Hurling’s cinderella story continues after stonecold classic but it’s all about one man

Ballyea is a very small place.

So small, that when former player Tony Griffin was at the peak of his powers, he was allegedly told by parish rivals Clarecastle that he would have to defect if he ever wanted to win anything. Griffin may no longer be hurling with Ballyea, but the little club will be facing off against Cuala or Slaughtneil in Croke Park on St Patrick's Day after surviving a late fightback from Galway champions St Thomas' in the AIB All-Ireland club hurling semi-final. With Niall Deasy bagging 1-11 and 2013 champions St Thomas' misfiring in Semple Stadium, the first time Clare and Munster champions were cruising to victory. Twelve points clear with 10 minutes to play, not for the first time this club hurling championship, Ballyea got dragged into a dramatic finale. Anthony Kelly batted the ball to the net to bring St Thomas' within one point with a minute to play. Cometh the hour, cometh the 2013 Hurler of the Year... Tony Kelly nailing the insurance point from the right to seal a 1-19 to 2-14 victory. Deasy won Laochra na cluiche on TG4 but, yet again, it was Kelly who had the world abuzz. https://twitter.com/eddiemcc14/status/827929404034674688 https://twitter.com/andrewshore90/status/827947234310373377 https://twitter.com/alanmdooley/status/827947206636355586 https://twitter.com/bombspower/status/827945549018066944 https://twitter.com/RoisinGlynn/status/827945419325964288 https://twitter.com/EimearK_/status/827945296558702599 https://twitter.com/dazzlerg6/status/827945203000553472 https://twitter.com/willocallaghan/status/827945062348775425 https://twitter.com/mickbrophy/status/827944983374225409 https://twitter.com/itsmep456/status/827944845931118593 https://twitter.com/OdhranLawl/status/827944602363650049 We'll leave the final word to this young Clare fan. https://twitter.com/laniamh/status/827943988393025536