Shamrocks Ballyhale Triumph Over Resilient Clough-Ballacolla in AIB Leinster Club SHC Clash
In a gripping AIB Leinster Club Senior Hurling Championship semi-final, Shamrocks Ballyhale secured a narrow victory against Clough-Ballacolla, winning 1-18 to 1-15. The match showcased the resilience of Clough-Ballacolla, who challenged the defending champions throughout the game.
Match Overview
Shamrocks Ballyhale, winners of the Leinster title 12 times, faced unexpected pressure in this encounter. Missing key players Paddy and Adrian Mullen, Clough-Ballacolla took advantage, putting Shamrocks on the backfoot at crucial moments.
Game Progression
The match began favorably for the Shamrocks, who led 0-4 to 0-1 in the first ten minutes. However, Clough-Ballacolla fought back, with Lochlainn Conway scoring a goal to shift the momentum. This was followed by two points from Stephen Bergin, putting the Laois side ahead at 1-4 to 0-5.
Shamrocks reacted swiftly, equalizing through Niall Shortall’s goal in the 17th minute, which ignited a scoring spree that included points from Ronan Corcoran and TJ Reid. Despite Clough-Ballacolla’s efforts, with Cillian Dunne and Willie Dunphy contributing points, Shamrocks maintained control as the half ended.
Second Half Dynamics
The second half proved to be a test of endurance for both teams. Only four points were scored in the opening twenty minutes. Clough-Ballacolla kept their hopes alive with scores from Stephen Bergin and Aidan Corby, leveling the game at a critical juncture.
However, Shamrocks demonstrated their experience in the final moments. With just three minutes remaining and the score tied, they unleashed a late surge. Darragh Corcoran, TJ Reid, and Eoin Cody contributed the final points to secure the win.
Key Performers
- Shamrocks Ballyhale Scorers:
- TJ Reid: 0-10 (9 frees, 1 ’65)
- Niall Shortall: 1-0
- Eoin Cody: 0-2
- Ronan Corcoran: 0-2
- Darragh Corcoran, Brian Cody, Evan Shefflin, Eoin Kenneally: 0-1 each
- Clough Ballacolla Scorers:
- Stephen Bergin: 0-6 (6 frees)
- Willie Dunphy: 0-4
- Lochlainn Conway: 1-0
- Aidan Corby, Killian Dunne: 0-2 each
- Lee Cleere: 0-1
Line-ups
| Shamrocks Ballyhale | Clough Ballacolla |
|---|---|
| Dean Mason | Cathal Dunne |
| Killian Corcoran | Joseph Pearson |
| Joey Holden | Darren Maher |
| Brian Butler | Diarmaid Conway |
| Eoin Kenneally | Lochlainn Conway |
| Richie Reid | Lee Cleere |
| Darragh Corcoran | Cormac Hogan |
| Evan Shefflin | Aidan Corby |
| Ronan Corcoran | Kevin Mulhall |
| John Fitzpatrick | Mark Hennessy |
| Eoin Cody | Jordan Walshe |
| TJ Reid | Robbie Phelan |
| Liam Barron | Cillian Dunne |
| Brian Cody | Willie Dunphy |
| Niall Shortall | Stephen Bergin |
Following this hard-fought win, Shamrocks Ballyhale will now advance to the provincial final at Croke Park next month, continuing their pursuit of more titles in the AIB Leinster Club SHC.
