Con O'Callaghan's early goal in Portlaoise set AIB All-Ireland club hurling title holders Cuala on their way to a big win and back-to-back provincial titles.

It’s probably a good thing that new Dublin hurling boss Pat Gilroy was in Boston and missed county champions Cuala’s latest outing.

Cuala took the honours in the All-Ireland Club hurling final with surprising ease, easing past Ballyea of Clare in a dour struggle.