Early years
First twenty-five years, 1887 to 1912
The advent of the GAA club at Clareen in 1887 coincided with the drive to build a new Parish Church, as the old one (erected in 1795 in the townland of Breaghmore) had become structurally unsound. The first secretary of the club, from 1887 until he emigrated in 1895, was Frank Pilkington of Bell Hill. Pilkington went on to become secretary to the Offaly GAA Club in New York for many years. Seir Kieran participated in competitions year on year. In 1907, the Offaly hurling championship was divided into Senior and Junior grades, and in 1909, the Offaly County Board introduced the "Parish Rule". These developments led to a first big breakthrough for club, when they beat Roscore (3-0 to 1-1) in the Offaly Junior Final for 1912. This final was not actually played until November 1913. Although a Central Council ruling, earlier in 1913, had reduced team size form 17 players to 15, this did not affect the still-unfinished 1912 championship. As such, Seir Kieran and Roscore may have been the last-ever teams to play a 17-a-side hurling final. It was during this period that Seir Kieran adopted their present club colours, of black and amber (similar to the Kilkenny county colours). In November 1911, John Drennan of Conway Hall, Kells, County Kilkenny donated a set of black and amber jerseys to the Kilkenny County Board, GAA. It is reported that prior to this gesture, he had won a large amount of money on a horse whose jockey wore those colours. John Drennan was a brother of Fr. Jeremiah Drennan, parish priest of Seir Kieran from 1904 to 1921. It is likely that Fr. Drennan emulated his brother's gesture by presenting the club with a set of jerseys identical to the Kilkenny ones.Great War to the 1930s
From 1915 to 1918, Jimmy Corrigan of Clareen served as secretary to the Offaly County Board, GAA. Corrigan was captain of the team which won Offaly's first Leinster Junior Hurling Championship and advanced to the 1915 All Ireland Final. On account of theIntermediate success
The first Intermediate Title came in Ballyduff, Tullamore on 20 September 1931, when Seir Kieran (captained by PJ Grogan) beat Clara by 5-7 to 2-5. At Senior grade for the following two seasons, the Clareen side gave stirring displays against the likes of Coolderry and a rising Tullamore team. The 1932 panel was augmented by Dick and Willie Conway from Roscomroe, a district of Kinnitty Parish with historic ties to Seir Kieran. Other noted players included Mick Leahy, Kieran Grogan and Dan Murphy, although none could compare with red-maned Jim Killeen "the thatcher", one of the finest-ever Clareen hurlers. Originally from Lusmagh, Jim and his brother Mick had come to Clareen as young boys, where they lived with a childless couple, Din Browne and his wife. Seir Kieran were a diminished force after Killeen went to Killdangan in North Tipperary in the mid-1930s (a time when many others were emigrating to England), but they recovered to claim the Offaly Intermediate Hurling Final of 1938 against North Portarlington. Played at Tullamore on 27 August 1938, this match also served as the Junior Final of 1937, with the result that Seir Kieran annexed both Titles in the one hour of hurling. The Clareen side, featuring players such as Pakie Troy (who served as club secretary for many years) and the great Jack Purcell, scored 6-8 to North Portarlington's 2-1. In 1939 the team reached a new high-water mark, by advancing to the Offaly Senior Hurling Final on 22 October against Coolderry. Coolderry relentlessly built up their winning margin of 6-4 to 2-2, to claim their 14th Title. Nonetheless, Seir Kieran matched their opponents well in a fast-paced, hard-hitting contest. Throughout the 1939 championship, their rain-maker was the brilliant Sean O'Neill at midfield. The eldest son of the Clareen schoolmaster, O'Neill was a student atJunior success 1950 to 1969
During the 1950s emigration reached a staggering rate. A tragedy on the playing field in June 1952, when young John Dooley of Clashroe, Roscomroe was fatally injured by an accidental blow to the head when playing for Seir Kieran, further shook the club's confidence in the future. The mentors managed to rally the team, who beat both Tullamore and Birr to reach the Senior Hurling Final for the first time since 1939. At St Brendan's Park on 31 August 1952, they were beaten by Drumcullen by 9-11 to 4-3. Despite this outcome, Seir Kieran sustained their Senior challenge both in 1953 (when Coolderry had to be at their best to overcome them) and in 1954 when they reached the Semi-final (before again going down to Coolderry). By 1955, though, the club could not muster 15 Senior players, and so had to concede a walkover to Shannon Rovers in the Championship. The following year at Intermediate grade, the club joined forces with neighboring parish Kinnitty whose demographic situation was just as dire. The amalgamated team, known as ''St Flannan's'', won through to the 1956 Intermediate Hurling Final against Ferbane on 16 September 1956. St Flannan's (wearing green and white) emerged victorious by 4-7 to 4-1. Promoted to Senior grade in 1957, St Flannan's were heavily defeated in their opening match to Shannon Rovers – a result which put an end to the Kinnitty-Clareen combination. Consequently, it was again under the Seir Kieran banner that the Clareen men fielded in 1958, and won passage to the 1958 Junior Hurling Final. Delayed until 8 March 1959, this Final saw Seir Kieran defeating St Columba's (Durrow) by 4-6 to 1-1. 1958 was the Parish's fourth Title at Junior grade, and was crucial in boosting morale after the big setbacks during the decade gone by. A reporter for the Midland Tribune described the challenge that this posed to the club's viability, especially once they stepped up to Senior grade in 1960 and 1961: :: ''"Coolderry had a few newcomers but Seir Kieran were less lucky. Limited to the smallest parish in Ireland, they had to rely on several veterans who still keep the colours flying, and here lay their weakness – the lack of vigorous youth. That they still maintain a Senior team is a tribute to the players and club officials; that they take to the field year after year with high hopes is a tribute to all concerned."'' Another morale boost came in October 1961, with the acquisition of six statute acres adjacent to Clareen crossroads, as a permanent home for the club. This purchase was signed off on by four trustees: John Coughlan and Seamus Mulrooney, on behalf of Seir Kieran; and Rody O'Brien and John Dowling, on behalf of the Offaly County Board. Development of these facilities was coupled with more organized training of the talented younger players who began to emerge. Seir Kieran had an inspirational one-point win over the new St. Rynagh's GAA Club (Banagher and Cloghan combined) in the Junior Hurling Semi-final of 1962, but in the Final on 21 October they slumped to a big defeat (3-10 to 1-1) against Edenderry in Tullamore. It was much the same story in St Brendan's Park on 7 April 1968, when Killeigh beat Seir Kieran by 5-5 to 0-7 in the delayed 1967 Junior Hurling decider. Notwithstanding such bitter disappointments, the Clareen side were consistently featuring in top-notch, close, exciting Junior matches. In the 1965 Offaly JHC, Kinnitty needed three attempts before edging out Seir Kieran by 2-10 to 3-6. In 1968, a last-minuteAt senior grade 1970 to 1979
Return to the top flight, 1970 to 1974
On 7 June 1970 (in their first Senior hurling game since July 1961), the Clareen team very nearly toppled reigning champions St Rynagh's.Schools hurling and underage hurling
Even more encouraging for the Club's future was the organized effort being made at primary school level, led in Clareen's case by successive Principals of Seir Kieran National School: Mr. Frank McNamara; Mr. Tony Hogan; Mr. Damien White; Mrs. Majella Gibbons; and Mr. Jonathan Dunne in the present day. In 1974, a team captained byConsolidation of senior status
The great strides being made at other grades gradually percolated into Seir Kieran's Senior displays also. Although they beat Lusmagh in the 1975 championship, Drumcullen exploited a lack of pace to put an end to the Clareen interest that year. Seir Kieran came within an ace of turning the tables in 1976. A highlight of their first round victory over St Carthage's was Sean Coughlan's tussle with the Rahan centre forward, Pat Corcoran. The second round clash at first seemed like ''deja vu'' as Drumcullen amassed a 12-point lead, despite scores from Billy Kennedy and Patsy Coffey and Mick Murphy's chipping in a goal from the corner of the square. A comeback after the interval was stopped just short. In the end, Seir Kieran paid the price for some erratic shooting – but they had again put the County on notice that they were a team to watch. This point was driven home in 1977 when, following a narrow first round defeat to Tullamore, Seir Kieran went into the Losers' Group and faced St Rynagh's on a chilly June day at Kilcormac. Throwing down the gauntlet with sturdy ground hurling, the Clareen 15 launched into the attack, and eliminated the five-in-a-row County Champions by 4-9 to 1-11. Seir Kieran next beat Na Piarsaigh to reach the 1977 Losers' Group Final; only to slump to defeat (3-8 to 0-11) to Killeigh at Tullamore. Seir Kieran opened their 1978 campaign with a win against Shinrone. In the second round they met St Rynagh's. Although they beat Killeigh in the third round (4-11 to 1-3), this only led to a tame exit to Coolderry (1-10 to 0-8, of which 0-7 was scored by Kieran Mooney).Late 1970s
In 1979, St Rynagh's bested Seir Kieran by 1-17 to 1-3 in the opening round, at Kilcormac on 5 August 1979. A St Rynagh's official expressed relief at the result saying: ''"When we get over that hurdle, other teams don't present quite the same problem."'' Seir Kieran beat Killeigh by 2-6 to 1-4 in the next round, despite each side going down to 14 men after hurleys and fists flew. It was a much more disciplined and cohesive Clareen team that fielded in St Brendan's Park for their last competitive game of the 1970s, on 26 August 1979. Seir Kieran beat Drumcullen by 3-11 to 0-9.Seir Kieran and the rise of Offaly, 1975 to 1979
Struggle for consistency
Offaly hurling's trajectory in the later 1970s, like that of Seir Kieran, seemed to be a case of two steps forward, one step back. By 1975, future All StarsBreakthrough at U-21 level
Success finally came in 1978, when the Offaly Under-21 hurlers annexed the Leinster Title that had narrowly eluded them in 1972. Noel Bergin at corner forward and Joe Mooney at wing back represented Seir Kieran. Wins over Carlow (4-17 to 1-6) and Wexford (5-9 to 1-10) set up a Leinster Final clash with Laois, at Carlow in July 1978, and a 2-14 to 2-7 victory. Jim Troy (Lusmagh) was goalkeeper, and Brendan Keeshan (Shinrone) was captain. Offaly progressed to their first-ever All Ireland U-21 Semi-final – and a bitter 2-14 to 2-7 defeat at the hands of a Galway squad whose hurling bore a more authoritative stamp. Despite this sequel, to have made a breakthrough at the consistently excellent U-21 grade could only be a tonic for Offaly hurling. The Senior team could not emulate the U-21s in 1978, submitting meekly to Kilkenny (2-17 to 1-4); but they would pull out all the stops the following year.Administration and Coaching
