*Rian Considine’s first half goal marked a turning point in the game. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Cratloe overwhelmed county champions Ballyea to inflict a first championship defeat on the men in black and amber since September 2020.
*Patrick Kelly catches the sliotar above Gearoid O’Connell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill SCORING DIFFERNENCE is going to play a key role in influencing the make-up of the participants in the knockout stages and relegation play-offs of the Clare SHC, Clarecastle’s senior hurling manager has said.
*Tony Kelly in action for Ballyea. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill He has been the hero on so many occasions for club and county and Tony Kelly continues to stand out as an outstanding hurler.
*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.
*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.