Holders Ballyea upset in Clare SHC opener
July 23, 2023
Ballyea's Paul Flanagan with Glenn O'Connor of St Finbarr's ©INPHO/Evan Treacy.
Ballyea suffered a surprise defeat in the opening round of their Clare senior hurling championship defence in Ennis last night.
A superb second-half performance saw Kilmaley come away with the comprehensive 2-20 to 0-14 victory at Cusack Park.
The holders had led by 0-11 to 0-8 at the halfway stage before their neighbours stormed into a 0-15 to 0-14 lead by the 44th minute.
Kilmaley stretched their lead out to six and goals from Colm Killen and Mikey O’Neill helped ensure the first round shock against the four-time champions.
TweetAlthough disappointed with tonight’s outcome @ballyea_club manager Leonard McNamara makes clear his side know exactly what it takes to stay alive in this year’s championship. He spoke to Clare GAA TV after tonight’s @TUS_ie first round clash with Kilmaley . pic.twitter.com/eNGZQ8qlKl
— Clare Gaa (@GaaClare) July 22, 2023