Fr. Sean Heaney was chairman of the Offaly County Board at this stage, while John Dowling continued his long service as secretary. Two new assistant secretary posts (with responsibility for hurling and for football) were created. In 1978, Seir Kieran's Tony Murphy was elected to the hurling secretary role, in which capacity he would make a singular contribution to the County's success. Persistent and bold experimentation was now a watchword for Offaly management and mentors, as they sought to break the Wexford-Kilkenny stranglehold on the Bob O'Keeffe Cup. One such expedient was to try Pádraig Horan at No. 14; while the erstwhile full forward Eugene Coughlan was switched to defensive duties from 1978 onwards. In the National Hurling League of 1978/79, Offaly showed themselves to be on a par with anything else in Leinster. Drawing with Clare in the opening round – an important result for Offaly following their dismal Leinster Championship exit – they next faced Wexford in Gorey and recorded a victory that still stands apart. With a Seir Kieran contingent of Eugene Coughlan at corner back, Joe Mooney at wing back and Kieran Mooney at corner forward, Offaly battled back from an 11-point half time deficit to prevail by 2-17 to 0-17. Although less spectacular, of even more significance was the third round victory over Kilkenny (3-10 to 2-6), at Birr on 29 October 1978. Although repeatedly foiled by Damien Martin's goalkeeping, Kilkenny did gain sway for 15 minutes of the second half. But Offaly, with Eugene Coughlan now at centre back, reasserted themselves towards the end of a hard-fought, fair, no-holds-barred encounter and a notable victory.Lifting the Bob O'Keeffe Cup, 1980 and the Liam MacCarthy Cup, 1981
Victory in Leinster, 1980
The Leinster Senior Hurling championship of 1980 was the first to take place under the "Open Draw" system, meaning that Kilkenny and Wexford would no longer be kept on different sides of the draw. Offaly were trained by Andy Gallagher (Tullamore) as well as Dermot Healy, and the other selectors were Tommy Erritty (Coolderry), Charlie Daly (Na Piarsaigh), Mick Spain (Drumcullen) and Paudge Mulhare (St Rynagh's). Offaly's campaign began at Portlaoise with a 2-10 to 0-12 victory over Laois. Damien Martin's hand injury led to his replacement by Seir Kieran's Noel Bergin, and the other two Clareen players were Eugene Coughlan and Joe Mooney. The Semi-final took place on 8 June 1980, when Offaly beat Dublin (despite an eye injury to Mark Corrigan) by 0-18 to 0-10. The Faithful County were through to their first Leinster Senior Hurling final since 1969, with Damien Martin and Kinnitty'sThe 1981 campaign
Over the winter of 1980/81, another teak-tough National Hurling League campaign brought the team further on. At Nowlan Park on 19 April 1981, 14-man Offaly held out for a 2-13 to 4-6 League Semi-final win against Laois, after another cliffhanger of hard close pulling. Pat Delaney lofted in a free that Paddy Kirwan sent to the net for what proved the decisive score, despite a furious Laois onslaught in the dying minutes. Some 19,000 spectators came to Thurles on 3 May for the League Final itself. Offaly won the toss and opted to play against the wind and hail – only to be rocked by Cork's opening salvo of two goals and three points. Offaly effected a tremendous fightback, holding the Rebels scoreless for the last 14 minutes, but they had left themselves with too steep a climb. Cork took the League Title by 3-11 to 2-8. That year's Leinster Senior Hurling Semi-final (21 June 1981), would be the only championship match of the 1980s or 1990s where Offaly took to the field minus a Seir Kieran contingent. Laois again almost upset the apple cart, as Dermot Healy's charges somehow evaded the usual consequences of piling 20 wides on top of the concession of six goals and ten points. Two penalties and two long-range shots deceived goalie Christy King, while Laois full forward PJ Cuddy had done serious damage by the time Pat Delaney was switched to take him on. Offaly's own tally of 3-20 included a first-half Pádraig Horan goal that had only got in through a big tear in the side netting. Even so, the game was still deadlocked when Offaly were awarded a free over 100 yards out. With the last puck of the game, Paddy Kirwan heroically converted it, for Offaly to reach the Provincial decider by the very skin of their teeth. On the other side of the draw, Wexford had also advanced, to the first Leinster Final without the Cats since 1961. Eugene Coughlan was handed the number 3 jersey for Offaly – seven years would go by before any other player would wear it in the Senior Hurling Championship – while Damien Martin resumed as first-choice goalkeeper. One of the key duels was Coughlan versus the Wexford full forward, Tony Doran. Early on in the match, amidst a thicket of hurleys that swung on an incoming Wexford ball, Doran went down with a badly gashed forehead and had to be substituted. However, this remained a hum-dinger throughout, as twice Offaly were getting on top and twice Wexford hauled it back. Despite Colm Doran finding the net, from a long-range free two minutes from time, it was Offaly's calmness and self-belief that won out. Damien Martin pucked to Pádraig Horan in midfield, who sent sweetly to Johnny Flaherty and over the bar, to make it 3-12 to 2-13 at the long whistle. The Leinster Champions won direct passage to the All Ireland Final, played on 6 September 1981. The opposition were defending champions Galway, who had overcome Munster champions Limerick in the Semi-final (following a replay). The official attendance of 71,384 (the highest in 18 years) saw Offaly win their first Senior Hurling Title. Galway made the play for long spells, and the Offaly defence absorbed huge pressure. Eugene Coughlan at full back kept John Connolly scoreless, and it was the same for Joe Connolly when he was switched to full forward. Pat Fleury likewise neutralised Bernie Forde, to round out a flawless campaign in which none of Fleury's direct opponents scored at all. At the other end, Pat Carroll's knee-high shot beat Galway goalkeeper Michael Conneely to keep Offaly in touch, notwithstanding Galway's first-half dominance. However, this was a team performance with each line of Offaly's formation sticking to the game plan. They were as disciplined as they were tenacious – whereas Joe Connolly converted six times from placed balls in the first half, Offaly conceded just one free after the break. Galway still retained a sizable lead when midfielder Liam Currams (sporting a light beard in what was then a clean-shaven world) soloed forward to score a sweet point.Reverberations in Clareen, 1980 and 1981
On the "domestic" scene, Seir Kieran went down to Kinnitty (1-19 to 3-8) and to Ballyskenagh (4-9 to 4-7) in the 1980 Senior Hurling Championship, and to St Rynagh's (4-16 to 2-7) in 1981. Even so, their contribution to the Faithful County's cause gave a tremendous boost to the profile of the club, and to its grip on the imagination of the rising generation in Clareen. The massive Bob O'Keeffe trophy came to the Seir Kieran National School in March 1981, along with Leinster Championship medal-holders Noel Bergin, Joe Mooney and Eugene Coughlan. Club chairman Tim Mulrooney, Offaly hurling secretary Tony Murphy, and Seamus Mulrooney were in attendance as well. There were even more ebullient scenes when Offaly recorded their famous All Ireland victory over Galway. On the Monday night, preceded by the Mountbolus Pipe Band, the new Champions had a rapturous reception into Emmett Square in Birr. The platform set up for the occasion was a converted articulated trailer provided by Frank Whitten of Clareen. Similar outpourings of pride and acclaim awaited the panel on its tour of the rural hurling strongholds. When they reached Mrs. May Bruce's post office just above the Clareen cross-roads, team captain Pádraig Horan handed the Liam MacCarthy Cup over to Eugene Coughlan, and in that manner the cavalcade arrived in Seir Kieran.Swash-buckling buccaneers 1982 to 1987
Development of the club facilities
At the club's AGM in January 1982, Mick Corrigan of the Racepark was asked to chair a committee looking after the Field Development Scheme. By the close of 1982, the club had also built dressing rooms complete with showers and toilets, put a paling around the field, and installed goalposts and nets. The overall effort received welcome recognition in May 1982, in a presentation to Leinster GAA clubs that took place in the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny. Seir Kieran were nominated as Offaly's "Club of the Year in Section C". Chairman Tim Mulrooney and secretary Mick Murphy accepted the award, and attributed the success to the progress made in promoting underage hurling as much as to the work on the facilities. For example, during the 1981 ''Féile na nGael'' event in Birr, Seir Kieran had played host to young hurlers from Antrim whose club chairman subsequently recorded his appreciation: :: "A Chara – I refer to the Offaly Hurling Festival for underage players which was held on the 15th to the 17th of May inclusive. This competition was an outstanding success; the precision-like manner in which it was organized was a tribute to Mick Spain and his able helpers. It was the privilege of my club to have been invited to participate in this Féile and it was most inspiring to see so many juveniles from all over Leinster display the skills of our national game. Our players were the guests of the Seir Kieran Club and its people. I wish to express our sincerest thanks to V. Rev. Seán Collier, PP, Tim Mulrooney and Michael Murphy, Chairman and Secretary respectively of the Seir Kieran Club, and the host families for their extreme kindness. Our players were overjoyed by the reception they received and they will always treasure the weekend they spent in the friendly homes of Clareen. Mise, le meas – Arty Pyke (Chairman)" A projected rise in population led to an IR£60,000 extension to the Seir Kieran National School, officially opened in March 1983 by Dr Laurence Forrestal, the Bishop of Ossory. The Board of Management at that time consisted of Mrs. Bernie Dooley, Mrs. Nóirín Coakley, Mrs. Mary Mulrooney, and Mr. Jack Ryan. A year later, the redeveloped GAA pitch was officially opened on Monday 4 June 1984. The Minor hurlers of Offaly and Galway provided the curtain-raiser for a "friendly" between the Senior teams of Offaly and Clare (which the visitors won by 1-12 to 1-11). John Dowling, a future GAA president, gave the keynote speech. ''"The time has now come"'', said Mr. Dowling, ''"for Seir Kieran to promote Gaelic Games on a higher scale than ever before".''County Semi-Finalists 1984; County Finalists 1985 and 1987
