurlers and footballers and Under 20 hurlers in another hectic week. Ennis golfer Aine Donegan qualified for a historic second successive US Open; Imogen Cotter retired from professional cycling; Catholic Institute had an agonising late reverse to Railway Union in their national decider while Ennis Rugby's Mens and Womens sides continue their unprecedented successes.
    7 May 2024, 1:07 pm
  • 1 hour 33 minutes
    'If I was in charge I'd be moving in the sidelines in Cusack Park anyway'
    Champion Chatter- Season 03 Episode 17 0:00-7:21 - Intro; 7:21-42:01 - Cusack Park is set to host its first ever Munster Senior Football Final this Sunday when Clare and perennial superpowers Kerry lock horns for the 15th time in a decider. Football analyst Kieran Madigan and former Clare manager and Kerry All-Ireland winning player John Kennedy preview what will be a unique Super Sunday in Ennis; 42:01-1.10:15 - The Clare hurlers are back on track following a gritty opening Munster Championship victory over Cork on away soil last Sunday. Hurling analysts Ger O'Connell and Kevin McNamara reflect on another rollercoaster ride that included six shared second half goals; 1.10:15-1.14:28 - Back-to-back League crowns and promotions for Fear Green Celtic, this weekend's Clare Cup Semi-Finals, the Under 17 Cup Final and the concluding stages of the three other league divisions are all part of this week's soccer round-up; 1.14:28-1.28:10 - Rugby star and pundit Eimear Considine joined Eoin and James on the line to discuss a memorable weekend that saw seven Clare natives secured a first AIL rugby title for UL Bohs in six years while Kilmihil native Edel McMahon steered Ireland to a famous Six Nations victory over Scotland that cemented their World Cup place; 1.28:10 - A welcome confidence boost amidst defeat for Clare in the Munster Senior Camogie Championship; another major Handball haul in Munster; Provincial Minor B LGFA success for Clare: Munster minor silverware on the line for their male equivalents along with the latest hurling defence for Brian O'Connell side and a national hockey final showdown for Catholic Institute for Naomi Carroll, Laura Foley and Roisin Begley are all part of this week's extended conclusion.
    30 April 2024, 3:44 pm
  • 1 hour 21 minutes
    ‘When we got the first goal, we needed someone to run onto the field to delay things’
    Champion Chatter- Season 03 Episode 16 0:00-6:47 - Intro;  6:47-35:22 - An anti-climactic feel to the start of the Munster Senior Hurling Championship after Limerick ransacked Cusack Park with a remarkable 12 point final quarter surge. Kevin McNamara and Ger O'Connell pick through the bones of that opening round blip and also peer ahead to a make-or-break clash away to Cork this Sunday; 35:22-59:11 - The weekend certainly started in spectacular fashion when Mark Fitzgerald's senior footballers put hosts Waterford to the sword by 14 points to reach a second successive Munster Senior decider against Kerry. Football Analyst Kieran Madigan assessed the Banner's latest feat along with reflecting on the fortunes or lack of of the U-20's and Minors against Tipperary in the past week; 59:11-1.16:17 - Between them, Premier Division title rivals Avenue United and Newmarket Celtic chalked up 15 goals on Sunday as their race looks to be going right down to the wire. CDSL PRO Dean Russell joins Eoin and James to sift through the almost nightly soccer schedule in all four divisions along with reflecting on the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup Semi-Final draw; 1.16:17 - Seven Clare natives are bidding for AIL rugby glory for UL Bohs; there were Munster Under 16 Finals defeats in camogie and ladies football; an upcoming Munster Minor B Ladies Football decider against Tipperary this Sunday along with Clare's Munster Senior Camogie Championship bow against Cork as part of the hurlers double header in Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh this Sunday.
