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kilkennyobserver.ie
The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 February 2022
Hurling matters
Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE
AIB All-Ireland Club Hurling Championship final Ballygunner 2-17 Shamrocks 1-19
Croke Park, Saturday February 12th 2022
Shamrocks Ballyhale’s quest for a ninth Tommy Moore Cup and a 3rd on the bounce were shot-down in dramatic fashion in injury time, as Waterford’s Ballygunner snatched victory from almost certain defeat at Croke Park last Saturday. Substitute Harry Ruddle, smashed a shot from some 25 metres, that cruelly beat Dean Mason and nestled in the Shamrocks net deep into injury time. It was to be the final act of a pulsating final, as Wexford whistler, James Owens blew for full time as the Ballyhale players, mentors and supporters were shocked to their core at the Deise late, late show. Ballyhale took the lead in the first minute thanks to a free from TJ Reid, out on the right side of Croker, after the semi-final hero himself was fouled. The Gunners responded within a minute through a fine point from Mikey Mahony under the Hogan Stand. Captain, Colin Fennelly then picked up the ball and headed straight for goal. The No.14 was fouled but Shamrocks played on with the advantage and when Joe Cuddihy took possession, his shot went wide. Referee Owens, brought the play back for the foul, and TJ popped it over to give his side the lead again after 3 minutes. A well-worked sideline cut saw the sliotar arrive with Mikey Mahony and he duly split the posts to level things up. Again, the current Tommy Moore Cup holders responded. More industrious foraging from Fennelly saw Adrian Mullen take the ball, cut inside his marker and slot over for a nice score. The first impact of the in-form Dessie Hutchinson was next up. The lively attacker evaded marker Darren Mullen and full-back Joey Holden before firing over a good point. The same player then took possession near the end line on the right-hand side before playing a lovely cross-field pass to Billy O’Keefe who took the point, much to the delight of the Waterford faithful in the stands. Then the Deise side moved the ball around patiently, before finding Kevin Mahony who rifled over the bar to put his side two points clear after 16 minutes. Ballygunner were looking hungry, they appeared to be first to all breaking balls, and were hunting down their more illustrious opponents, and forcing turnovers all over the Croke Park pitch. The only thing that was hurting the challengers was the number of wides being registered. The Kilkenny side pulled one back shortly afterwards, when midfielder Patrick Mullen struck over a fine long-range point. The next score was also to be a Shamrocks one. The ball was passed to wing-back Evan Shefflin, who struck over a monstrous score from his own ‘65. The next passage of play saw the unusually quiet Eoin Cody take the ball before racing clear of his marker and showing good skill before striking over a quality point. Darren Mullen then found his way into the referee’s notebook, following a high challenge
Shamrocks GUNNED down in injury time drama Ballyhale’s historic bid denied by Deise champions All pix: Danny Lahart
Adrian & TJ go for the high catch
