Clare SHC: Champions Clonlara lay down early marker

A goal from Banner County star Ian Galvin sealed the win against Ballyea. 

Clonlara's Ian Galvin and Ballyea's Paul Flanagan vie for possession at Cusack Park, Ennis on Saturday evening. Picture: Eamon Ward

Holders Clonlara unleashed a clear warning shot to any pretenders to their Clare Senior Hurling throne after brushing aside the challenge of previous champions Ballyea in a heavyweight opening battle in Cusack Park, Ennis on Saturday evening.

In the end, there were eight points between the sides at 1-28 to 1-20 but leading from start to finish, Clonlara were as much as 13 clear when county senior Ian Galvin raided for the clinching goal entering the final 10 minutes.