Ballyea manager Fergal Hegarty is hoping his side can continue their winning ways in what has already been a historic season to date for the Clare club.

The dust had barely settled on a first-ever county title before they upset favourites Thurles Sarsfields to reach a Munster final, where Cork club Glen Rovers lie in wait.

Tony Kelly, the 2013 Hurler and Young Hurler of the Year was instrumental in their thrilling fightback last time out, where the Clare side prevailed after extra-time at Cusack Park.

It has been an incredible journey for all involved with the club, which sits five miles outside of Ennis, and few would have predicted a Munster final date after they lost their championship opener in July.

They re-grouped, and eventually saw off the challenge off Clonalara in the county final replay.

Reflecting on the win over Sarsfields, the manager said it illustrated the importance of Clare footballer Gary Brennan to the team – his late goal forced extra-time – and heaped praise upon midfielder Kelly.

“Tony is a special player...the likes of Tony, Bubbles O’Dwyer, Paudie Maher, they are just fantastic guys,” he told RTÉ Sport’s Game On programme.

“Tony is right up there, he’s probably the best player I have ever seen come out of Clare and people forget he is only 22.”

Standing in their way are the Cork champions Glen Rovers who will be appearing in their first Munster senior club hurling final in 40 years.

They also became the first Cork club to win a game in the provincial competition since Newtownshandrum won the 2009 final and while Hegarty is wary of their opponents, he is hopeful the support of the county will help spur them on to further glory.

"If we’re still there with 10 minutes to go we always feel we have a good chance"

“We’ll probably go in as underdogs again,” he said

“It’s on in Thurles, Cork love Thurles but we’ll prepare well for the two weeks. And we have a lot of momentum.

“There was a huge Clare crowd behind us last Sunday from all clubs and hopefully we will get a big Clare crowd.

“If we’re still there with 10 minutes to go we always feel we have a good chance."