Ballyhale end Kilkenny 'drought' with comfortable final win

This was a 21st Kilkenny SHC title for the Shamrocks from Ballyhale, a record made all the more remarkable for the fact that their first didn’t come until 1978.

CHAMPIONS: Shamrock Ballyhale's TJ Reid and team mates celebrates winning the Kilkenny SHC title. Picture: ©INPHO/James Lawlor

Kilkenny SHC final: O’Loughlin Gaels 0-12 Shamrocks Ballyhale 1-18

The last of the light fading from the October sky. Players and supporters lingering on the heavy pitch over an hour after the cup has been raised. These are familiar sights on autumn fields around Ireland, but rarely with a side that has won so much.