O\u2019Loughlin Gaels 0-19
\nBallyhale Shamrocks 1-12<\/p>\n
A POWERFUL SECOND half performance helped O\u2019Loughlin Gaels shoot their way to the Kilkenny senior hurling title.<\/p>\n
A year after they were in the losing dressing-room, the city side stormed back to the big stage and made no mistake as they came from behind to beat Ballyhale Shamrocks in Nowlan Park.<\/p>\n
The Shamrocks, favourites for the spoils, took control in the early stages and seemed to be on a course for victory when T.J. Reid weaved his way through the Gaels backs for a sixth minute goal.<\/p>\n
Reid contributed 1-3 in the opening half but, with Ballyhale giving away needless frees, the accuracy of Mark Bergin meant O\u2019Loughlin\u2019s were just two points behind at the break.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Loughlin\u2019s were quickly back on level terms in the second half, Martin Comerford and Bergin striking the opening scores but two from T.J. Reid and a Patrick Reid point soon had Ballyhale ahead again. It was the last time they would have such an advantage, however, as O\u2019Loughlin\u2019s took over the scoring in the final 20 minutes or so.<\/p>\n
Bergin got them going with a free and a 65, then turned provider when setting up Danny Loughnane and Martin Comerford for points as they went 0-15 to 1-11 in front with ten to play.<\/p>\n
\n O\u2019Loughlin Gaels’ Mark Bergin celebrates at the final whistle.<\/p>\n
Source: James Crombie\/INPHO<\/p>\n
The Gaels were the dominant force in the closing stages. The Shamrocks drew level when Eoin Reid found room to grab a point but with momentum moving their way O\u2019Loughlin\u2019s surged ahead.<\/p>\n
Loughnane, sub Sean Bolger and Paddy Deegan fired over three points in quick succession, helping their side open up a lead that Ballyhale just couldn\u2019t claw back, before Bergin\u2019s tenth free of the game sealed a fourth senior title for the Gaels.<\/p>\n
Scorers for O\u2019Loughlin Gaels: Mark Bergin (0-11, 0-10f, 65), Danny Loughnane, Martin Comerford (0-2 each), Paddy Butler, Paddy Deegan, Sammy Johnston, Sean Bolger (0-1 each).<\/p>\n
Scorers for Ballyhale Shamrocks: T.J. Reid (1-5, 0-3f), Bob Aylward, Mark Aylward, Henry Shefflin, Colin Fennelly, Eoin Reid, Patrick Reid, Patrick Mullen (0-1 each).<\/p>\n
Ballyhale Shamrocks:<\/p>\n
1. James Connolly<\/p>\n
2. Kevin Mullen
\n3. Padraig Holden
\n4. Darren Mullen<\/p>\n
5. Richie Reid
\n6. Joey Holden
\n7. Bob Aylward<\/p>\n
8. Mark Aylward
\n9. Henry Shefflin<\/p>\n
10. Colin Fennelly
\n11. Eoin Reid
\n12. T.J. Reid<\/p>\n
13. Ronan Corcoran
\n14. Patrick Reid
\n15. Patrick Mullen<\/p>\n
Subs:<\/p>\n
19. Joe Cuddihy for Corcoran (46)
\n20. David Hoyne for P. Reid (59)<\/p>\n
O\u2019Loughlin Gaels<\/p>\n
1.Stephen Murphy<\/p>\n
2. Anthony Forristal
\n3. Andy Kearns
\n4. Eddie Kearns<\/p>\n
5. Alan O\u2019Brien
\n6. Brian Hogan
\n7. Huw Lawlor<\/p>\n
8. Paddy Butler
\n9. Paddy Deegan<\/p>\n
10. Alan Geoghegan
\n14. Mark Bergin
\n12. Danny Loughnane<\/p>\n
13. Sammy Johnson
\n11. Mark Kelly
\n15. Martin Comerford<\/p>\n
Subs:
\n21. Sean Bolger for Johnston, 48 mins.
Referee: Richard Dowling (Kilmacow)<\/p>\n
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!<\/p>\n