    23 April 2024, 1:54 pm
  • 1 hour 50 minutes
    ‘I think it's time to take one of your special biscuits to calm you down before the weekend’
    Champion Chatter - Season 03 Episode 16 0:00-2:16 - Intro 2:16-29:25 - Clare's Munster Senior Championship bows in both hurling and football take place this weekend, with Mark Fitzgerald's footballers up first against Waterford in Dungarvan on Saturday evening for a place in the Munster Final. Kieran Madigan assesses Clare's chances and also looks forward to minor and Under 20 showdowns against Tipperary. 29:25-52:41 - Like a child at Christmas, Derek Dormer bounced into studio in anticipation of a pivotal weekend of Munster Senior Championship action. The freelance reporter also reflected on Clare's first defeat in the Under 20 hurling championship against Cork last Friday. 52:41-1.24:57 - The biggest hurling rivalry in the country takes centre stage this Sunday when neighbours Clare and Limerick lock horns once more, this time in a spectacular opening to the Munster Senior Championship in Cusack Park. Hurling analysts Kevin McNamara and Ger O'Connell preview the upcoming senior and minor Shannonside derbies. 1.24:57-1.29:38 - Derek Dormer returns to help conduct the draw for the semi-finals of the Donovan Sports Alternative Clare Cup, with the winning team receiving a set of half-zip tops for their team. 1.29:38-1.41:54 - The way is now clear for the last four of the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup, with CDSL PRO Dean Russell on the line to reflect on Fern Celtic's semi-final breakthrough and title twists in the Premier, First and Third Divisions. 1.41:54 - An up[date of the Women's League of Ireland including a post-match interview with Athlone Town Captain Laurie Ryan; Munster success for Clare's Under 16 Ladies Footballers as well as a second final to come; All-Ireland Singles handball news and the latest rugby news and fixtures.
    16 April 2024, 7:55 pm
  • 1 hour 46 minutes
    ‘Well I hope you’re not going to throw a pig’s head on the field’
    Champion Chatter - Season 03 Episode 15 0:00-3:42 - Intro; 3:42-34:00 - A Superb Saturday garnered a historic National League double for the county’s flagship hurlers and ladies footballers, with freelance reporter Derek Dormer reflecting on both triumphs that tees both up perfectly for the commencement of their respective championship campaigns; 34:00-50:46 - Clare Ladies Football Manager Wayne Freeman joined Eoin and James to look back on his side’s first national silverware in 13 years following a gritty Division 3 Final victory over Roscommon; 50:46-1.01:14 - Clare excelled on the field at the weekend but in a unique perspective, TG4’s Head of Sport Ronan Coisdealbha provided the behind the scenes landscape of live televised sport, with the recent National Hurling League Semi-Final between Clare and Tipperary attracting 30% of the market share; 1.01:14-1.21:50 - A major week for Clare football sees the minor and Under 20 sides facing major showdowns with Limerick and Kerry. Football analyst Kieran Madigan previews both ties along with reflecting on Waterford’s surprise senior win over Tipperary to tee up a home Munster Semi with the Banner; 1.21:50-1.40:53 - Knocked unceremoniously out of the Donovan Sports Alternative Clare Cup, CDSL PRO Dean Russell recovered enough to look back on three of the actual Clare Cup Quarter-Finals while the introduction of midweek action has also heated up the league fare; 1.49:53 - Round up of the latest handball news, an exit for the Minor Camogie side, a refixture for the Celtic Challenge side and Ennis/Kilrush’s narrow All-Ireland Semi-Final rugby reverse to Tullow.
