*Cian Kirby takes on Diarmaid Nash. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. BALLYEA brought their Clare SHC bid back to life when picking up their first victory which puts Scariff out of the reckoning for honours this season.
*Ballyea’s Gearoid O’Connell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. AFTER letting an eleven point lead slip in round one it is now “win at all costs” for Ballyea.
COORACLARE’S James McMahon was the winner of the Young Handlers Final in Galway.
*Conor Cleary was central to Kilmaley’s round one win. Photograph: Brian Culbert ALTHOUGH they produced the comeback of the round in the opening batch of games, Kilmaley manager Brian Culbert insists it’s back to square one as they aim to pick up successive victories this weekend.
FORMER CLARE hurler Tony Griffin has undertaken a 200km walk from his home in Kildare to his native Ballyea as an act of solidarity with the people of Palestine.
*Paul Rodgers. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill FOUR Clare minor hurlers have been selected on the Electric Ireland Hurling Minor Star Team of the Year.
*Tommy Barry and Mikey O’Neill celebrate. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill The Group of Death sprung to life in almost incredulous circumstances after Kilmaley completed a remarkable twelve point second half turnaround to edge out neighbours Ballyea at the death.
*Ballyea and Kilmaley face off in one of the ties of the round. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. SIXTEEN teams enter the championship arena this weekend as the sliotar gets thrown in for the eagerly awaited TUS Clare senior and premier intermediate hurling championships.
*Ballyea’s Niall Deasy. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill YOU’VE undoubtedly heard of the second coming but Robbie Hogan is hoping to make third time a charm as he returns to the helm of Ballyea once more in 2025.
BALLYEA Jet was in flying form for owner Noel Gavin with Confused Kiely owned by Cratloe’s Ger Manley also recording a first place finish.