By Jackie Cahill

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Some insider knowledge went a long way as 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.

When the dust settled, former Clare hurler McInerney had just 20 metres to spare on Connaughton.

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.

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.

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

But he was helped along by young Davy Ryan, son of McInerney’s clubmate Christy Ryan, who’s a close associate of competition sponsor Martin Donnelly.

McInerney’s girlfriend Carol also braved the elements, filling the role of ‘spotter’.

McInerney explained: “I had Christy Ryan’s son, Davy, with me. He knows the course very well and I had another ‘spotter’, my girlfriend Carol. I couldn’t have had two better people with me.”

And he added: “It was a phenomenal marathon around the Cooley mountains. “I’m delighted with the win. It’s a tough competition in tough conditions. I set out to win it and I did.”

While there were a couple of heavy showers, conditions were generally good and that allowed McInerney to do his stuff.

He trailed pace-setter Cummins by a shot at the first turn and half-way, but had moved slightly ahead by the time competitors reached An Gabhlán, the third turning point.

There was high drama as Cummins cleared a famous, treacherous ravine on the home straight but undaunted, McInerney emulated that feat and was on the way to victory.

“That was vital – many people have got caught there. Lads have won and lost there. That worked out well. It was straight up the hill home,” McInerney added.

“I made up a bit of ground in the second half, going downhill but to be honest, I didn’t follow the score. I just took the advice of the people helping me and it all worked out.

“He (Cummins) was so high up on the Poc Fada pedestal, we were all looking up at him.

“Someone had to do it at some stage. Brendan is a serious ambassador for the Poc Fada and the GAA in general. I’m delighted to be above him today.”

And McInerney revealed that he travelled to the Louth venue on Friday to size up what lay in store.

“It took me three hours to walk around and size it up. I said, look, I’ll sleep on it.

“You need someone ahead. The dips, hollows, ravines, not to hit it too hard, where to put it, it all counts.

“It’s a great achievement. It’s probably the only All-Ireland we’ll bring back to Clare this year, but it’s a nice one!”

And McInerney, who was confident of success before the final, is already looking forward to defending his title in 2017.

He smiled: “I’ll be back. I can’t wait actually, I really enjoyed it. The weather was with us. I hadn’t a bad lie all day, only two showers of rain. I can’t complain.

“Davy Fitz was the last Clare man to win this in 2002. I was aware of it – it’s great to emulate him as well.”

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

That was good enough to fend off the challenge of fellow Corkonian Lyndsey Connell, who was 33 metres further back. Dublin’s Faye McCarthy finished in third place on 27 pocs and 19 metres.

In the U16 events, Offaly’s Cathal Kiely and Galway’s Sarah Healy were crowned champions.

Kiely followed in the footsteps of his brother Cillian, a two-time winner, with a score of 22 pocs and 76 metres, as Healy posted 28 pocs and 30 metres to retain her title.