*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.
*Brandon O’Connell is put under pressure by Billy O’Keeffe. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill No complaints were voiced by Ballyea manager, Robbie Hogan as his side exited the Munster club championship at the quarter-final stage.
*Tony Kelly on the sideline during Ballyea’s Munster club defeat to Ballygunner. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill TONY Kelly is aiming to be back in action by Spring time as he recovers from a recent ankle operation.
*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.
*Jack Browne raises aloft the Canon Hamilton. Photograph: Natasha Barton Ballyea’s character and self-belief proved to be critical as they claimed a third Clare SHC title.
*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 manager, Robbie Hogan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill County final fever has brought a buzz to Ballyea and it is a feeling to savour given the hardship of the past twenty months.
Newmarket-on-Fergus’ senior manager, Tomás Ryan has said the overriding feeling is pride and progress when reflecting back on their campaign this year.
*Delight is etched on the face of Pearse Lillis as he celebrates with Gary Brennan and Mossy Gavin. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Ballyea are one step away from a third Clare senior hurling title in six years following this one point victory over Newmarket in a hard fought semi-final at Cuack Park this Sunday afternoon.
