A Stephens Shamrocks, final again

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.

The pair headed their respective groups with eight points each after five rounds of competition and so will continue their recent domination of the competition.

New James Stephens manager Niall Rigney watched the city side enjoy a 1-17 to 0-13 win over Carrickshock, the team that dumped them out of last year’s championship. At the break a 31st minute point from Jack McGrath gave the winners the advantage (0-8 to 0-7).