Everything bar the odds stacked in Ballyea’s favour

MANY would have you believe there is a better chance of a snowman, packing shades and sunscreen, crossing the Sahara than Ballyea beating Clarecastle in the Clare SHC final tomorrow.

The attitude is entirely understandable. Clarecastle are the legendary power brokers of the code in the Banner, while Ballyea, with whom they share a parish, are in the uncharted territory. But it seems quite happy to be there.

"The pressure is all on Clarecastle, and rightly so," says Ballyea club chairman Michael O'Neill. "When you go through the fifteen, Clarecastle have all the experience, they look the better side on paper."