Cuala storm to finish line with power and pace

Cuala (Dublin) 2-19 Ballyea (Clare) 1-10: The search for a classic All-Ireland Club hurling final goes on, but there will be no complaints from Dalkey when this game goes into the archive.

Dublin champions Cuala were the better side all through this encounter, even if 12 points was a slightly flattering margin of victory over Clare’s Ballyea. There was only a score between them turning into the final 10 minutes, but Cuala’s power and athleticism enabled them to cut loose in that final period and cruise to the finishing line. Paul Schutte in defence, David Treacy’s accuracy up front and Darragh O’Connell’s class in midfield were all markers of their superiority.

Their manager Mattie Kenny paid tribute at the final whistle: “On a journey like this, there’s times that your character is going to be tested. We’ve all played in games where you’re better than the opposition and you’re getting it easy and you can look good.