Thurles Golf Club celebrated a third Pierce Purcell Shield All Ireland title and a second in three years as team captain Jimmy Ryan praised his players’ battling qualities and work ethic.

Ballybunion moved a step closer to regaining the AIG Junior Cup for the first time since 2013 but it needed a 20th hole victory in the defining singles match at Carton House to edge their semi-final against Loughrea.

As one of 20 teams still standing from a starting field of 1,800, Thurles Golf Club have plenty reason to be proud heading into this week’s AIG Cups and Shields finals at Carton House.