Five-star Ballyhale storm to last eight

A five-star first-half performance saw Ballyhale Shamrocks blast their way out of relegation trouble in the Kilkenny senior hurling championship. St Patrick’s (Ballyragget) were put to the sword as the 2019 senior club All-Ireland champions stormed into the county quarter-finals with a 5-27 to 2-16 win.

In a strong first half Henry Shefflin’s side were 5-13 to 0-6 in front at half-time, Adrian Mullen (2-1) and Eoin Cody (1-4) the main tormentors of the Saints. St Patrick’s came back into the game in the second half, Seoirse Kenny and Joe Brennan grabbing a goal apiece, but the Shamrocks were never in danger of being overtaken.