On 2 October 1983, a Seir Kieran juvenile selection coached by Michael Connolly (Kinnitty) beat St Saran's in the final of the Offaly U-16 Shield. Birr's Brother Vincent presented the trophy to team captain Kieran Dooley. The following year, a school team captained by Mark Featherstone won the Bord na Scol competition, and got medals specially engraved for the GAA Centenary Year. A "back to back" Bord na Scol title came in 1985 (when Kieran Abbott was captain), and the team received medals presented by Offaly football's goalkeeping hero Martin Furlong. It was a foretaste of success to come with St Brendan's Community School; with the Offaly Minors and Seniors; and with the Seir Kieran Club itself. In their crunch SHC encounter with Coolderry in 1982, Seir Kieran were still leading with ten minutes to go, when they ran out of steam (Coolderry 4-13, Seir Kieran 3-7). Seir Kieran were generally in better shape in 1983. On 29 May, Eugene Coughlan (2-5) and rising Offaly star Joe Dooley (3-1) powered a victory over Killeigh. However, they were beaten by Lusmagh at Rath on 17 July, meaning that the third round match against Coolderry would again be make-or-break. This one ended at 11 points apiece, and the replay on 7 August also finished all square (1-12 to 1-12). Coolderry shaded it extra time by 2-19 to 3-15. The three Clareen goals were scored by Eugene Coughlan, Seamus Coakley and Martin Breslin; nonetheless that was curtains so far as 1983 was concerned. Seir Kieran opened their 1984 SHC campaign with a stunning 3-18 to 2-4 victory over Drumcullen. The second round was at Rath, where Lusmagh went down by 2-10 to 0-9. In the third round against Kinnitty, 16 points (half from frees) were not enough as the reigning champions racked up 3-12, to advance to the last four. A second semi-final slot was now up for grabs between Seir Kieran and Shinrone. This play-off was delayed until 9 September 1984. Joe Dooley scored nine points of a 0-14 to 1-5 victory, as Seir Kieran advanced to their first Senior Semi-final since 1954. As crafty and battle-hardened as ever, St Rynagh's overcame a Clareen team who were on top for long periods, but were not fit enough to close it out. Trailing 1-10 to 1-4 in the second half, the Shannonsiders hit an unanswered 1-5 to pip them at the post. Seir Kieran's trainer for 1985 was Pat Spain of Kinnitty, a first-rate hurler during his own playing days. There were four other selectors – Sean Dooley, Tony Murphy, Seamus Kealey and Eugene Coughlan. Their first round encounter with St Rynagh's, on 28 April 1985, reversed the verdict of the previous Autumn (Seir Kieran 2-10 St Rynagh's 0-12). However, Seir Kieran again lived dangerously, before clinging on to a lead they had built up early on. The Midland Tribune editor James "Bud" Burke colorfully described the scene: :: ''"The swash-buckling buccaneers from the good ship Seir Kieran boarded the St Rynagh's prize ship on the windy Rath sward and fighting a strong battle they subdued the opposition. However the defending St Rynagh's lads rallied and looked like repelling all boarders but Seir Kieran held on and finally hoisted the Jolly Roger."'' This remained the pattern during Seir Kieran's four subsequent wins in the championship – over St Saran's (2-8 to 2-3); Shinrone (3-7 to 1-7); Drumcullen (3-8 to 2-9); and a (not yet fully amalgamated) Kilcormac/Killoughey team (2-11 to 2-4). The Semi-final took place on 29 September 1985, and Seir Kieran at last defeated Coolderry when it mattered (1-13 to 0-13). Jimmy Connor's goal and several fine Joe Dooley points put them into their first Senior Final in one third of a century. As with Drumcullen in 1952, however, they encountered a Kinnitty side who were not to be denied their three-in-a-row of Offaly Titles. Paddy and Mark Corrigan scored a combined 3-12 of Kinnitty's 3-18, and Seir Kieran only scored 2-8 in reply. It was a chastening experience for the black and amber; but it was clear that their longer-term graph was still pointing upwards. The disappointment was partly assuaged by the All Star Awards won by Eugene Coughlan in both 1984 and 1985 – the first such accolades to come to Seir Kieran. Coughlan was also awarded the 1985 Texaco Sports Star Award for hurling, joining a glittering 1985 line-up includingRe-capturing the Leinster Crown, 1984
Mick Coughlan and Joe Dooley represented Seir Kieran in the Leinster U-21 hurling championship in 1982. Offaly beat Westmeath in Tullamore by 3-15 to 1-7 in the Semi-final, with Coughlan scoring 2-0 and Dooley 0-5. Although Dooley added 0-4 in the Final in Carlow, three rapid-fire Kilkenny goals killed off the match before half time (5-20 to 2-6). In the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship, the reigning champions overcame Wexford by 2-16 to 3-12 in an enthralling and grueling opening round. Offaly showed their composure when Wexford went a goal ahead in the closing stages. Pádraig Horan's brace of pointed frees and Paddy Kirwan's point from play leveled it, then Kirwan sent over the winner from a brilliant sideline cut deep in the shadow of the Cusack Stand. The Semi-final against Laois was another pulsating game, ending all-square at 3-14 apiece. Pat Delaney was misplaced at corner back and Pat Carroll at midfield, and Offaly shot 21 wides. There was no such experimentation in the replay. Eugene Coughlan suppressed Laois full forward PJ Cuddy and also set up many attacks, as Dermot Healy's men won by 2-17 to 0-14. A fortnight later, on 25 July 1982, it was a very confident Offaly team that returned to Croke Park seeking the three-in-a-row of Leinster Titles. This intriguing Offaly-Kilkenny duel settled into a tight and dour affair. Nonetheless Eugene Coughlan, who allowed not an inch to the quick-turning and tricky Liam Fennelly, seemed to epitomize Offaly's cool control of this match. Eight minutes from full-time, however, when goalie Damien Martin was tracking a Kilkenny ball that seemed to have gone over the end line, the umpire stayed where he was. The referee didn't whistle for a puck-out either. Liam Fennelly deftly flicked the ball to between the posts, where Matt Ruth was arriving to tap to the empty net for the only goal of the game. Con Houlihan subsequently wrote of the umpire: ''"I doubt the good man enjoyed a hearty dinner last evening".'' Nonetheless, even from his usual vantage-point on the terraces at the Canal End, Houlihan himself could not definitively say whether the ball had crossed the line. Offaly were still on level terms after conceding the goal, but sent wide from two subsequent frees. Kilkenny scored two late points to re-claim the Bob O'Keeffe Cup by 1-11 to 0-12. It was a bitter derailment for an Offaly side which was then at the peak of its powers. In March 1983 Aidan "the Boo" Rosney of Birr, collapsed and died while training with his Offaly teammates in Tullamore. He was 19 years old, and one of Offaly hurling's most exciting and stylish prospects. It was a saddened yet determined squad which advanced to the 1983 Leinster Final against the Cats, by virtue of a 1-20 to 0-11 Semi-final win over Dublin. Kilkenny had a more clear-cut 1-17 to 0-13 victory this time, although Offaly's first-time ground hurling was a delight to watch and at no stage were they out of contention. Early in the second half Kilkenny's number 14, Christy Heffernan, switched to left corner forward with Liam Fennelly moving to full forward. Each of the Offaly defence followed his opponent; but with the masterful Eugene Coughlan drawn out of position, Kilkenny now had sea-room. Offaly's own switches in attack did not work out on the day, and Paddy Corrigan's goal was disallowed. In a re-run of 1982, Kilkenny would go on to defeat Cork in the 1983 All Ireland Final. Eugene Coughlan, Joe Dooley, Noel Bergin and Mick Coughlan were the four Clareen men on the Offaly Senior panel for the 1984 campaign, which began on 17 June with a 2-11 to 1-11 Leinster Semi-final win over Dublin. Pat Delaney was out through injury, resulting in the Offaly defence being under constant pressure. Joe Dooley, who otherwise would have started, was also injured. Padraig Horan was just back from his unsuccessful run for the Dáil seat left vacant by the untimely death of Mr. Ber Cowen (which was won by the late T.D.'s son Mr.Re-capturing the McCarthy Cup, 1985
The disappointments of Offaly's previous three campaigns, coupled with the continued belief of their supporters, made for an uncommon determination to win back the McCarthy Cup in 1985. Even so, they nearly lost the opening round of the Leinster Championship on 23 June, which ended Offaly 3-18, Kilkenny 3-18. Pat Delaney at centre back did most to hold Offaly together in the first half, while Mark Corrigan's 1-2 made him Offaly's top scorer from play. Nonetheless, when Christy Heffernan palmed the ball past Offaly's new custodian Jim Troy (Lusmagh) to put Kilkenny up 3-11 to 1-8, the Leinster Crown seemed to be slipping away. Only then did the defending champions (including Seir Kieran's Eugene Coughlan, Joe Dooley and Mick Coughlan) pull out all the stops. From a free awarded outfield and to the left, Paddy Corrigan caught Kilkenny napping by going for goal and making it. With a quarter of an hour to go, Pat Delaney lifted another massive free, doubled on by Joachim Kelly for a beautiful goal that set up the most gripping of grandstand finishes. Although Kilkenny regained the lead, another coolly taken Paddy Corrigan free tied it up. The replay on 14 July was another thrilling and sparkling game, with the difference that Offaly kept the whip hand throughout. Eugene Coughlan blotted out Christy Heffernan, Aidan Fogarty kept tabs on Liam Fennelly, while Pat Fleury also reasserted himself. Offaly won by 1-20 to 0-17, and their scorers were Paddy Corrigan (1-11, 0-7 frees), Pat Carroll (0-3), Pat Cleary (0-3), Mark Corrigan (0-2) and Danny Owens (0-1). This was only the second time in a century that Kilkenny had been locked out of consecutive Leinster Finals, and the first time since 1948 that both Kilkenny and Wexford were gone before mid-July. The Leinster Final took place between Offaly and Laois on 21 July 1985, and resulted in an Offaly victory by 5-15 to 0-17. Dermot Healy's selection exuded confidence and dominated in every sector, especially at full back where Eugene Coughlan restricted Laois's PJ Cuddy to a single point. When Offaly had taken to the field the old Stadium shook with cheers. Laois had tremendous support as well, and went down fighting. Offaly's captain Pat Fleury took the Bob O'Keeffe Cup over toLifting the Dr. Croke Cup and the Irish Press Cup, 1986 and 1987
