Conor Cleary Explained

Conor Cleary
Irish:Conchur Ó Cléirigh
Sport:Hurling
Code:Hurling
Birth Date:1994 1, df=yes
Birth Place:Miltown Malbay,
County Clare, Ireland
Occupation:Secondary school teacher
Clubs:St. Joseph's, Miltown Malbay (SF)
Kilmaley (SH)
County:Clare
Clcountyf:3
Clcountyh:0
Province:Munster
Colleges:NUI Galway
Fitz:0
Icyears:2014-present
Counties:Clare
Icprovince:0
Icallireland:1
Nhl:2
Allstars:0
Icupdate:23:08, 9 May 2016

Conor Cleary (born 27 January 1994) is an Irish hurler and Gaelic footballer. At club he plays with St. Joseph's, Miltown Malbay and Kilmaley, while he has also lined out at inter-county level with various Clare teams.

Career

Cleary first played hurling and Gaelic football to a high standard as a student at St. Flannan's College in Ennis. He lined out for the college in all grades, including both the Harty Cup and Corn Uí Mhuirí competitions.[1] [2] Cleary later played with and captained NUI Galway in the Fitzgibbon Cup, a role which resulted in his inclusion on the Team of the Year in 2018.[3] [4]

At club level, Cleary first played Gaelic football with St. Joseph's, Miltown Malbay, while he also played hurling with the Kilmaley club. He was part of the latter side's under-21 team that claimed the Clare U21AHC title in 2015.[5] Cleary has also won three Clare SFC medals with Miltown Malbay, as well as a Clare IHC title with Kilmaley in 2017.[6] [7]

Cleary first appeared on the inter-county scene with Clare as a member of the minor team in 2012.[8] He subsequently progressed to the under-21 team and won back-to-back All-Ireland U21HC medals in 2013 and 2014.[9] [10] He captained the team in his third and final season in 2015.[11] By that stage, Cleary had already joined the senior team.[12] [13]

He was at centre-back when Clare won the National League title in 2016.[14]

On 21 July 2024, he started at full-back as Clare won the All-Ireland for the first time in 11 years after an extra-time win against Cork by 3-29 to 1-34, claiming their fifth All-Ireland title.[15] [16] [17]

Honours

St Joseph's, Miltown Malbay
Kilmaley
Clare

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Flannan’s finish with flourish. 20 October 2011. Irish Examiner. 19 June 2023.
  2. Web site: Flannan’s fight it out with ISK. 24 November 2011. Irish Examiner. 19 June 2023.
  3. Web site: Captain Conor Cleary says NUIG is determined to reach the Fitzgibbon Cup Finals. 31 January 2017. Irish Examiner. 19 June 2023.
  4. Web site: Electric Ireland Rising Stars announced. 17 April 2018. Hogan Stand. 19 June 2023.
  5. Web site: Kilmaley and Tulla take U21 Hurling titles. 11 April 2015. Clare FM website. 19 June 2023.
  6. Web site: Late Surge Sees St Joseph's Miltown Claim Clare SFC Title. RTÉ Sport. 27 October 2019 . Brennan . Eoin .
  7. Web site: Kilmaley Crowned Clare Intermediate Hurling Champions. 8 October 2017. Clare FM website. 19 June 2023.
  8. Web site: Clare and Limerick reveal minor hurling selections. 28 June 2012. The 42. 22 March 2023.
  9. News: Clare win pulling up to take third title in five years. 14 September 2013. Irish Times. 9 November 2013. Ian. O'Riordan.
  10. News: Clare hold off brave Wexford challenge to claim three-in-a-row. Irish Independent. 13 September 2014. 25 August 2015. Liam. Kelly.
  11. News: Clare skipper Conor Cleary breaks with tradition. 29 July 2015. Irish Examiner. 9 November 2022.
  12. News: From West Clare football country and becoming the new Seanie McMahon. 29 July 2015. The 42. 9 November 2022.
  13. Web site: Conor Cleary hails Clare maturity as they brace for Cork test. 18 July 2024. RTE Sport. 18 July 2024.
  14. Web site: Tony Kelly inspires Banner to first League title since 1978. 8 May 2016. Irish Independent. 9 May 2016.
  15. News: Clare find extra gear to edge Cork in historic hurling final epic. RTÉ Sport. Eoin. Ryan. 21 July 2024. 21 July 2024.
  16. Web site: All-Ireland SHC Final: Clare win epic encounter. 21 July 2024. GAA.ie. 22 July 2024.
  17. Web site: Clare 3-29 Cork 1-34. 19 July 2024. Munster GAA. 22 July 2024.