Six of the quarter-final spots for this years Clare senior football championship have now been filled.
This weekend’s action also saw three teams consigned to the battle to retain their status in the top tier.
With just one round left play in the group stages, only two spots in the knockout stages are left up for grabs.
In Group One, champions Kilmurry Ibrickane ensured they will finish on top of the standings, but they did it the hard way as they kicked three of the last four scores of the game to beat Cooraclare by a single point.
That result means that the Sky Blues are now destined for a relegation battle, regardless of the outcome of their final round tie with Miltown.
Manager Michael Garry says while his side battled well, they have to regroup quickly if they are to stay up
Elsewhere in Group One, Miltown booked their passage to the last eight with victory over Ennistymon, meaning that the final round tie between the North Clare men and Cratloe becomes a winner takes all showdown for progression to the next stage.
In Group Two, St Breckan’s battled to victory over Kilmihil to secure top spot, with the West Clare men now set for a last chance playoff with Doonbeg for a place in the quarter finals.
2020 intermediate champions Doora Barefield are also safely through, after powering to an impressive win over Kilrush, who are now headed for the relegation scrap.
Parish selector Donagh Vaughan was pleased with his sides showing
Group Three promised plenty drama with all four teams in contention for any spot on the final day, but it was Eire Óg and Lissycasey who held their nerve best to march on to the last eight.
The Townies got the better of Doonbeg, with the Magpies going through to the playoff against Kilmihil by virtue of their head to head standings with Clondegad.
The 2017 finalists are now in a fight to save their senior status, as they lost the all parish derby with Lissycasey to finish bottom of the standings.
DL Clare FM Sport