    9 April 2024, 3:11 pm
  • 1 hour 40 minutes
    ‘Cut out the nonsense, of course they will be going all out to win a National League title'
    Champion Chatter - Season 03 Episode 14 0:00-6:25 - Intro; 6:25-31:18 - A much-anticipated Super Saturday culminates with the Clare hurlers taking on Kilkenny in the Division 1 National League decider. Analysts Ger O'Connell and Kevin McNamara return to preview the game and its significance ahead of the upcoming Munster Senior Championship a fortnight later; 31:18-1.00:38 - The flagship ladies footballers bid to finally get their hands on the Division 3 National League crown when taking on Roscommon in Birr on Saturday. Freelance Reporter Derek Dormer was in studio to preview that tie and reflect on their camogie counterparts final Division 1A outing as well as the David v Goliath Clare Cup clash of Newmarket Celtic and Callan United; 1.00:38-1.06:42 - Eoin and James reveal the results of Round 3 of the Donovan Sports Alternative Clare Cup along with conducting the Quarter-Final draw. The real Clare Cup last eight ties and busy weeks for Kilkishen Celtic, Bridge United and Newmarket Celtic are also discussed; 1.06:42-1.16:49 - Buoyant Ennis/Kilrush Ladies Coach Gareth O'Hanlon celebrates his side's meteoric rise to garnering the Munster Division 1 League title in only their first year while a provincial Division 1 cup decider along with an All-Ireland Semi-Final with Tullow in Ennis this Saturday are eagerly anticipated; 1.16:49-1.36:54 - Clare football received a major jolt on Saturday when the U-20's advanced to the last four in Munster. Football analyst Kieran Madigan outlined that result's significance, the latest results in the Cusack and Garry Cups along with looking forward to the start of the Munster Minor Championship; 1.36:54 - Round up of Clare's involvement in the Women's National Premier Division, more success for Ennis ladies' U-18.5 rugby side, a week of opening ties in the Munster Minor football and hurling and U-20 hurling Championships and athletics news.
    2 April 2024, 4:01 pm
  • 1 hour 32 minutes
    'I really don't want to be part of this pun section; just keep that between yourselves'
    Champion Chatter – Season 03 Episode 13 Intro: 00:00:01; Derek Dormer joins to first look at Clare Football v Down (00:09:12); Then we talk about the Clare hurlers continued unbeaten run with their league semi-final win over Tipperary (00:17:35); The Clare LGFA team suffered their first loss of the season in Down but they still have a league final to come (00:34:46); Clare Camogie have had a tough season so far, but there are green shoots visible ahead of the championship (00:36:23); Dean Russell joins to talk through soccer news in the county including some important Clare Cup results (00:45:29); Kieran Madigan breaks down the Clare footballers season so far & talks us through how the Clare U20s have performed in their first few rounds of the championship (01:02:10); We finish the show with a round up of rugby, handball, hockey & fixtures news (01:25:51).
    26 March 2024, 10:15 am
  • 1 hour 39 minutes
    ‘Call me old fashioned but I’m concerned about you barging bare-chested into Portlaoise’
    0:00-6:13 - Intro; 6:13-39:49 - A hugely successful weekend of National League action is reviewed by regular pundit Derek Dormer as the flagship hurlers advanced to a Division 1 Semi-Final showdown with neighbours Tipperary in Portlaoise this Sunday while the ladies footballers kicked a whopping ten goals to book their spot in the Division 3 decider. The Womens’ Clare Cup Semi-Final and the start of the adult football leagues are also up for discussion; 39:49-1.00:14 - There was double success for the male footballers as the senior side kept up their National League Division 3 promotion push with a merited victory over Antrim while the Under 20’s got their Munster Championship campaign off to a winning start in Waterford. Football analyst Kieran Madigan assesses both ties along with the weekend’s Cusack and Garry Cup openers; 1.00:14-1.11:50 - More silverware via another gritty penalty shoot-out for Newmarket Celtic who completed a remarkable week with the first domestic trophy of the season against arch-rivals Avenue United on Friday night. CDSL PRO Dean Russell joins Eoin and James to praise Paddy Purcell’s side’s latest achievement as well as look forward to the return of the Clare Cup and league action in all four divisions; 1.11:50-1.27:28 - Following last weekend’s Six Nations Championship win for the Irish rugby team, their female equivalents begin their campaign away to France this Saturday. Former international Eimear Considine is on the line to discuss both championships as her fellow Kilmihil native Edel McMahon leads out her country over the next six weeks; 1.27:28-1.34:12 There are five new All-Ireland Juvenile Handball champions in the county after Clare’s representatives won three titles and two silver in Croke Park on Saturday. Secretary Orla Considine joined the lads to celebrate those achievements and update the pod on all the handball action inside and outside of the county; 1.34:12 - Round up of athletics action including best wishes to Emma Haugh who represents St Flannan’s College and Ireland in the European Post-Primary Cross Country Championships this weekend. The senior camogie side’s return, and minor ladies football and camogie action are updated along with all the latest rugby results and fixtures.
    19 March 2024, 5:02 pm
  • More Episodes? Get the App