*Gearoid ‘Gudgy’ O’Connell captained Ballyea from centre-back. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Inclement weather disrupted first round games in the Future Ticketing Clare Cup hurling league on Saturday when four of the scheduled nine games did not go ahead.
*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.
*Tomás Kelly celebrating St Joseph’s Tulla’s Harty Cup win over Ard Scoil Rís. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill COUNTY FINALS ARE OFTEN won by “the supporting cast” and that is likely to be the case in Sunday’s eagerly awaited clash between Ballyea and Éire Óg, Harty Cup winning coach Tomás Kelly maintained.
*Cathal O’Connor wins the ball in the air for Ballyea. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Holders Ballyea flexed their muscles to progress to a third successive Clare SHC semi-final in on Sunday afternoon.
*Ballyea’s Cathal Doohan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill BALLYEA’s bid to become back to back Clare SHC champions for the first time in their history took another step in the right direction when overcoming neighbours Clarecastle.
*Cillian Brennan. Photograph: Natasha Barton Ballyea’s Munster club journey came crashing down at the first hurdle when they came off second best to a much-stronger Ballygunner on Sunday afternoon.
COMPARISONS could not be made on Ballyea’s maiden Clare SHC success in 2016 and their latest glory only that the same man was at the helm who said the awarding of a penalty to Aaron Griffin was a major turning point.
*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.
*Delight is etched on the face of Pearse Lillis as he celebrates with Gary Brennan and Mossy Gavin. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Ballyea have been crowned Clare SHC champions for the third time after securing a dramatic one point win over Inagh/Kilnamona.
Ballyea secured top spot in Group 2 of the Clare SFC by grinding out a draw with Cratloe on Sunday afternoon.
