The first of two All-Ireland hurling quarter-finals got underway in Páirc Uí Chaoimh this afternoon, throwing up a highly-anticipated clash between Clare and Wexford. With much made of the 'Davy Fitzgerald' factor in the build-up, it was another Clare hero of 2013 that commanded attention shortly after play got underway. Today seemed destined to belong to Tony Kelly.
Dominating the first-half, Clare went in at half-time 0-16 to 0-9 ahead. Although relatively few fans of either side seemed to have decided to spend their Saturday afternoon in Cork, Kelly's performance were a sight to see.
Drawing obvious comparisons to the Hurler of the Year that viewers witnessed with greater regularity five years ago, a first-half that saw the Ballyea man score four points from play are leaving people wondering; is Tony Kelly back?
When Tony Kelly is on form, Clare are form. Simples.
— Lauren Nic Giolla Phóil (@LaurenGuilfoyle) July 14, 2018
This is vintage Tony Kelly today. Pure skill and drive. A joy to watch him in full flow. #ClavWex #GAA #AllirelandQF #SHC
— Eoin Neylon (@eoinneylon) July 14, 2018
Tony Kelly is on fire 🔥 @TheSundayGame #ClareWexford
— Shane Treacy (@shanetreacy6) July 14, 2018
Wexford look to be in right trouble here 😯 Lee Chin really needs to step up, been doing absolutely nothing while Tony Kelly is causing wreck for Clare 😎
— Timmy O’Connor (@Timmyoconnor99) July 14, 2018
Tony Kelly’s first half 👏👏 #SaturdayGame
— Darren Flanagan (@D_F6) July 14, 2018
Tony Kelly has looked sensational too, best performance for a long time.
If he's striking hot now, how far can Clare go? 😲— GAA Wrap (@gaawrap) July 14, 2018
In this kind of form, Tony Kelly inevitably takes Clare up a few paces. In a stunning first-half performance, this was the pick of his points.
Tony Kelly with a great point for Clare pic.twitter.com/PTIEzdzNIb
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 14, 2018
Another man contributing a point to the cause was Clare's John Conlon - and what a point it was!
Fantastic score for John Conlon! pic.twitter.com/0zWYPZPr4V
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 14, 2018
