The fact they had to push Padraic Maher (who most certainly doesn't lack guts) up the field late on told it's own tale
They must have got the holy relic of Clonrickard out to Lar for extra time as he was in a bad way going off at the end of normal time ;-0 . His contribution was his usual tidy flicks and passes, but you just think he's more to give if he'd show more drive.
Fair play to Ballyea, they have a few hurlers with the abilities Clare seniors lack, big strong ball winners in Brennan and Deasy, think they may also be footballers also, but the hurlers should be trying to get them onboard. Jack Brown and Flanaghan should also be joining them.
As for Thurles, for the better part of the game, were playing some good hurling, failed to convert two very good goal chances in the first half, hit some poor wides, but were still value for the 6 or 7 point lead they had, then they let Ballyea pick off points to reduce the deficit to three and then somehow big Brenna got possession 50 yards out, showed Paudie Maher a clean pair of heels, but the Sars defence opened up like the red sea and he was untouched as he rifled his shot into the net. Great goal, but very poor defending.
Ballyea will fancy their chances against Glen Rovers in two weeks.
Tony Kelly is something else, an effortless hurler is the biggest compliment I can pay to him. Touch, pace, balance, vision all on the button. He isn't the biggest, but with those types of attributes he doesn't need to be. Once again a joy to behold.
