Tony Kelly

Facile start for champions Ballyea

*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.

Ballyea undaunted by favourites tag

*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.

Aim of creating scoring chances for forwards neglected by Clare

*Huw Lawlor claims the ball above Peter Duggan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Along with a huge Clare crowd, I travelled to Dublin in expectation of a win rather than hoping for one. The mood before the game was confident, although as word circulated of John Conlon’s injury there was a note of apprehension.