Gaelic Games

First Clare man since 2002 clinches Poc Fada title

James McInerney claimed the M Donnelly All-Ireland senior men’s Poc Fada title

James McInerney of Clare with the Corn Setanta after winning the M Donnelly All-Ireland Poc Fada in the Annaverna Mountain, Ravensdale, Co Louth. Photograph by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Mon Aug 01 2016 - 01:00

Clare’s James McInerney claimed the M Donnelly All-Ireland senior men’s Poc Fada title on Saturday.

McInerney was crowned King of the Cooleys as the Newmarket-on-Fergus man edged past Brian Connaughton of Westmeath and nine-time winner Brendan Cummins in a gripping finish.

McInerney, who turned 29 last week, covered the Annaverna mountain course in 50 pocs and 78 metres to become the first Clare man since Davy Fitzgerald in 2002 to win the title.

James McInerney of Clare hits the winning shot during the M Donnelly All-Ireland Poc Fada in the Annaverna Mountain, Ravensdale, Co Louth. Photograph by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Connaughton was a gallant runner-up on 50 pocs and 58 metres as Tipperary legend Cummins, denied six-in-a-row and a tenth title in all, claimed third spot on 50 pocs and 34 metres.

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Competing in the event for the very first time, McInerney showed remarkable course management to navigate his way around the challenging 5km route.

Meanwhile, Cork’s Aoife Murray claimed the senior ladies title, finishing with 27 pocs and 68 metres.