*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.
*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.
*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.
ST FLANNAN’S COLLEGE are Dean Ryan champions for the thirteenth time.
JAMES Murphy has been ever-present at wing back on the three Ballyea teams to taste senior championship glory.
*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.
*David Fitzgerald’s fitness is a big concern for Inagh/Kilnamona. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill A very tight affair is predicted for Sunday’s Clare SHC final between Ballyea and Inagh/Kilnamona with the fitness of Aidan McCarthy and David Fitzgerald cited as influential in determining the outcome.
