Ballyea show courage in abundance to land first title

Ballyea 2-14 Clonlara 2-11: Ballyea made history at Cusack Park, Ennis yesterday, winning a first ever Clare SHC title in a replay against Clonlara. Just as in the drawn game, this tie hung in the balance right up to the end, but late scores by Niall Deasy, Damien Burke and Tony Kelly ensured the Cup found a new home.

Clonlara were crestfallen at the end, having also lost last year’s decider to Sixmilebridge.

They fought gallantly throughout but had ground to make up after they were left reeling by Ballyea’s whirlwind start.