Kelly: we knew this would be a battle

PORTUMNA manager Johnny Kelly has admitted that Ballyhale Shamrocks will lack for nothing in terms of motivation when the two sides meet in the AIB All-Ireland club championship decider at Croke Park next month.

The Galway side blitzed their Kilkenny counterparts in the semi-final in Semple Stadium last year, scoring five goals on their way to victory and setting up their third final appearance – and success – in four years.

“Our sole focus today was Dunloy. We were beaten by Dunloy before and I don’t think we were ready for a battle that time. We realised this time that we would be in a battle. We knew we were in for a dogfight.