Shamrocks Secure Narrow Victory Against Clough Ballaocolla After Late-Game Experience Boost
Shamrocks Ballyhale faced a challenging match against Clough-Ballacolla in the semi-finals of the Leinster Senior Club Championship at UPMC Nowlan Park. Despite a fierce fight from their opponents, Shamrocks secured a narrow victory, showcasing their late-game experience.
Match Overview
This match mirrored the 2021 Leinster final, but this time, it was a nail-biting encounter that went down to the wire. Shamrocks started strong, establishing a 0-4 to 0-1 lead early in the game. However, Clough-Ballacolla responded vigorously, thanks to a goal from Lochlainn Conway, putting pressure on the Shamrocks.
Key Moments in the Match
- 17th Minute: Niall Shortall scored a goal for Shamrocks, leveling the score.
- First Half Conclusion: Shamrocks led 1-12 to 1-8 after a strong half, highlighted by four points from TJ Reid.
- Second Half: While the first part was scrappy, Clough-Ballacolla narrowed the lead with points from Aidan Corby and Stephen Bergin.
- Final Minutes: With only two minutes to go, the scores were tied, but Shamrocks clinched victory with the final three points.
Final Score and Next Steps
Shamrocks Ballyhale won the match with a final score of 1-15 to 1-12. They will advance to play St Martin’s of Wexford in the Leinster Final, scheduled for next Saturday. To secure their title, the Shamrocks will need to improve their performance significantly.
Scorers from the Match
| Shamrocks Ballyhale | Clough Ballacolla |
|---|---|
| TJ Reid (0-10, 9 frees, 1 ’65) | Stephen Bergin (0-6, 6 frees) |
| Niall Shortall (1-0) | Willie Dunphy (0-4) |
| Eoin Cody (0-2) | Lochlainn Conway (1-0) |
| Others included Darragh Corcoran (0-1) | Aidan Corby (0-2) |
This thrilling win highlights the experience of Shamrocks Ballyhale and their ability to perform under pressure. All eyes will be on them as they prepare for the upcoming final against St Martin’s.