The passing of Pat Carroll in March 1986, at the age of 30, came as a big blow to Coolderry and to Offaly. It also signified the break-up of the team that had delivered four Leinster and two All Ireland Titles in six short years. Offaly remained a force to be reckoned with, however, and in June 1986 they beat Laois by 1-23 to 4-9 to qualify for the Leinster Final. When Laois began to get the upper hand, Joe Dooley was switched to midfield and turned in a "man of the match" performance. The same tactic was not effective in the Final itself. With Jim Troy and Aidan Fogarty out through injury, League champions Kilkenny swamped the Offaly defence and won their 51st Leinster Title by 4-11 to 1-11. Only 0-5 of the Offaly total came from play. Pat Delaney's twice-taken penalty closed the gap to five points, but this would be Offaly's last score. Pádraig Horan's retirement the following winter opened another gap in Offaly's attack formation. Apart from Martin Hanamy (St Rynagh's) and Seamus Coughlan (Kinnitty) the Faithful County had few fresh faces to call on for the 1987 campaign. On 31 May 1987, Offaly showed craft and character to beat Dublin (2-18 to 1-13), exemplified by Joe Dooley's left-handed swing connecting to score the decisive goal – but the team failed to score in the last 18 minutes. Similarly, Laois had Offaly on the rack for much of the Semi-final. Jim Troy had to be brilliant between the posts. Eugene Coughlan and Aidan Fogarty combined well under heavy pressure, as the Faithful County won out (1-16 to 0-13). 29,133 spectators were in Croke Park when Offaly contested their eighth Leinster Final in a row in warm August sunshine. They were chronically short of attack options and only scored 0-3 after the break. For Kilkenny, Christy Heffernan almost single-handedly dislocated Offay's half back line. Liam Fennelly's goal and midfielder Ger Fennelly's hail of points ensured that the Cats prevailed by 2-14 to 0-17. While it was demoralising to have lost the Leinster Final twice in a row, the success being garnered by Offaly's youth teams held out the prospect of better days to come. Seir Kieran's Ger Connors was corner back on the St Brendan's Community School team that reached the 1985 All Ireland Colleges Senior Final, losing to the North Monastery in a replay (4-11 to 1-5). The Community School went one better in 1986, with a stunning 5-8 to 1-8 victory over "the North Mon" in the All Ireland Final, played out on 27 April 1986 at Portlaoise. Billy Dooley (1-1) and Aidan Mulrooney represented Seir Kieran. Team captain Michael Hogan (Birr) lifted the Dr. Croke Cup. The captaincy passed to Billy Dooley the following year. In the Leinster Colleges Final against St Kieran's College Kilkenny, played at Portlaoise on 22 March 1987, a gallant St Brendan's team were beaten by 4-8 to 3-9. Billy Dooley scored 1-7 and his younger brother Johnny scored 1-0. Johnny Pilkington of Birr scored another goal, whileLifting the Sean Robbins Cup – Seir Kieran in 1988
NHL and Leinster Championship, spring and summer 1988
The National Hurling League of 1987/88 again featured three Seir Kieran players, Eugene Coughlan, Mick Coughlan and Joe Dooley. Starting out in Division 2, Offaly beat Laois in Birr in October 1987 (3-11 to 0-11) then beat Dublin in Tullamore in November (2-8 to 0-6). Big wins over Roscommon and Kerry preceded the Christmas break, then a similarly lop-sided game against Westmeath (5-11 to 1-3) on 23 February 1988 put Offaly into the League Quarter-final. The Westmeath game saw Eugene Coughlan play in the forwards for Offaly for the first time since May 1980. Although the same switch did not work so well in the Quarter-final in March, Offaly had an unexpected 2-11 to 1-13 victory over Galway, the reigning League and All Ireland champions. Mark Corrigan sent over a point in the last minute to clinch this match. At the Semi-final on 10 April 1988, Wexford seemed to be in pole position after scoring two second half goals, but Offaly kept snapping at their heels. For the crucial equalizing goal, Pat O'Connor (Coolderry) sent up the right wing where Ronald Byrne (Lusmagh) doubled on the ball to send to Eugene Coughlan. Coughlan gathered and passed over his head to Joe Dooley, who coolly netted a low shot. Offaly won out by 2-16 to 3-11, to reach only their second League Final. On 24 April 1988, Offaly went down to Tipperary in what was still a thrilling and memorable League Final. Eugene Coughlan was the only Offaly forward to score from play, in contrast to Tipp's spread of scoring forwards. Joe Dooley lined out beside Joachim Kelly at midfield. Aidan Fogarty did well on Nicholas English. Corner back Martin Hanamy (St Rynagh's) consolidated his first team status, as did Michael Duignan (also St Rynagh's) when he was brought on. Mick Coughlan at centre back was having a great game on Donie O'Connell, then he was injured and replaced by PJ Martin. Tipperary were up by 2-13 to 0-8 when Eugene Coughlan finished to the net. A couple of minutes later Mark Corrigan fired a second major when Joachim Kelly was brought down; and Ken Hogan's goal survived other close calls. Tipperary lifted the siege and themselves added 1-2, for a final score-line of 3-15 to 2-9. In the Leinster Senior Hurling Semi-final, Offaly looked in trouble for long spells against Dublin, but had the skill and experience to win by 2-13 to 2-10. The Offaly goals were scored by Joe Dooley and Declan Fogarty. Offaly had given much to ponder ahead of their ninth consecutive Leinster Final appearance, this time against Wexford. On 10 July 1988, Offaly showed grit, character and great passion to seal their fifth Leinster Title, by 3-12 to 1-14. Mick Coughlan's inspirational catches epitomized the superiority of the defence. Eugene Coughlan's height at the edge of the square caused the Wexford rearguard much anxiety, while Joe Dooley's two goals made him top scorer. The subsequent All Ireland Semi-final on 7 August 1988 resulted in defeat to Galway (Galway 3-18, Offaly 3-11). The Tribesmen picked off points from everywhere and 3-14 of their total came from play (compared to Offaly's 2-5). Even so, a brace of Pat Delaney goals brought Offaly right back into contention in the closing stages; but they failed to tack on the points.Seir Kieran, Senior Hurling Champions 1988
Seir Kieran in 1988 were managed by 24-year-old Joe Dooley (trainer), Johnny Breslin, Liam Corcoran and Mick Murphy. The Juniors (trained by John Joe Coffey) beat Daingean to retain the League Cup they had won in 1987, and Billy Kennedy the Junior captain received the Cup from Tony Murphy the Offaly Hurling Secretary. The Seniors made it a League double on Saturday 7 May, when they beat Drumcullen in the Final by 2-14 to 1-9. This was an excellent game, played at championship pace throughout. Two rounds of the 1988 Offaly SHC had been played off before the inter-county championships. Seir Kieran had won against Lusmagh by 3-13 to 1-16 but lost against St Rynagh's by 2-15 to 2-9. The black and amber had their chances in the Banagher game, but accuracy was a problem. The selectors used practice matches, such as the one against Castletowngeoghegan at Durrow, to sharpen up their side. When the domestic championship resumed on 13 August, a hard-fought 3-16 to 4-4 win over Coolderry kept the dream alive. Seir Kieran again faced St Rynagh's in the first leg of the resultant three-way play-off. On a resplendent Rath pitch, Seir Kieran reversed the previous verdict by 3-11 to 2-11 and became the first side to reach the last four. The Semi-final between Seir Kieran and Kinnitty was delayed on account of three events: an early-morning fire in ''The Greyhound Bar'' in Birr, which tragically claimed the life of the proprietor John Kennedy, a member of the Seir Kieran Club; Kinnitty's successful appeal against disqualification for not having fulfilled a fixture; and a bereavement affecting the Bergin family of Derrykeale. When the match did go ahead on 9 October, Kinnitty never really recovered from Seir Kieran's 3-1 in the opening minutes, although two goals by Paddy Corrigan and points from Mark Corrigan, Brendan Blake and Pat Delaney got them to within four points. It was the Clareen men who finished the stronger, however, to win by 5-9 to 2-10. Five Seir Kieran forwards – Mick Mulrooney, Johnny Dooley, Joe Dooley, Billy Dooley, and Noel Bergin – got on the scoreboard, as did Mick Coughlan at centre back. The Clareen goalie Liam Coughlan gave a great display, although another big tally of wides remained a cause for concern going into the County Final. Played out at St Brendan's Park, Birr, on 23 October 1988, between Seir Kieran and St Rynagh's, the 93rd County Final resulted in a four-point black and amber victory (by 3-13 to 4-6 for the Banagher men). The starting line-up was Liam Coughlan, Sean Coughlan, Eugene Coughlan, Paddy Mulrooney, Johnny Abbott, Mick Coughlan (0-1), Ger Connors, Pat Mulrooney (0-1), Kieran Dooley, Johnny Dooley (0-3), Jimmy Connor, Noel Bergin, Mick Mulrooney (1-0), Joe Dooley (0-4) and Billy Dooley (2-4). For the Shannonsiders, Fintan Dolan scored 2-3, Declan Fogarty 2-0, and Michael Duignan converted three frees. In one of the key individual tussles, Kieran Dooley curbed Duignan's influence at midfield. Overall, Seir Kieran had the speed, skill, spirit and determination to become the tenth club to claim the Offaly Title, and the first new name on the Trophy since St Rynagh's themselves in 1965.Club of the Year
It fell to Eugene Coughlan to lift the Sean Robbins Cup on behalf of his 101-year-old club, presented to him by Mr. Brendan Ward who was then vice chairman of the County Board. The captain's acceptance speech paid tribute to the entire panel of players, their selectors, the club officials, the supporters who had been with the team through all the highs and lows, and especially the team trainer Joe Dooley. Celebrations in Clareen continued until well into the following week, with almost everything else put on hold. Messages of congratulation poured in from the parish's ''diaspora'' and many others, while the Bishop of Ossory, Dr. Forrestal, drove up from Kilkenny to convey his congratulations in person. Two weeks later, in their very first match in the Leinster Club Hurling Championship, Seir Kieran beat the Meath champions Trim by 2-14 to 0-6. The Leinster Club Semi-final took place on Saturday 20 November at Geraldine Park, Athy, whereFive years of frustration, 1989 to 1993
The County Finals of 1989 and 1991
Seir Kieran retained their Senior Hurling League title in 1989, beating Lusmagh on 14 May by 3-13 to 1-10. Since the inception of the SHL, the winners had always gone on to win the championship as well. However, this was not the way it turned out in 1989, and it was Lusmagh who would emerge on top in October. The Clareen side started the championship with wins over Kinnitty (28 May), and Kilcormac/Killoughey (17 September, by a two-point margin), which was enough to qualify for the Semi-finals – and to make the last match in the group stages just a formality. This third-round game took place against St Rynagh's on 24 September. Two goals from Pat Mahon and 0-7 from Johnny Dooley meant that Seir Kieran led for most of the way, until Declan Fogarty's last-minute goal swung it (St Rynagh's 3-9, Seir Kieran 3-8). In the Semi-final against Birr, Seir Kieran contained Birr dangerman Ray Landy reasonably well, until Landy scored the townsmen's only goal two minutes from time (Seir Kieran 3-10, Birr 1-9). In the Final on 22 October 1989, an exciting game of great intensity teetered first one way and then another. Lusmagh scored 0-6 from play in the last 20 minutes, to cut the defending champions' lead to two points. In the last minute of play, John Kelly scored a goal for the Reds. Pat Horan blew the long whistle soon after, and Lusmagh (trained by Joachim Kelly and captained by Jim Troy) had deservedly won their first Title by 1-11 to 1-10. Seir Kieran reached the Senior Hurling League Final for the third time in succession on 22 April 1990, only to lose by four points to a fast-maturing Birr side. The black and amber also failed to qualify for the last stages of the 1990 Senior Hurling Championship. A 0-12 to 0-10 loss to St Rynagh's in the opening round was made up for by impressive wins over Birr (2-13 to 0-10) and Kinnitty (4-15 to 0-11). However, Birr had regrouped to beat St Rynagh's and force a three-way play-off, involving those two teams and Seir Kieran. In the first leg of this play-off, on 18 September 1990 at Rath, Birr shocked Seir Kieran by 0-12 to 1-6 to qualify for the Semi-finals. Liam Coughlan the goalkeeper gave the one flawless display, in a Clareen defence much more troubled than for a long time past. The losers had to play St Rynagh's again on 23 September, with the other Semi-final slot at stake. Despite seeming to be in control for most of the way, Seir Kieran conceded 1-3 in the last four minutes and were eliminated by 2-9 to 1-10. Seir Kieran signaled that they were still contenders in 1991 with an opening round 2-12 to 1-8 win over Coolderry. Kevin Kinahan was centre back, and his commanding display led to his selection for the Offaly U-21 hurling team that year. In the second round on 20 July, Seir Kieran also had a big win (3-14 to 0-6) over Tullamore. The Offaly County Board postponed the third round of SHC games, in order to allow Seir Kieran's Johnny Dooley, Lusmagh's John Troy, and Birr's Brian Whelahan and Johnny Pilkington to participate in the U-21Offaly hurling in transition, 1989 and 1990
