It’s the day after an epic performance by Ballyea against Ballygunner in the Munster hurling semi-final 2018.

Following 90 minutes of thrilling entertainment featuring more than 50 scores, it was a match that neither team deserved to lose. However, as there had to be a result on the day, unfortunately it was Ballyea who exited the championship but not without our heads held high. The players on both sides were a credit to themselves, their clubs and the game of hurling on the day.

In the words of our manager Kevin Sheehan, “That’s sport, and that’s the reason we love it. We love it because it’s cruel.”

We are immensely proud of our team, management and fantastic supporters who travelled in vast numbers to Walsh Park for what was the game of the year and perhaps, the decade.

The disappointment will fade in the coming days and weeks and we can look back and reflect on what was an unbelievable year for the Parish.

Having lost nearly half of the 2016 winning team, without team management and without a playing pitch, the omens of 2018 did not look good. Kevin, having stepped out of goals, and into the role of manager at very short notice, was ably assisted by Mike O’Neill (jnr), Barry Coffey, the injured Paul Flanagan and Kieran Connolly to oversee a remarkable achievement in winning, against all the odds, a second County Championship in three years.

We would again like to thank all the super supporters, sponsors, committees and the Clare County Board for all your support during the year.

We are confident that the commitment, skill, honesty and spirit that this closely knit panel of hurlers possess will deliver further success for our club in the years to come.

It is with great pride that we thank them for what was a wonderful year for Ballyea hurling.

We offer our congratulations to Ballygunner and wish them well in their upcoming Munster Final against Na Piarsaigh, Limerick.

Roll on 2019!

All at Ballyea GAA Club.