*Peter Duggan and Tony Kelly. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
GREAT DISPLAYS from Tony Kelly and Peter Duggan at either end of the field were among the highlights as Clooney/Quin overcame Ballyea to advance to the Clare SHC final.
The Clare Echo’s online coverage of the Clare SHC is brought to you with thanks to The Temple Gate Hotel.
Eoin Brennan reviews the semi-final tie while giving out the player ratings.
Clooney/Quin
1: Cillian Duggan
Made routine second half saves from both TK’s [Tony and Thomas Kelly] but the former outfield player’s greatest asset was his distribution that saw his restarts directly set up two timely goals.
Rating: 7
4: Evan Maxted
Extremely harshly adjudged to have conceded Ballyea’s last gasp penalty when he didn’t seem to do a lot [or anything] wrong. Had some trouble with Aaron Griffin early on but weathered storm.
Rating: 6
3: Conor Grogan
Had the most unenviable job in the county to try and curb the influence of Tony Kelly, assisted by cover from John Conneally. Didn’t make any dent as Kelly was ruthless so eventually moved.
Rating: 5
2: Sean McNamara
Did nothing spectacular but in his primary role as man-marker on predominantly the lively Cian Kirby, performed well to keep Ballyea’s second top scorer without a point until the twin’s switch.
Rating: 7
7: John Cahill
Was busy mixing marking with trying to provide cover as defensive anchor while Tony Kelly occupied both Conor Grogan and John Conneally. Was option for puck-outs and won two frees.
Rating: 7
6: John Conneally
Had to largely sacrifice his own influential central rearguard position to aid Conor Grogan in Mission ‘TK MAX’. Assumed the sole shadowing position in the second half and won two restarts.
Rating: 7
5: Darragh Keogh
Cillian Duggan’s chief outlet for short puck-outs to keep up Clooney-Quin’s relentless pace and deliver into the forward division. Also kept tabs on Pearse Lillis, won two frees and hit a wide.
Rating: 8
8: Ryan Taylor
Had a great tussle with Gearoid O’Connell and wasn’t permitted to dominate proceedings in engine room. Was very busy though as a linkman while did pop up with a point in second half.
Verdict: 7
9: Jimmy Corry
Played the perfect captain’s part as Clooney-Quin’s driving force around the crowded centre. Directly assisted the first and third goals for Sam Scanlan and Darragh McNamara to prosper.
Rating: 9
12: Jack O’Neill
Initially found it difficult as Morgan Garry proved a sticky marker. As a result, the county senior had to play a deeper role in the new half, highlighted by three puck-out wins and two assists.
Rating: 7
10: Jerry O’Connor
Fittingly copperfatened an outstanding adult debut season with a first senior goal to clinch Clooney-Quin’s final place on the hour mark and remains their top-scorer from play with 1-12.
Rating: 7
11: Peter Duggan
Clooney/Quin’s heartbeat in 2017 is still their undoubted talismanic match-winner today. Brilliant throughout with 1-10 including 1-2 from play and a solo goal for an already bulging scrapbook.
Rating: 9
20: Darragh McNamara
Was back at his poaching best with his third goal in just five matches to boost his side five clear in the second half. Won two frees that were both converted along with assisting another single.
Rating: 7
14: Callum Hassett
Scored a point in each half, the second of which should have been a goal, only to just clear the crossbar. Did earn a brace of frees that would be nailed by Peter Duggan to keep them on top.
Rating: 6
15: Sam Scanlan
Much like his inside colleagues Hassett and McNamara, managed to efficiently score with few possessions. Was alert for seventh minute opening goal while also picking off a second half point.
Rating: 6
Substitutes
23: Martin Duggan
Scored the insurance point in injury-time and also had the last shot at the posts.
Rating: 6
22: Patrick Finneran and 25: Trevor Lee
Not on long enough for a rating
Ballyea
1: Barry Coote
Puck-outs were spot on, could do nothing about second and last goals and battled well with Darragh McNamara for third but will have some regrets about losing possession for opener.
Rating: 7
7: Daragh Moylan
Having largely played at wing-back, had to line-out in the corner for the majority. Adapted well to new position, collecting three puck-outs, winning two frees and even pushing forward for a point.
Rating: 7
3: Paul Flanagan
Man-of-the-Match in the quarter-final, the former county senior wasn’t as much in the spotlight this time around. Was much more influential when catapulted to half-back in the final quarter.
Rating: 7
4: Tadhg Ó hUallacháin
Easily his most accomplished senior championship display for Ballyea. Inspirational throughout especially in the second period when attempting to drive forward at every available opportunity.
Rating: 8
2: Peter Casey
Sacrificed his own game to be employed as Peter Duggan’s chief shadower, a difficult role that would be largely unforgiving as Duggan proved elusive. Was better late on, winning two restarts.
Rating: 6
6: Jack Browne
Broke two hurleys in the first eight minutes alone which reinforced his passion and unflinching competitive spirit. Controlled backline, winning five puck-outs, three frees and had three assists.
Rating: 8
10: Morgan Garry
Did a great early marking job on Jack O’Neill and also directly offloaded to Fiachra Kirby for opening goal in ninth minute. With his marker going deeper, Garry had more space in new half.
Rating: 7
5: Gearoid O’Connell
Ballyea’s captain was at the epicentre of the central battle with mixed results. Won and conceded two frees, had a brace of assists for points too as he engaged with Ryan Taylor throughout.
Rating: 7
9: Daniel Costelloe
Had a busy hour trying to track marker Jimmy Corry who was seemingly everywhere over the hour. Costelloe did grab a second half point, won a free and even gathered two puck-outs.
Rating: 6
12: Pearse Lillis
Most effective early on, with two assists for points along with winning a free for a third. Was much quieter as the tie progressed though, not able to impact on the scoreboard when needed most.
Rating: 6
11: Fiachra Kirby
His ninth minute goal complete with a great overlapping run and finish was bolstered by a great point from the left wing. Incrementally faded a little despite helping others for two further points.
Rating: 7
14: Cathal Doohan
Used his physicality well early on albeit was a little over-eager in an injury-time tussle that earned him a yellow. Did set up a point but was eventually replaced by Thomas Kelly in third quarter.
Rating: 6
17: Aaron Griffin
Started with intent, cutting inside from the left corner twice and even initiated the move for Fiachra Kirby’s goal. Suffered a knock midway through the half and seemed to lessen his impact.
Verdict: 6
12: Tony Kelly
It’s always a privilege to watch Kelly’s genius but this display topped it all. Took the scoring responsibility on his own shoulders with 1-14 and almost pulled off his most memorable win.
Rating: 10
13: Cian Kirby
Having lit up the championship as one of Ballyea’s top marksmen, Kirby was inevitably going to be targeted, a burden that he only shrugged off when coming deeper and scoring two late points.
Rating: 6
Subs:
19: Thomas Kelly
Injected some much-needed energy into Ballyea’s fightback but hit two wides.
Rating: 6
20: Mossy Gavin
Won a free late on but in a frantic middle third found it hard tov get on ball.
Rating: 5
15: Niall Deasy
Not on long enough for a rating