Having gone down badly to Kilkenny in the Leinster Minor Hurling Final of 1988 (when Aidan Mulrooney and Johnny Dooley represented Seir Kieran), the Offaly Minors proved unstoppable the following year, beating Wexford and Dublin to qualify for a re-match against the Cats in the Leinster Final (9 July 1989). This was a great, fast and open game and ended at 14 points apiece. Offaly won the replay at Portlaoise by 4-13 to 0-13. Kevin Flynn (2), Raymond Dooley and Ronan McNamara were the goal-scorers, while a Kilkenny attack that included Charlie Carter failed to beat John Troy. In the All Ireland Semi-final, Offaly lived dangerously against a fast and skillful Down team, before winning by 1-11 to 1-5. They had sharpened up considerably by the first Sunday in September, and triumphed over Clare (2-16 to 1-12) for the Faithful County's third Minor Title in four years. Brian Whelahan was captain. Offaly played almost to exhibition standard at times, although Clare proved a tough nut to crack. Niall Hand goaled for Offaly after four minutes, and again just before half time whenVictory in the NHL, disappointment in U-21 and Leinster SHC, 1991 to 1993
Although the Galway game was Eugene Coughlan's last appearance in the Championship, the Seir Kieran great again answered the call during Offaly's victorious National Hurling League campaign of 1990-91. Johnny Dooley's marksmanship was another key feature of the campaign. Padraig Horan had taken over as Offaly manager at this stage, and he said the aim was simply to win promotion from League Division 2. A good start was made on 28 October 1990 against Antrim in Casement Park (3-7 to 0-11), before Offaly came home to Birr to defeat Laois by 0-19 to 2-8. Danny Owens (Killoughey) got seven of his nine points from frees, while five of Johnny Dooley's six points were from open play. Wins over Meath (0-13 to 0-9) and Derry (5-9 to 0-7) followed in November. The Derry game took place in a miserably wet Slaughtneil, where Seir Kieran's brilliant goalie Liam Coughlan stood in for Jim Troy. Resuming at Salthill on 17 February 1991, Offaly lost to Galway by 1-11 to 0-9, in what was still a good performance. However, their chances of promotion took a real nose-dive with defeat to Down on 3 March (1-14 to 1-9). Results elsewhere fortuitously fell Offaly's way, and the team got back on track by beating Kerry by 0-21 to 0-6. In the play-off at Drogheda on the last day of March, Offaly again met Down and exacted revenge for the earlier defeat (3-13 to 2-7). The NHL Quarter-final between Offaly and Waterford took place at Thurles on 14 April 1991. This was the first competitive inter-county game in which Joe, Billy and Johnny Dooley (with, respectively, 0-2, 0-1 and 0-4) got on the score-sheet together. A fourth Seir Kieran representative, Liam Coughlan, came on for Jim Troy when the Lusmagh man was elbowed in the eye. Joachim Kelly's return from injury was a big boost to the underdogs, as a very enjoyable match went to extra time. Waterford's training over the winter was supposed to give them the edge in this scenario, but it was Offaly who advanced by 3-14 to 0-14. Tipperary were the opponents in the Semi-final, played at Limerick, and were defeated by 1-7 to 0-7. Five of Offaly's starting forwards – Joe Dooley, Johnny Dooley, Michael Duignan, Danny Owens, and Daithi Regan – scored from play, with Duignan netting the decisive goal four minutes from time. 22,749 patrons came to Croke Park on 12 May for the League Final itself, and saw Offaly become the tenth county to win the League (and the first new name since Waterford in 1963). Wexford were on top for much of the game, but had numerous wides from distance. Offaly showed tenacity, power and raw courage, as they hunted in packs and got the most out of their own chances. With two goals from Dathi Regan (Birr), it finished Offaly 2-6, Wexford 0-10. While winning the Faithful County's first National Hurling League was a historic achievement, it was a case of "pride comes before a fall" so far as 1991, 1992 and 1993 were concerned. In the Leinster Semi-final on 3 June 1991, Dublin advanced by 0-19 to 1-14 as the reigning Leinster and League champions were sensationally dumped out. The Metropolitans showed greater fitness, alertness and hunger and led most of the way. Johnny Dooley's second-half goal, fired from a 20-metre free, brought Offaly right back into contention, but it was Dublin who got the late scores to clinch it. Not since 1979 had Offaly failed to reach the Leinster Senior Hurling Final, so their supporters reacted to the final whistle with stunned disbelief. Padraig Horan the coach took the view that: ''"We won our first League and we have the Leinster U-21 Title. Our Senior side is still quite young and the future is bright."'' However, Offaly's defence of their League Title got off to a rocky start on 19 October 1991, when Down had five points to spare (2-17 to 2-12) to make a memorable debut in League Division 1. Offaly subsequently beat Laois at Rathdowney by 0-11 to 1-3; but lost to both Tipperary (2-17 to 1-7) and Kilkenny (0-12 to 0-10). Kevin Kinahan was full back for the Tipperary game, when Joe, Billy and Johnny Dooley brought the Seir Kieran contingent to four. Survival in Division 1 remained in jeopardy until the team drew with Limerick (Offaly 2-13, Limerick 1-16) at Birr on 22 March 1992. In a fiercely contested tie full of Offaly's old fire, Johnny Dooley's goal and eleven points inspired the team's escape from relegation. Padraig Horan was happy with the character shown in the Limerick game; but the injury-list meant that the 1992 Leinster Senior Hurling Semi-final would be all-uphill. At Croke Park on 21 June, Kilkenny eliminated Offaly by 2-15 to 1-12. Offaly kept an edge for much of the way, with points from Johnny and Joe Dooley, Brendan Kelly (Lusmagh) and Daithi Regan building on a great goal by Danny Owens. However, sending Michael Duignan on was a mistake, as he was not recovered from ligament trouble and soon had to limp off again. Kilkenny's substitutions worked better, Christy Heffernan's guile eventually giving them the upper hand. Billy Dooley was sent on for Offaly late on, and was unlucky with two goal chances. Padraig Horan's tenure as manager ended with this defeat, and he would be replaced by Limerick's Éamonn Cregan. One year later, on 30 May 1993, Offaly again came off second-best in the first round of the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship (Kilkenny 2-10 Offaly 0-14). Notwithstanding the red card shown for Roy Mannion's challenge on Adrian Ronan, Offaly's never-say-die performance deserved to overturn the reigning All Ireland champions. Michael Walsh (son of goalkeeping legendCounty Championships of 1992 and 1993
Seir Kieran would likewise emerge empty-handed from the following two SHC seasons, and seemed to be sliding backwards at times. They began the 1992 championship in Jekyll & Hyde fashion, with a stunning 4-10 to 2-9 victory over Coolderry then a desolate 1-13 to 0-7 loss to Birr. In the third round against Kinnitty, Mick Mulrooney scored the decisive goal as Seir Kieran won by 1-9 to 0-11, although they had lived dangerously throughout this match. The next outing was on 9 August 1992, when the Clareen team beat Kilcormac/ Killoughey by 2-16 to 0-7 to guarantee a place in the play-offs. Neither could Coolderry really cope with Seir Kieran fully nine weeks later, when they duked it out for a Semi-final place. With Pat O'Connor out with a broken leg, Coolderry had few attacking options and went down by 0-13 to 1-7. On the minus side, the black and amber had 13 wides. St Rynagh's were the opposition in the SHC Semi-final, played at Birr on 24 October 1992, and never relinquished the lead after Aidan Fogarty took an opportunist goal (St Rynagh's 2-14, Seir Kieran 1-12). Seir Kieran also played six matches in the 1993 Senior Hurling Championship, but did not even make the Semi-finals this time. A nail-biting one-point win over Kilcormac/ Killoughey (1-13 to 1-12) was negated by a defeat to Birr by 2-13 to 2-9. Noel Bergin reacted quickest when James Coakley's shot came off the post, but Robbie Sheils's net lived a charmed life after that. Brian Whelahan converted two 65's for a telling advantage. At Rath on 13 June, Seir Kieran and Lusmagh played out a draw (Seir Kieran 2-6, Lusmagh 1-9). Victories followed against Tullamore (0-12 to 1-8) and against Drumcullen (1-15 to 0-11), but these were insufficient to avoid the play-offs. On 15 August 1993, the rampant Reds took two early goals to all but end it as a contest, and went on for a six-point victory (Lusmagh 4-12, Seir Kieran 1-15). It was a fittingly miserable end to what had been five years of failure in the quest to win back the Sean Robbins Cup.Four years of achievement, 1994 to 1997
Reaching the County Final again – Seir Kieran in 1994
