This man is an absolute machine.
Clare put in some poor performances at times, but it's certainly fair to say they would be a whole lot worse off were it not for Tony Kelly.
The Ballyea man is without doubt one of the finest hurlers in the country, capable of putting on the type of scoring displays that few in the game can manage. That was on full show in last year's championship, with player notching a personal tally of 1-53 across only four games.
It would be tough going to replicate that form in the 2021 championship, although his display against Dublin this evening means you definitely wouldn't back against him.
Clare would defeat the Dubs on a scoreline of 0-34 to 2-23 at Parnell Park, with Kelly finishing with a personal tally of 0-20.
Yes, that's right. TWENTY points.
The 27-year old put on an absolute scoring clinic right from the first whistle, firing his side to an important victory in Division 1B.
His free taking was especially impressive, with this effort from well within his own half absolutely phenomenal.
WATCH:
'That a boy Kelly!'
Dublin 2-16
Clare 0-27
Tony Kelly with another masterclass point from distance!
Live on eir sport 1!#AllianzLeagues #DUBvCLA pic.twitter.com/xM4wEFTYfO— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 5, 2021
In all, Kelly would score 0-15 from frees and 0-1 from a '65.
The Eir Sport panel could not give him enough praise after the final whistle.
"He is just a phenomenal marksman"
The panel discuss the big impact Tony Kelly had on @GaaClare victory today.
Live on eir sport 1!#AllianzLeagues #DUBvCLA pic.twitter.com/MEVS2xnTXh— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 5, 2021
The thing about Tony Kelly, and everyone raves about his hurling abilities, but it's his fitness levels. He goes for 70 minutes.
I know he scores a lot of them frees, but he's involved in every play for Clare. He'll get the ball from the half back, then he'll get it from the corner forward in the next play. He's a great link man all over the field.
It's his fitness, he goes and he goes and he goes for 70 minutes-plus.
Unsurprisingly, he was named man-of-the-match for his efforts.
Despite his unbelievable personal tally, Kelly was just delighted to get Clare back on track after a patchy league campaign thus far.
Man of the Match:
"It's all about building week on week"
Tony Kelly hails @GaaClare application against Dublin in order to win today's contest and building up towards the championship.
Live on eir sport 1!#AllianzLeagues #DUBvCLA pic.twitter.com/uql1wQqUNA— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 5, 2021
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