Clare’s Senior Hurling Champions had no answer for Ballygunner when the sides met in the Munster Club Championship in Ennis this afternoon.
An 8th minute goal signalled Ballygunner’s early intent as they held Ballyea to only three points – all from frees – in the opening half, to take an eight point lead into the break.
Ballyea came out stronger in the second half but couldn’t break down the Ballygunner defence – including a cynical foul on Gary Brennan as he descended on the opposing goals. The resulting free was saved.
Ballyea raised the green flag twice in the half but it merely dented the sizable lead the 2018 All Ireland Champions had racked up by that point.
Full time score in Cusack Park was Ballygunner 3-19, Ballyea 2-6.
The Waterford side go on to face Tipperary opposition – they’ll face Loughmore-Castleiney in the next round after the Tipp side edged Thurles-Sarsfields in a thrilling encounter this afternoon.