Disappointment mixed with pride as Ballyhale digest unfamiliar taste of defeat

Ballyhale certainly didn’t go down without fighting the good fight but go down they did.

DISAPPOINTMENT: Jack Nolan of O'Loughlin Gaels in action against Adrian Mullen and Paddy Mullen of Shamrocks Ballyhale during the Kilkenny County SHC final. Pic: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

Adrian Mullen is standing alone on the Nowlan Park turf, his head bent, his hurl resting peacefully against his leg.

The 24-year old current All Star accepts commiserations politely but absorbs offers of a handshake with a left hand held out awkwardly. Like his right, it is encrusted in a cocktail of mud and blood. A tapestry screaming the physical toll.