The opening day of the County Senior Hurling Championship didn’t lack any drama as seven teams secured their top flight status for 2019.
Defending champions Ballyea overcame Clooney/Quin after extra-time in the late game at Cusack Park by 3-22 to 2-19.
Two Peter Duggan goals put the 2017 county finalists in control leading 2-11 to 0-10 after 36 minutes but Tadhg Lynch hit back with a Ballyea goal.
And after the teams finished level at 1-18 to 2-15, goals from Tony Kelly and Peter Duggan in extra-time secured Ballyea’s victory.
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Cathal Malone struck a hat-trick for Sixmilebridge as they brushed past Clarecastle in the opening game of the Cusack Park double header.
After a close affair during the first 25 minutes, Tim Crowe’s team pulled clear to win 4-15 to 0-9.
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Éire Óg delivered a suprise when they beat Clare Cup champions Kilmaley after extra-time in Clarecastle.
David Reidy got the winning score as the Ennis side prevailed 1-18 to 0-20 to win a fourth consecutive first round tie.
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Despite conceding four goals, Cratloe struck 29 points as they got the better of Whitegate.
The result from Broadford was: Cratloe 0-29 Whitegate 4-12.
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And Clonlara have taken the spoils in the first game of the Sixmilebridge double header.
Colm Galvin’s goal in a strong finish gave them a 1-18 to 1-10 victory over O’Callaghan’s Mills.
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And in the second game in Sixmilebridge, Feakle have beaten Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Goals from Shane McGrath and Gary Guilfoyle gave last year’s intermediate champions a 2-12 to 0-13 victory.
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Finally, Inagh/Kilnamona ran out comfortable 1-24 to 1-10 winners over Tulla in Shannon
Sean Torpey got an early second half Tulla goal but Niall Arthur’s goal made sure of it for Inagh/Kilnamona.
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Senior Hurling Championship Results
Ballyea 3-23 Clooney/Quin 2-19 AET
Sixmilebridge 4-15 Clarecastle 0-9
Éire Óg 1-18 Kilmaley 0-20 AET
Cartloe 0-29 Whitegate 4-12
Clonlara 1-18 O’Callaghan’s Mills 1-10
Feakle 2-12 Newmarket-on-Fergus 0-13
Inagh/Kilnamona 1-24 Tulla 1-10
