Carrickshock, captained by Offaly star, David Franks, claimed their first major title at senior hurling level in Kilkenny since their championship glory of 1951 when they won the senior league final at Nowlan Park yesterday.

THERE were several shocks around the country yesterday but perhaps the biggest was in Limerick where Na Piarsaigh claimed their first county title with a 2-18 to 0-13 win over Ahane at the Gaelic Grounds.

BALLYHALE Shamrocks had to give free expression to all their multiple talents when beating neighbours and fierce rivals, Carrickshock, in the replay of the Kilkenny SHC quarter-final in Nowlan Park yesterday.

ST MARTIN’S (Muckalee) and James Stephens eased into the Kilkenny SHC semi-finals yesterday, but league kings and championship favourites Ballyhale Shamrocks and neighbours and fierce rivals Carrickshock must meet again after a thrilling draw.

BEATEN All-Ireland finalists O’Loughlin-Gaels are the only team with a 100% record in the two groups of the Kilkenny Senior League after three rounds.

KILKENNY football boss Dick Mullins has blamed the winter collective training ban for contributing to his side’s failure to register a score in Sunday’s 28-point Allianz Division 4 mauling by Leitrim.

Eamon McEneaney's appointment as Louth manager yesterday completed the sideline shuffles and reshuffles for next year's Football Championship. Only two hurling posts are yet to be filled. Brendan O'Brien tours the country for an end-of-season report.