While the Clareen side's reversals of fortune since 1988 were brutal, a major reason for them was that the Offaly domestic championship had become one of the most competitive in the country. Birr were waxing in strength, St Rynagh's and Lusmagh were always there or thereabouts, and Kilcormac/ Killoughey and now Tullamore had plenty of talent coming through. The Clareen mentors and panel would eventually prove equal to this challenge, going on to contest four County Finals in a row between 1994 and 1997 – and to win two of those. As they had in 1987 and 1988, the Junior hurlers led the way in 1994, beating Killeigh/ Killeen, Belmont and Tubber (walkover) and then Daingean in the Quarter-final. The Semi-final, played at Raheen in September, finished Seir Kieran 3-6, Killurin 0-7. The Clareen side, coached by Michael Murphy with selectors Tommy Hynes and TJ Dooley, gave a brave account of themselves in the Junior 'B' Hurling Final, played at Rath on 9 October 1994. Kilcormac/ Killoughey were too strong on the day, and won out by 2-11 to 0-10. Before several of the panel were called up for Offaly's brilliant summer Blitzkrieg, the club's Senior team had made a highly encouraging start in the 1994 SHC, defeating Drumcullen by 5-12 to 1-8 and St Rynagh's by 1-14 to 2-5. Their new coach, Gerry Kirwan of Ballyskenagh, laid considerable emphasis on the age-old problems of fitness and discipline. Eugene Coughlan had come on to score the goal against Banagher; Kevin Kinahan, Kieran Dooley, James Coakley and Damien Murphy all put in great performances; and Johnny Dooley versus Martin Hanamy was one of the key tussles of the match. Their SHC campaign resumed at Kilcormac on 17 September, when the Clareen side went down to an unexpected 6-7 to 2-12 defeat, to a Coolderry side who needed the win to get into the play-offs. Not since 1952 had Seir Kieran conceded so many goals in the Championship. Eugene Coughlan would revert to full back for the remainder of the 1994 campaign, beginning at Rath the following week where a 1-10 to 0-9 victory over Kinnitty got them back on the rails. On 2 October 1994, Seir Kieran once again faced Coolderry in the play-offs, switched to Banagher from a water-logged Lusmagh pitch. A cracking game was expected, as Seir Kieran sought revenge for the ambush at Kilcormac; but the slippery conditions made it a hard slog. Seir Kieran gradually got the upper hand, and lovely points from Mick Coughlan and Johnny Dooley brought it to Seir Kieran 0-7, Coolderry 0-6. In the Semi-final against Kilcormac/ Killoughey, the black and amber's finishing was clinical. Billy Dooley scored two goals (the second nipped off the hurley of Kilcormac goalie Stephen Byrne), and Mick Coughlan added a third, as they won by 3-13 to 0-8. The County Final of 30 October 1994 pitted Seir Kieran against Birr. In appalling weather conditions, it was the Clareen side that got off to a promising start, but Birr gradually restricted the supply of ball to the Seir Kieran danger men, while forcing the concession of frees from within Adrian Cahill's range. Seir Kieran threw everything forward in search of the winning goal, but it was Birr 0-8, Seir Kieran 0-6 at the long whistle. For want of just a little more discipline, Seir Kieran had now lost their fifth County Final out of the six contested since 1985. In wishing Birr the very best in the Leinster Club championship, however, Seir Kieran signalled that they were not finished yet: :: ''"The Club appreciate and thank the entire panel and team management for a big effort from early Spring through to Final day. Despite this loss spirits have been restored and the Club will be battling for honours again next year."''Offaly's third All Ireland Senior Hurling title, 1994
County Champions a second time – Seir Kieran in 1995
Martin Hanamy became the second St Rynagh's man (and the first from Cloghan) to lift the McCarthy Cup; Kevin Martin won Tullamore's first All Ireland Senior hurling medal; while the Birr, Lusmagh, St Rynagh's and Coolderry contingents each received heroes' welcomes in their home place. Even so, the Clareen homecoming, on Friday, 9 September 1994, was something special. Éamonn Cregan greatly valued Tony Murphy's role as Offaly hurling secretary. Kevin Kinahan had held scoreless Limerick's full forward Pat Heffernan. Joe, Billy and Johnny Dooley had amassed a combined 2-11. Joe and Johnny Dooley became the first pair of brothers in modern times to each score a goal in an All Ireland Senior Hurling Final (a feat matched only by the Powers of Carrickshock in the Final of 2014). Three of Offaly's six All Star Awards in 1994 came to Seir Kieran – to Johnny and Billy Dooley and to Kevin Kinahan. The club's priority for 1995 was to use these achievements as a springboard back to the top in the Offaly SHC. Seir Kieran's selectors for 1995 were Gerry Kirwan (coach), Christy Coughlan, Johnny Breslin, Willie Dooley and Tommy Hynes. In the opening round of the Senior Hurling Championship, the team unexpectedly went down to a more determined and hungry Coolderry by 0-11 to 0-10. A dour and workmanlike victory over Kinnitty in the second round (1-10 to 0-8) steadied the ship. Victory came at a price, as Billy Dooley was carried off with an ankle injury. It was a seriously depleted Clareen panel who lined out against Tullamore on 27 May 1995, and stared elimination in the face throughout the game. With Tullamore ahead by 1-5 to 0-2, their goalie tossed up the ball to clear it – whereupon Eugene Coughlan flicked it to the net. Reduced to 14 men in the second half, Seir Kieran were again in dire trouble, but regrouped doggedly. Mick Mulrooney's goal and points from James Coakley and Johnny Dooley preceded Dooley's great equalizer from a '65. Kevin Abbott scored the winning point (Seir Kieran 2-13, Tullamore 2-12). It was a Lazarus act unprecedented in the club's long history, and meant it was still all to play for when the championship resumed after the inter-county hiatus. By beating Kilcormac/ Killoughey by 2-16 to 2-7 on 24 September, Seir Kieran put themselves emphatically in the frame for a place in the last four. This was secured by a 2-21 to 0-1 mismatch against Belmont on 7 October. Seir Kieran's Semi-final assignment was Birr, who had gone on to win their first All Ireland Club Title against Dunloy (following a replay). Yet the wear-and-tear that this had cost them, coupled with Seir Kieran's absolute cohesion, meant that the Clareen attitude was one of "now or never". It did not look that way at first. Simon and Brian Whelahan, Ray Landy, Declan Pilkington and Oisin O'Neill had all scored by the time Johnny Dooley opened Seir Kieran's account. Birr recommenced scoring almost at will; until Eugene Coughlan burst through for a great goal that showed weakness in the Birr defence. Mick Mulrooney capitalized by grabbing two more goals, for a slender interval lead (3-2 to 0-9). Jimmy Connor replaced Eugene Coughlan for the second half, when Johnny Dooley scored all six Seir Kieran points. Scores from Ray Landy and Conor McGlone kept the townsmen in the hunt, as both managements made wholesale changes. Brian Whelahan went to full forward for Birr, while Clareen captain Joe Dooley dropped back to help lift the siege. Eventually Whelahan got in for a stunning goal, but Birr were still one point behind (3-8 to 1-13) and on the attack when the referee blew it up. With only one week to get set, the Senior Hurling Final against St Rynagh's (22 October 1995 at St Brendan's Park) looked like an even trickier proposition. In the event, two wholly committed sides played out an exciting 1-13 to 1-13 draw, in front of a record attendance of over six thousand. St Rynagh's were very slight favorites going into the replay, on the basis that the Shannonsiders had always taken their second chances before. Instead, Seir Kieran prevailed by 0-10 to 0-9. The line-out for the replay (Saturday 28 October) was Liam Coughlan (goalie), Paddy Mulrooney, Kevin Kinahan, Paddy Connors, Damien Murphy, Ger Connors, Paul Scully, Noel Bergin, Joe Dooley (captain), Johnny Dooley, Mick Coughlan, James Coakley, Billy Dooley, Eugene Coughlan, and Mick Mulrooney. The three subs called upon on the day were Jimmy Connor, Finbarr O'Neill and Kieran Dooley. As the new Offaly champions, Seir Kieran had a Leinster Club Championship fixture in Carlow the very next day, where they beat Naomh Eoin by 3-10 to 0-7. Six days after that (Saturday 11 November), in Dr. Cullen Park, Kilkenny champions Glenmore brought Seir Kieran's campaign to a full stop (1-14 to 0-12). Back in Kinnitty on 26 November 1995, victory in the long-delayed 1994 Senior Hurling League Final(Seir Kieran 2-15, Drumcullen 2-6) restored morale, as did the 1995 All Star Awards won by Kevin Kinahan, Johnny Dooley and Billy Dooley. However, winning out the Offaly SHC was the one that mattered, and was Seir Kieran's most important win since 1988. Eugene Coughlan summed it up: :: ''"I have never seen players, committee members and everyone involved with the club dig so deep."''Back-to-back titles and attempted three-in-a-row – Seir Kieran 1996-97
At the Offaly GAA Convention for 1996, Seir Kieran won the accolade of "Club of the Year" for the second time. In accepting the Fr. McWey Cup, Michael Murphy the club chairman stressed that Seir Kieran were just as proud of their part in the success of Offaly hurling. The Offaly Senior Hurling Championship of 1996 was defined, so far as Seir Kieran were concerned, by lop-sided victories over Belmont and Ballyskenagh and by four no-holds-barred matches against Kilcormac/ Killoughey. These comprised: an exciting second-round match that finished Seir Kieran 1-10, Kilcormac/ Killoughey 0-13; an unexpectedly easy passage in the play-offs (Seir Kieran 1-11, Kilcormac/ Killoughey 1-3); another draw (3-12-all) in the Semi-final on 22 September 1996; and a definitive 0-14 to 0-7 win in the replay six days later. With the Double-K's shaken off at last, Seir Kieran contemplated the prospect of a historic Double of their own – assuming they had enough left in the tank to handle St Rynagh's in the Final. The punditry reckoned St Rynagh's would do it this time, having kept the Birr danger-men under wraps in the other bruising Semi-final. However, several of the Banagher camp, such as selector Alo Horan, were much more cautious than that: :: ''"Seir Kieran were victorious last year because they wanted it more than we did. While some of their lads might not be all that skillful, they all have great spirit and would die for their parish. Certainly they will go out and give it everything on the day."'' Despite the cross-field gale and the cascading showers on County Final day itself (13 October 1996), Seir Kieran did indeed give it everything, defeating St Rynagh's by 0-13 to 1-8 to put Senior Hurling Titles back-to-back. The black and amber deployed as follows: Liam Coughlan (goalie), Paul Scully, Kevin Kinahan, Paddy Connors, Damien Murphy, Ger Connors, Kieran Dooley, Joe Dooley, Noel Bergin, Johnny Dooley, Mick Coughlan, Mick Mulrooney, Billy Dooley, Eugene Coughlan, Seamus Dooley, and substitutes Kieran Kealey and Jimmy Connor. It was their eighth appearance in the decider in 12 years, of which they had now won three. County Board chairman Brendan Ward presented the Sean Robbins Cup to a delighted Liam Coughlan. On 24 November, Coughlan would also collect the Pat Carroll Cup, after Seir Kieran defeated Kilcormac/ Killoughey in the 1996 SHL Final by 1-12 to 0-6. In the interim, Seir Kieran's third-ever Leinster Club Hurling Championship campaign once again foundered at the Leinster Semi-final stage. Following a spell-binding 1-24 to 0-4 win over Trim in the opening round at Athboy, the Clareen panel went to Portlaoise on 10 November to face O'Toole's. The Dublin champions (including former Kilkenny forwards Eamonn Morrissey and Jamesie "Shiner" Brennan) powered into a 1-10 to 0-2 lead after the first quarter. Out-maneuvered nearly everywhere, Seir Kieran drew on vast reserves of character and resolve, and lived to fight another day (Seir Kieran 3-10, O'Toole's 1-16). Back in Portlaoise the following Saturday, the Offaly champions were again stretched thin, and again held their shape and composure to make inroads in the second half. O'Toole's kept topping up their points total, however, and (despite Joe Dooley nipping in for a late goal) advanced by 0-18 to 2-9. Undeterred by their failure to navigate further in Leinster, Seir Kieran advanced to the 1997 Senior Hurling Final undefeated, with wins over Lusmagh (1-11 to 0-5), Kilcormac/ Killoughey (0-15 to 1-9), Belmont (5-17 to 0-4), and Tullamore in the Semi-final (2-15 to 2-10). In the Final itself, played out against Birr on 5 October 1997, Joe Dooley was hampered by a leg injury as he alternated between midfield and full forward. This made it easier for Birr to keep tabs on the other Clareen playmakers, and to win out by four points (0-14 to 2-4). In the midst of bitter disappointment in the black and amber camp, what did not change was the determination to challenge, the following year, as ferociously as ever. In the meantime, a great victory in the Junior Hurling 'B' Championship ensured that the year ended on a high. At Rath on 2 November 1997, the following team beat Coolderry in the Final by 2-9 to 2-4: Damien Coffey (goalie), Tom Connor, Paddy Mulrooney, John Coakley, Kevin Dooley, Joe Guinan, Finbarr Murphy, Pat Mulrooney, Aidan O'Neill, Kieran Troy, Noel Bergin, Kevin Abbott, Joe Mooney, Sean Coughlan, and TJ Dooley.Triumph, then disappointment – Offaly Hurling 1995 to 1997
