Portumna move a step closer to SHC title

Portumna 5-11 Ballyhale Shamrocks 1-16, Semple Stadium

Portumna's goal-scoring prowess proved too much for Leinster champions Ballyhale Shamrocks to handle at Thurles as the Galway side edged a step closer to back-to-back AIB All-Ireland Club SHC titles.

In what was seen as a dream semi-final pairing, Portumna raced out of the traps to a 2-2 to 0-0 lead with Damien Hayes and Joe Canning (penalty) securing early goals.

Eoin Reid netted for Ballyhale after a superb run from Henry Shefflin, but an excellent flicked finish from Canning handed his side their third goal and a 3-7 to 1-7 half-time advantage.

The quality of hurling had been particularly high in the opening half with Canning and Shefflin powering their respective attacks.

Portumna's qualification for their third All-Ireland final in four years were effectively sealed when Damien Hayes and Ciaran Ryan, who scored on the rebound, claimed the champions' fourth and fifth goals.

Shefflin kept plugging away for the Kilkenny men, picking off long range frees and he also had a goal chance saved.

Nonetheless, with the experienced Ollie Canning turning in a man-of-the-match display, there was no doubting who was the better team on the day and Johnny Kelly's charges will take some stopping in the March 17 decider.