Fitzpatrick focused on Newtown challenge

MOST people may be counting down the days to Christmas, but Cha Fitzpatrick and Ballyhale Shamrocks are already looking beyond the festive period to the New Year and a shot at redemption.

Ten months have passed since Joe Canning and Portumna defeated the Kilkenny champions 5-11 to 1-16 in an amazing AIB All-Ireland Club semi-final in Thurles.

Only a late rally, sparked by Henry Shefflin, prevented Ballyhale from exiting the championship on the back of a double-digit defeat. And the memory is a bitter one for Fitzpatrick and company.