Gutsy O’Loughlin Gaels find second wind
The second half had commenced with O’Loughlins drawing level, then Ballyhale Shamrocks hitting three points in a row to go a goal clear. The latter seemed to possess an extra gear their opponents didn’t, an ability to pull out a run of scores whenever threatened, a knack of keeping the enemy at arm’s length while tapping over the points to order. It looked like being a seventh Kilkenny title in 11 seasons for Henry Shefflin and co.
And then what had seemed probable, if not downright inevitable, gradually turned to vapour. O’Loughlins, seeking redemption after defeat by Clara in last year’s decider, kept plugging away; Mark Bergin, who’d started for Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final replay against Waterford, kept knocking over the placed balls; the city side were back level by the 43rd minute and moments later took the lead for the first time all afternoon when Danny Loughnane found the range from 50 metres on the left.