Having turned the tide in the 1994 All Ireland Final, Offaly looked set to blossom into the dominant team of the mid-1990s. At the same moment, however, Limerick, Clare and Wexford were surging to the top ranks of hurling counties, while Kilkenny and other "traditional" powers remained a threat. In response, Offaly upped their own performance levels even further; but their lack of options on the bench began to tell against them. The Birr contingent won their first All Ireland Club Title in March 1995, so they were unavailable to Éamonn Cregan for most of the NHL campaign (during which Johnny Dooley amassed 1-58). The Faithful County still managed to regain Division 1 status and had pleasing wins over Liam Griffin's Wexford (0-16 to 0-14) and over Cork in the Quarter-final (3-10 to 2-11). Although Kilkenny beat them by 4-8 to 0-14 in the League Semi-final at Thurles, Cregan shrugged off Offaly's slackness as something that could be fixed in time for championship. The coach's sangfroid was vindicated by Offaly's 2-14 to 1-10 victory over Wexford on 25 June – the first Leinster Senior Hurling Championship match to be broadcast live on television. Joe Dooley's goal was vital in maintaining an advantage in the third quarter, when Wexford's strategy of luring Offaly's half back line out of position looked like it might pay off. Unbeaten by the Slaneysiders since 1979, Offaly had nearly come to depend on Wexford's erratic shooting whenever the chips were down. That remained true in 1995 – but Griffin would have recalibrated by the following year. Billy Dooley (0-5) was Offaly's top scorer in the Leinster Senior Hurling Final on 16 July 1995. The throw-in was delayed by a cloudburst, accompanied by thunder and lightning, during which Offaly retreated to their dressing room while the Kilkenny players huddled miserably in the dug-outs. When play did commence, Offaly answered those who had installed Kilkenny as favorites by recording one of their most total victories (Offaly 2-16, Kilkenny 2-5). Although only 0-5 to 0-3 up by half time, the Faithful County had absorbed phenomenal pressure and had broken Kilkenny's resolve by then. Offaly's deft flicks and passes opened up the game in the second half, and the scores began to flow. With Kevin Kinahan in close attendance, DJ Carey made no headway until too late to matter. Since 1980, Offaly had now lifted the Bob O'Keeffe Cup nine times (to seven for the Cats). In the All Ireland Semi-final (6 August 1995), Offaly beat Down by 2-19 to 2-8. On a sweltering afternoon that sapped the energy of some players, Johnny Dooley's 11-point contribution ensured that there would be no repeat of the Antrim result in 1989. Ger Loughnane's Clare team would be the opposition on 3 September, in the 1995 All Ireland Final. On all known form, the reigning All Ireland Champions were the better bet to prevail on this occasion – provided they could rise to the same level of intensity as they had shown in the Leinster Final. In the event, the Faithful County went down by two points (Clare 1-13, Offaly 2-8). While they had known that everything bar the kitchen sink would be thrown at them, Offaly were unbraced for the sheer wall of noise that greeted the Bannermens' entry into the arena. Éamonn Cregan would afterwards reflect that, while Clare were not any fitter than Offaly, their grueling training sessions had conferred an advantage in terms of upper body strength. Ger Loughnane's astute switches were a factor also, and Offaly only scored 1-2 after the interval. Even so, Kevin Kinahan defiantly retained control at full back, and the team's greater skill and craft kept them in the hunt. Johnny Pilkington's goal edged them two points in front with four minutes to go, at which stage a couple of wides let Clare off the hook. Clare substitute Eamonn Taaffe nabbed what proved the decisive goal when Antony Daly's effort came back off the post. Referee Dickie Murphy blew it up after virtually no injury time. Having lifted the McCarthy Cup, Daly said in his acceptance speech that Offaly's rise had been an inspiration to teams like Clare. This was scant consolation to the runners-up, who had left everything on the pitch in the quest to put All Ireland Titles back-to-back. Offaly won promotion from Division 2 of the National Hurling League the following Spring, notwithstanding a hideous 1-28 to 1-1 NHL defeat to Galway on 18 February 1996, and an ominous 1-14 to 2-3 League Quarter-final exit at the hands of Wexford. When the championship commenced on 2 June 1996, Offaly also had trouble in putting Meath away (2-18 to 2-12). Liam Coughlan (goalie), Kevin Kinahan (full back), Johnny Dooley (left half forward), Joe Dooley (right half forward) and Billy Dooley (top of the left) lined out together – the first time that Seir Kieran had had five representatives in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship. Each of them went on to play in the Semi-final victory over Laois (Offaly 4-17, Laois 2-10), and in the Leinster Final defeat to Wexford on 14 July 1996 (Wexford 2-23, Offaly 2-15). John McIntyre, the sports editor for the Connaught Tribune, would be appointed Offaly coach for the 1997 League and Championship, with selectors Willie Dooley (Seir Kieran), Jim Troy (Lusmagh), and Sean White (St Rynagh's). Joe Dooley was Offaly's captain for 1997, when the panel was freshened up by the likes of Gary Hanniffy and Gary Cahill (Birr), Ger Oakley (Carrig & Riverstown), Cillian Farrell (Edenderry), Paudie Mulhare (St Rynagh's) and Colm Cassidy (Kilcormac/ Killoughey). However, the playmakers still comprised the "Old Guard" for the most part. In the first round of the Leinster Championship in Mullingar, Offaly saw off Meath much more handily than they had in 1996 (3-20 to 0-8), but were very nearly caught out by Laois in the next round (Offaly 1-11, Laois 2-7). It was back to Croke Park on 22 June 1997, when Offaly took on the All Ireland Champions in the Leinster Senior Hurling Semi-final. As in 1996, Offaly and Wexford served up an enthralling game; and Offaly came off second-best in the end. Wexford raised two green flags early on, but Billy Dooley's goal just before the short whistle gave his team a fighting chance. However, it was the fourth quarter before Offaly meshed into their top gear. It was too late on this occasion, as Wexford advanced with a goal to spare (Wexford 3-12, Offaly 2-12). This was only the fourth time in eighteen years that Offaly had failed to qualify for the Leinster Senior Hurling Final. In 1991, 1992 and 1993, Offaly had had recent success at Minor and U-21 level. There was no such silver lining in 1997. On the other hand, Offaly's status as a hurling county was higher than ever before. At the August 1996 meeting of the Offaly County Board, Brendan Ward the chairman and Tony Murphy the hurling secretary recalled that during their four years in charge, Éamonn Cregan, Derry O'Donovan and their selectors had delivered two Leinster Titles, victory and runners-up in two All Ireland Championships, two Walsh Cups and one Oireachtas Title. Mr. Ward added: :: ''"That was tremendous progress. I pay tribute to those men, they did a powerful job for Offaly."''Offaly and Seir Kieran – Champions in 1998, runners-up in 2000
Offaly's eight championship games of 1998
As John McIntyre's term in charge of the Offaly Senior hurlers was not renewed, he was replaced by the former Tipperary and Laois manager,Seir Kieran's eleven championship games of 1998
The Liam MacCarthy Cup stopped off in Clareen on Wednesday, 16 September 1998, another magical night for both club and parish. The All Star Awards won by Joe Dooley and Kevin Kinahan in December were the icing on the cake. Even so, Seir Kieran's main focus remained the Offaly SHC. Apart from Michael Connolly the coach, the selectors for 1998 were Sean Coughlan, Sean Bergin and Willie Dooley. Their first assignment on 25 April was the recently crowned All Ireland Club champions. Conditions were heavy – one of Liam Coughlan's puck-outs plugged without a bounce into the muck – but both sides hurled well. As usual, though, Birr's switches stifled Seir Kieran's early advantage, and they gradually pulled away (Birr 3-14, Seir Kieran 2-7). Another defeat in the second round (Coolderry 1-7, Seir Kieran 0-6) used up more of Seir Kieran's nine lives. On the bright side, they could hope to have Johnny Dooley recovered from injury by the time the domestic championship resumed. Seir Kieran clambered back into contention in the Autumn by four wins in four weeks, beating Drumcullen by 3-10 to 1-8, Lusmagh by 3-9 to 1-10, Tullamore by 2-14 to 2-8, then Kilcormac/ Killoughey by 3-16 to 1-10 in the Quarter-final. Joe Dooley inspired many of their best passages of play. It was the same story against Coolderry on 25 October, when the black and amber avenged their May defeat (3-10 to 1-10) and stormed into their tenth Offaly Senior Hurling Final since 1985. In a tense and scrappy decider on 10 November 1998, St Rynagh's scored 1-6 from play (to only 0-1 from play for the Clareen men). However, Johnny Dooley converted from each of the ten frees (including a last-minute '65) awarded within scoring range, and the sides finished deadlocked (Seir Kieran 0-11, St Rynagh's 1-8). Thirteen days later, the two clubs renewed their epic rivalry. Seir Kieran prevailed by 1-11 to 0-8. Amidst jubilant scenes in St Brendan's Park, Kevin Kinahan lifted the Sean Robbins Cup, the last act of a quite extraordinary Offaly Senior Hurling Championship. The following day (Sunday 22 November) the team traveled to Arklow and beat Kiltegan by 2-12 to 0-9. As was the case in 1988, 1995 and 1996, the Leinster Club Semi-final at Nowlan Park proved a bridge too far. On 29 November, Rathnure beat the Offaly standard-bearers by 3-11 to 2-8. Nonetheless, the year 1998 stands among Seir Kieran's finest, as was well expressed in a message from Carrig & Riverstown, another rural club: :: ''"Well done to Seir Kieran on winning the County Final in Birr last Saturday. Apart from being unlucky in last year's Final they have now won four Championships. They give great hope for the survival and the future of small clubs."''Losing the crown – Seir Kieran and Offaly in 1999
