*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.
A strong third quarter in which they outscored their opponents 0-9 to 0-2 proved decisive as Ballyea recorded a second win in this season’s senior hurling championship.
The ability of Tony Kelly and Niall Deasy to pick off scores when the need is greatest has been a key ingredient in many of Ballyea’s victories in recent years and it was again a key part of the team’s latest victory when they overcame Broadford in the opening round of the Clare SHC.
*Niall Deasy is one of the key danger men in the Ballyea forward line. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography As the man to guide Ballyea to their first ever senior titles at county and provincial level, Robbie Hogan is back in the hotseat and is determined to see the fancied outfit have a big say in …
Ballyea to bring a real bite to opening round tie with Broadford Read More »
Two members of Clare’s All-Ireland winning team of 2013 have departed Brian Lohan’s senior hurling panel while three of the most promising young hurlers in the county have joined the squad.
O’Callaghans Mills have qualified for their first Clare SHC final since 1993 after finishing with an unanswered 1-04 to dump Ballyea out of the championship.