How Ballyea discovered a jewel from Kerry

When 23-year-old Ballyduff man Pat Joe Connolly is asked to reflect on where his hurling career is about to take him, he momentarily pauses to search for the appropriate words.

The former Kerry hurler moved to Kilmihil in west Clare 15 months ago. On hearing the identity of his native county and that he kicked football, the local club set about introducing themselves.

Very soon Connolly, who works for Marbleteck in the village, was wearing the green and gold of his new club. So far, so good. Word soon reached his ears that a few Kilmihil men hurled with Ballyea, which is a half an hour drive east. Stan Lineen, Martin O’Leary, and David Egan were all part of the Ballyea set-up and encouraged Connolly to pack his hurley and come for a spin.