By Seamus Hayes

Holders Sixmilebridge will face Ballyea in the final of the Clare under 21 A hurling championship after they won their respective semi-finals on Friday evening. This is the final pairing that many had predicted when the draw was made.

In a repeat of last year’s final, the Bridge overcame Clonlara on  a 0-16 to 0-12 scoreline at Clarecastle. Clonlara were dealt a massive blow with both their inter county senior players, Colm Galvin and Cathal ‘Tots’ O’Connell, were ruled out due to injury. O’Connell did make an appearance for the final five minutes but it was too late to prevent the holders from progressing.  

Sixmilebridge were without the injured Jamie Shanahan but they did have Seadna Morey who lined out at centre back

Alex Morey hit nine points for the winners whikle Alan Mulready contributed five on an evening when the holders were  0-8 to 0-7 in front at half time.

Meanwhile, Ballyea justified favouritism when scoring a 0-20 to 2-9 win over Inagh-Kilnamona. The winners led from the outset and were 0-12 to 0-4 ahead at half time.  Niall Deasy hit 0-7 from play while Tony Kelly contributed 0-8, seven from  placed balls