The manager of the the defending Clare and Munster champions says he’s relieved they’re still standing in the race for the 2017 championship.
Ballyea had to withstand a late challenge from O’Callaghans Mills before coming out on top by 0-19 to 0-18 and advance to the quarter final draw.
Niall Deasy and Tony Kelly shared 0-18 of their sides tally between them, with Deasy hitting 0-11 and Kelly landing 0-7.
Manager Fergal Hegarty says they always knew it wouldn’t be an easy afternoon.
They now go into the draw for the last eight, with Tulla, Cratloe and Clooney/Quin joining them in one pot, while Newmarket, Eire Óg, Clonlara and Sixmilebridge are in the other.
Clarecastle and Feakle will contest the relegation final after losing to Crusheen and Wolfe Tones respectively.
