Tipperary 2-17 Kilkenny 3-14: An epic draw which few would dispute that Kilkenny, based on their billing coming into the game, won, even if the result was a just end to a scintillating contest.

Kilkenny’s Cillian Buckley has frustrated Galway hurling fans by claiming they can’t expect to play any home games in the Leinster championship.

A barrage of first half goals saw Ballyhale Shamrocks roar their way into the semi-finals of the Kilkenny senior hurling championship.

Kilkenny 0-26 Galway 2-20 (AET): Drama at the death in the opener at HQ yesterday — both after the 70 minutes and extra-time — but the sum of this first All-Ireland minor semi-final added up to significantly less than its parts and, in that, it was no different to the senior contest that followed.

The wheel has travelled full circle for Cillian Buckley.

Last January’s list of players to shine in the year ahead featured Kerry’s Paul Murphy, who would be man of the match in the All-Ireland SFC final. So, no pressure then on these bright young things...

Wexford 1-21 Kilkenny 0-21(after extra-time)

Ballyhale Shamrocks 0-16 Dicksboro 0-12

What can either manager say after the kind of game we saw in Parnell Park yesterday?

Having re-established their respective places in the senior hurling ranks in Cork and Limerick, Ballinhassig and Ballybrown go in search of further silverware when they meet in the quarter-final of the AIB Munster club IHC at Páirc Uí Rinn today.

Mickey Harte found it out in 2006. Jack O’Connor discovered it in 2010.

Kilkenny progressed with their customary assurance yesterday at Semple Stadium but received an adequately stern examination from Clare to earn their right to a spot in the final.

St Kieran’s of Kilkenny produced an accomplished performance to defeat a combined Dublin North side 5-7 to 1-5 in their Leinster Colleges SAHC quarter-final at Ratheniska on Saturday.

THE Kilkenny senior hurling league final, which will be played two weeks after the All-Ireland final, will be contested by champions Ballyhale Shamrocks and old city foes James Stephens.

TO the wider hurling public Darren McCarthy has carved a reputation as an excellent goalkeeper with Cork underage teams but for his club Ballymartle he will forever be associated with his contributions outfield after the stunning conclusion to yesterday’s All-Ireland club IHC final in Croke Park.

THE euphoria had yet to abate after Ballymartle’s county PIHC triumph last October when their players focus shifted to greater challenges. Manager Anthony McCarthy and coach Eddie Murphy assembled the panel after the victory over Tracton and enquired what was the attitude towards the upcoming provincial and national campaigns.

LAST year’s heartbreaking All-Ireland minor final reversal still grates amongst the Galway hurling fraternity. But they have the opportunity for redemption in tomorrow afternoon’s decider in Croke Park.

CONOR O’MAHONY is set to captain Tipperary in Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC final against Kilkenny at Croke Park.