In April 1999, Seir Kieran reached another Offaly Junior Hurling League decider. Although they lost to Lusmagh in the Final (4-7 to 3-6), their battling display augured well for the fast-approaching championships. Seir Kieran's defence of their Senior Title opened on the first of May, with a 3-7 to 0-11 win over Drumcullen – although "the Sash" stayed in the lead until late on. Seir Kieran also looked vulnerable against Kilcormac/ Killoughey in the second round. With Johnny Dooley again out, the black and amber had 14 wides and lost by 1-14 to 3-6. When the Offaly SHC resumed in August, Sseir Kieran proved themselves back on song with a 1-16 to 0-10 win over Coolderry. Rath was the venue for the fourth round match against St Rynagh's, in which Johnny Dooley scored ten points to match his exploits in the drawn Final of 1998. Paudie Mulhare equalized for the Banagher side (0-15 apiece). In the last group game, Seir Kieran succumbed to an ominous 3-17 to 1-12 defeat by Birr. Although a hard-fought, touch-and-go victory (1-13 to 2-9) over Lusmagh in the Quarter-final steadied the Clareen ship, they still had come up with no answers for Birr by the time of the Semi-final. The defending champions were eliminated on the score-line Birr 3-22, Seir Kieran 1-7. It was the first time in six years that the black and amber had failed to contest the Offaly Senior Hurling Final. On the other hand, they reached the Offaly Junior 'A' Hurling Final on 25 September 1999 – the first time Seir Kieran had done so in 30 years. They narrowly lost the Final to Kilcormac/ Killoughey (1-12 to 2-6). Meanwhile, John Coughlan the club's president and his wife Mary received a ''Sean Gael'' award at a function in Tullamore. When the 1999 inter-county championships got going, Seir Kieran again had four representatives on Michael Bond's panel. In addition, Damien Murphy, James Coakley and Joe Guinan were called up to the Offaly Intermediate panel, coached by Paddy Scales (St Rynagh's) with selectors Seamus Coakley (Seir Kieran) and Joe Cleary (Shinrone). The Intermediates were beaten by Kilkenny in June. In the Leinster Senior Hurling Semi-final on 20 June 1999, Offaly saw off Wexford by 3-17 to 0-15. Joe, Billy and Johnny Dooley pitched in for a combined 1-13, and Kevin Kinahan also played a stormer. In the Leinster Final on 11 July, however, the reigning Leinster Champions, now coached byThe championships of 2000
Modern times
Maintaining senior status
Seir Kieran regrouped after the setback in the County Final, lifting the Pat Carroll Cup on 8 July 2001 following a replay (Seir Kieran 1-14, Coolderry 2-10). The team fielded as follows: Liam Coughlan; Kieran Dooley, Paddy Connors (captain), Kevin Abbott; Damien Murphy, Kevin Kinahan, Raymond Dooley; Johnny Dooley, Joe Guinan; Finbarr O'Neill, Mick Coughlan, Joe Dooley; Billy Dooley, Seamus Dooley, Barry Bergin; and substitutes Eugene Coughlan and Damien Coffey. They reached the Quarter-final of the 2001 SHC against the same opposition. Although this exciting tussle also went to a replay, Coolderry won out by 3-13 to 3-9. The club failed to mount a serious challenge for the Sean Robbins Cup in the next few years. Many of their long-serving players retired from Senior hurling, and a string of championship losses in 2007 put Seir Kieran's Senior status in jeopardy. A similar situation pertained in 2008, when a nightmare defeat to Kinnitty in the opening round of the championship left them in relegation trouble later on, but they survived the relegation play-offs against Shamrocks and Drumcullen. By 2009, the Seir Kieran panel was being augmented by some of the talented players who had won out the 2008 U-21 Title. However, Liam Coughlan continued his long service as goalkeeper, while other vastly experienced players also played on. They reached the Senior Hurling Quarter-final against Kilcormac/ Killoughey. With young Joe Bergin in devastating form at centre-forward, the black and amber had the winning of this match, but it went to a replay on 27 September which then went to extra time. It finished Kilcormac/ Killoughey 2-19, Seir Kieran 3-12. The team was coached by Padraig Madden, with selectors Seamus Dooley and Mick Coughlan. The Double Ks also eliminated Seir Kieran (1-14 to 1-11) in the Senior Hurling Quarter-final of 19 September 2010. Seir Kieran won out the Senior Hurling League on 22 March 2011, when Donal Coughlan became the first Clareen man in a decade to lift the Pat Carroll Cup. Michael Ryan (Tynagh) was coach, with selectors Willie Dooley and Jimmy Connor. However, Coolderry were too strong for them in the 2011 SHC Quarter-final; and it was the same story against Shinrone who advanced to the last four in 2012 (Shinrone 0-16, Seir Kieran 0-11). A breakthrough of sorts was achieved in 2013, when Seir Kieran beat Coolderry to reach their first Senior Semi-final since the turn of the century, where they lost to Kilcormac/ Killoughey. With James Mulrooney in excellent form, they also got to the last four in 2014. However, it was St Rynagh's who went on to the County Final (St Rynagh's 1-17, Seir Kieran 2-07).Building a new clubhouse and compiling the club's history
The Seir Kieran clubhouse was redeveloped in the early years of the 21st century, a project managed by the then Club Secretary, Willie Dooley. As well as expanded changing and shower facilities for hurling, camogie and other Gaelic games, the redevelopment comprises enhanced meeting areas used by the GAA and other organisations in the local community. On completion of the project in early 2006, the entire debt from the cost of construction had been discharged. In the same time frame, the club's history, ''The Music of the Ash'', was published. The Secretary asked Jimmy Blake, a club member with a degree in history from University College Dublin, to write the book, which was then edited by Professor Muiris O'Sullivan of the UCD School of Archaeology. The book runs to almost 500 pages and narrates most of the matches in which Seir Kieran players have lined out. It lists the scoreline, team and opposing team for about 1,050 games between 1887 and 2001, including for 283 Offaly Senior league and championship games, 99 Leinster and All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship games, and 193 National Hurling League ties. Also included are 58 photographs and illustrations, 34 of which are in colour.Competitions involving the Seir Kieran National School
Training in the skills of the Gaelic games has become a more central part of PE courses at Seir Kieran National School in recent years, and has aimed at maximising the athletic potential and team-working of every girl and boy. The U-13 School team and the U-13 ground hurling team both won out their competitions in 2007. They were presented with their medals by Joseph Bergin on Saturday, 1 March 2008. Also present on the night were the club's main sponsors that year, Osierbrook Cottages, Ciara Morris and Michael Camon, as well as Fr. Peter Muldowney, PP. In September 2009, the Seir Kieran U-12 camogie team won their Title, beating Kinnitty in a thrilling match. In 2014, the School's hurlers won out the 'B' Title and reached the Final of the 'A' championship. In October 2014, the Seir Kieran GAA club presented a hurley to each pupil, in recognition for their successful efforts on the field of play in the previous school year. Eugene Coughlan, who had won Seir Kieran's first All Star Award 30 years previously, made the presentation to each boy and girl.The Under 21 hurling title of 2008
On a score line of Seir Kieran 0-8, Shamrocks 1-4, Seir Kieran won the Under 16 ‘B’ hurling title in November 2007. In dreadful weather conditions at Mount Bolus, Thomas Carroll did well to score five points from play. However, it took a late pointed free from Sean Coughlan to give the Clareen side victory over a courageous Shamrocks panel. Seir Kieran were the better team over the hour, although they squandered wind advantage by shooting ten first-half wides. Conor Kennedy the captain lifted the Peter Fox Memorial Cup. This Title was a prelude to an even more notable win the following springtime, when Seir Kieran Óg beat Kilcormac Killoughey Gaels (1-11 to 0-13) in the Offaly U-21 'A' Hurling Final. Having scored 1-6 of the winners' total, Joseph Bergin the captain lifted the P.J. Teehan Cup. The winning panel were drawn entirely from the Parish of Seir Kieran, an achievement which was widely commented on and admired. Seir Kieran Óg also reached the U-21 'A' Final at Banagher in 2009, although Kilcormac/ Killoughey proved too strong on this occasion. The Clareen side only had one substitute on the bench. In 2010, when the panel was augmented by players from Drumcullen and Gracefield, Seir Kieran Óg reached their third U-21 Final in succession, but lost to Coolderry.The Junior 'A' hurling titles of 2006 and 2014
Seir Kieran bridged a 37-year gap by winning out the Junior 'A' Final of 2006. Kevin Carey the captain lifted the James Clarke Cup. Joe Dooley, by now reverted to Junior hurling, played a starring role. Winning this Title was a signal accomplishment, as each of the club's previous five Junior championships were in years when the club had no Senior team. The black and amber would continue on winning ways at Lusmagh on 29 November 2008, by winning the Division 3 Hurling League Final (Seir Kieran 1-10, Drumcullen 1-9). Five of the side had played in the 1988 Offaly Senior Hurling Final, all of twenty years before. By contrast, six others had lined out in the 2008 Minor Semi-final against St Rynagh's on 20 September. One of these, Colm Coughlan scored six points from frees, including the winner in stoppage time. Paul Scully lifted the Loughnane Cup. On 19 October 2014, Seir Kieran beat Ballinamere by 2-12 to 1-8, to win a magnificent seventh Junior 'A' Title. Michael John Corrigan was captain. On 6 September at Crinkill, the panel had beaten Birr by 4-13 to 1-13 in the Final of the Division 2 League. The Clareen goals were scored by Peadar Murray, Michael John Corrigan and Michael Gilligan. Peadar Murray was nominated as Offaly's Junior hurling player of the year for 2014.Honours
* Offaly Senior Hurling Championship (4): 1988, 1995, 1996, 1998 * Offaly Senior 'B' Hurling Championship (1): 2019 *Offaly Senior Hurling League (Pat Carroll Cup) (6): 1988, 1989, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2011, 2016 *Bibliography
* James Kieran Blake (Author), Muiris O'Sullivan (Editor) (2006), ''The Music of the Ash – A History of the Seir Kieran GAA Club'' * Ann Bach, Kieran Troy & Clareen ICA Guild (1993), ''Approach The Fountain – A History of Seir-Kieran, Clareen'' * Tom Ryall (1984), ''Kilkenny: The GAA Story 1884-1984'' *Jim Walsh (2013), ''James Nowlan – The Alderman and the GAA in his Time'' * Paddy Murray (2013), ''Relating To Roscomroe – A compilation of historical stories, facts and other matters of interest 1305-1960's'' * Enda McEvoy (2012), ''The Godfather Of Modern Hurling – The Father Tommy Maher Story'' * Michael Duignan/ Pat Nolan (2011), ''Life, death & Hurling – The Michael Duignan Story'' * Alan Walsh (2012), ''Magic Memories – Birr GAA Club through the lens'' * Con Houlihan (2003), ''More than a game – Selected sporting essays'' * Denis Walsh (2005), ''Hurling: The Revolution Years''See also
*References
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