Shamrocks battle to set up clash with O’Loughlin Gaels

BALLYHALE Shamrocks had to give free expression to all their multiple talents when beating neighbours and fierce rivals, Carrickshock, in the replay of the Kilkenny SHC quarter-final in Nowlan Park yesterday.

In the end the Shamrocks won by 2-18 to 1-17 to book a place in the semi-finals next Sunday against Kilkenny and Leinster champions, O’Loughlin Gaels, but they had to bring their best game to the table to survive.

Henry Shefflin spent most of last week on a quick visit to New York, but when he touched down in Nowlan Park yesterday he just let rip. He was super during the first half, bagging 1-5, and with T.J. Reid filling the role of a strong wing man by shooting four points, they rifled Shamrocks into a 1-10 to 0-9 interval lead.