*Man of the match, Niall Deasy with his nephew Eli. Photograph: Natasha Barton CLAIMING a third Clare SHC title in six years has proven Ballyea’s ability but winning their latest championship without Tony Kelly has shown they are not a one man team according to Niall Deasy.
AS SUPPORTERS pushed their way through the crowds to extend congratulations, Cathal O’Connor wore a broad smile.
Niall Deasy’s penalty gets past Pa Kelly. Photograph: Natasha Barton EVERYTHING was left on the field by Inagh/Kilnamona’s hurlers during their first appearance in the Clare SHC final.
*Mark Roche was among the goal-scorers for Avenue Utd. Avenue Utd have maintained their recent edge over Newmarket Celtic by sending the League and Cup champions out of the Munster Junior Cup.
*Jack Browne raises aloft the Canon Hamilton. Photograph: Natasha Barton Ballyea’s character and self-belief proved to be critical as they claimed a third Clare SHC title.
*Philip Talty was captain of the Éire Óg side. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill SEMI-FINAL spots have been secured by Ennistymon and Éire Óg in the U21A football championship while all of the last four places are known in the B championship.
JAMES Murphy has been ever-present at wing back on the three Ballyea teams to taste senior championship glory.
Through his performances for Ballyea this year, Gary Brennan has been one of the hurlers of the championship but their success stemmed from a strong panel effort, he maintained.
*David Fitzgerald’s fitness is a big concern for Inagh/Kilnamona. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill A very tight affair is predicted for Sunday’s Clare SHC final between Ballyea and Inagh/Kilnamona with the fitness of Aidan McCarthy and David Fitzgerald cited as influential in determining the outcome.
*Louise Henchy will be lining out in Sunday’s final. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Banner Ladies are expecting a strong opposing support for Sunday’s county final as they deal with the favourites tag.
