One of the most successful managers in the clubs history John O'Meara has decided to call time on his reign as Senior Hurling manager for the Bridge after 6 years in charge. The Feenagh man took over from another club legend Christy "Rusty" Chaplin in 2013 and in his first year brought the Canon Hamilton back to Garney side after an absence of 11 years when defeating neighbours Newmarket in the final. This was a historic year in Clare hurling with many of the senior team winning celtic cross medals with the Banner before collecting their first Championship medal with the Bridge.

2015 was was the year the team really peaked when they went on a run of 16 league and championship games in Clare defeating Clonlara in the county final when Niall Gilligan turned in a stellar man of the match performance and winning the Clare Cup league title. The unprecedented run of wins ended in the Munster club semi final to eventual All Ireland champions Na Piarsaigh in a heart breaking defeat after dominating the game on home soil.

In 2017 the Bridge were back on track winning the Canon for the 3rd time in 5 years defeating Clooney/Quin in a replayed county final before exiting to Ballygunner in a very close affair in the Munster club. During the 6 years Meara has had 3 great leaders captaining the team in Aidan Quilligan (2013), Caimin Morey (2015) and Paidi Fitzpatrick (2017) and they epitomised the spirit, commitment and heart Meara had built the team on.

As a player John won an All lreland Minor title in 1997 with Clare and has the accolade of playing in 5 Minor A Championship County finals while at Senior grade won 2 county titles in 2000 and 2002 as well as a Munster club title.

Speaking earlier this week he said his "experience working with the players for the last 6 years was a pleasure. They worked so hard and got their just reward winning 3 championships in the most competitive era of club hurling in Clare". When discussing whats next he mentioned he is "looking forward to a break but will not be going away and really enjoyed his time with the U15 & U16 teams in the Bridge the last 2 years" and is looking forward to helping out with coaching the next generation in the club.

On behalf of the Club, Supporters and players we thank John and his backroom team for all the effort over the last 6 years - Having young boys and girls seeing the Canon Hamilton paraded into your village is essential for the next generation of players and luckily we were spoilt over the last few years as we climbed the Roll of Honour to 13 titles. #AnDroicheadAbú