BALLYHALE SHAMROCKS remain on course to retain their Kilkenny, Leinster and All-Ireland senior hurling titles after this hard-fought Kilkenny semi-final win over James Stephens, but it came at a price, a huge price.

HAVING dismissed the challenge of Down and garnered their first league points, Limerick hurling captain Ollie Moran is anxious to leave the recent managerial controversy behind and concentrate on the future.