‘Ageing’ Ballyhale Shamrocks move back to centre stage after Gort win

AIB All-Ireland Club SHC semi-final: Gort (Galway) 1-15 Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny) 2-17

The relief was palpable. For five years they worked towards this victory, a return to Croke Park finally secured. When Eamonn Walsh climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand to accept the Tommy Moore Cup on St Patrick’s Day 2010, Ballyhale once again stood proudly atop hurling’s club summit. Their victory over three-time winners Portumna near flawless, begging the question as to who would end their rule.

It proved but a brief stay of power. They would emerge as Kilkenny champions on only one occasion in the ensuing four years, Leinster proving beyond their reach until last December.