Ballyea are Clare county champions once more after they defeated Cratloe 1-20 to 1-14 in a remarkable comeback win.
Early in the second half, Cratloe were seven points up after an impressive Billy Connors showing. However, Ballyea's remarkable duo of Niall Deasy and Tony Kelly came to the fore to drive their club to their second title in three years.
Deasy hit 0-13 in an exhibition from placed balls while Kelly was his usual skilful self, hitting 0-2 including a sensational solo effort.
Ballyea's Tony Kelly fires over a point after displaying some superb skill ? pic.twitter.com/Kf1KVYu0Us
— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 21, 2018
The sides had met earlier in the Championship when Kelly's 1-11 from play proved crucial. He was not the only Clare man to impress, with talented Gaelic footballer Martin O'Leary proving his ability with the stick as he gave Ballyea the lead with a well-placed goal.
Martin O'Leary buries a goal for Ballyea to give them the lead! pic.twitter.com/ZZ6LeGR8KV
— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 21, 2018
Tony Kelly is a genius with a stick! 👏🏻
— Lorcán Kilpatrick™ (@Lorcan_k98) October 21, 2018
Ballyea managed to keep Podge and David Collins scoreless throughout.
The last time they were victorious in Clare, Ballyea marched all the way to the All-Ireland club final were they fell at the final hurdle against Cuala. They will now progress to the Munster semi-final where they will play the winner of Ballygunner versus Midleton.
