Ballyea boss Robbie Hogan insists the club would not be where it is without the influence of Tony Kelly.
The 2020 All Star is set to be sidelined for the remainder of the Clare senior hurling championship, having undergone surgery on an ankle issue yesterday.
It will also likely rule the 2013 hurler of the year out of Clare’s National League campaign next year, with Kelly expected to be out of action until the opening rounds of the Munster championship.
Speaking after his side booked their semi final spot, Hogan said the welfare of players has to be the priority at all times.
Meanwhile Cratloe manager Conor Earley says he could not have asked any more from his side as their championship season came to an end.
The south-east Clare men lost out to Inagh-Kilnamona, with Josh Guyler’s goal helping them to a 1-22 to 0-21 victory.
Earley says that score was a turning point in the game.
