Ballyea boss Robbie Hogan feels his sides willingness to work hard is the key factor in their progress to another Clare senior hurling final.
The defending champions overcame Cratloe to set up a showdown with Eire Óg in this year’s decider.
It will be a fourth final appearance since 2016, with Ballyea unbeaten in all three previous showpiece events.
The holders were reduced to 14 men with less than 20 minutes played, but Hogan says their resolve and mental toughness saw them through.
Meanwhile Sixmilebridge manager Sean Stack felt his side were impacted by the loss of key players, as their bid to reach the decider fell just short.
County star Cathal Malone missed out on the knockout stages with a leg injury, while Alex Morey and Jason Loughnane were also not available in 2022.
Stack says the loss of Malone in particular was difficult to overcome, but says they have no complaints about their loss to Eire Og
