*Aaron Griffin and Liam Corry in action. Photograph: Ruth Griffin. GIVING game-time to younger players was the primary aim for Ballyea and Éire Óg in this year’s league but both clubs now find themselves sixty minutes away from winning the Division 2 league title.
*Cillian Brennan is challenged by Eoin Troy. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. CLONDEGAD moved a step closer to what they hope will be a return to senior status when they overcame O’Curry’s in the first of the TUS intermediate football championship quarter finals played on Saturday afternoon.
*David McNamara picks out a pass as Mossy Gavin tries to get a block in. Photograph: Ruth Griffin TO EMERGE from the ‘Group of Death’ unscathed was no mean achievement as Éire Óg completed a flawless group campaign in a far from flawless war of attrition with Ballyea in Cusack Park.
*Gearoid ‘Gudgy’ O’Connell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Champions die hard they say and Ballyea certainly backed up that claim when they took on Scariff on Sunday afternoon.
*Tony Kelly was in sparkling form for Ballyea. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill BALLYEA’S BID to win a second provincial title came undone against an outstanding Ballygunner side on Saturday afternoon.
*Tony Kelly hits a trademark score off his left side. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill BALLYEA’S HURLING FIELD was not just where one of the country’s finest hurlers Tony Kelly honed his craft but also the spot where his greatest friendships and bonds blossomed.
*Gearoid O’Connell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill WARRIOR-LIKE spirit was evident as Ballyea claimed their fourth Clare SHC title according to their wing-back, Gearoid ‘Gudgy’ O’Connell.
*Ballyea celebrate at the final whistle. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill BALLYEA HAVE won the Clare SHC for the fourth time, all in the space of six years as they produced a final flurry to break Éire Óg hearts on Sunday afternoon.
*Pearse Lillis raided for the first goal for Ballyea. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Ballyea flexed their muscles to compete a comfortable first round defence of the Canon Hamilton trophy as they brushed aside the disappointing challenge of O’Callaghan’s Mills in Cusack Park.
*Jack Browne will form a key pillar of the Ballyea defence at centre back. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill With the race for the Canon Hamilton trophy set to get under way this Saturday, there is, understandably, much speculation among followers as to who will take home the trophy come the end of the campaign.
