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Awesome! That’s the only word to sum up the Kilkenny hurling club kingpins. Despite Shamrocks running out 13-point victors, they were cruising along with effortless ease led by Henry Shefflin as they cantered into their fourth consecutive final.

Ballyhale Shamrocks v James Stephens

Thousands of supporters flocked to Nowlan Park on Sunday last to witness the end of the senior club hurling and the battle of the greats. Ballyhale were seeking their 3-in-a-row and James Stephens were hoping to prevent them reaching it. Earlier predictions saw a Ballyhale landslide victory. However, the men from the Village fought to the bitter end. They refused to hang their heads and were worthy opponents. Ballyhale’s Trojan defence can be credited with their victory, they didn’t give an inch with six of the Village scores coming from frees with the other points from David McCormack, Philly Larkin and Mathew Ruth. James Stephens’s Achilles heal was their attack which at times lacked power and speed, whenever the ball was sent their way, it nearly always landed in Padraig Holden’s grasp- who cleaned up for Ballyhale. Philly Larkin, Mathew Ruth, an injured Eoin Larkin and Peter Barry tried their best up front for the Village. While captain Jackie Tyrrell ran the length and breadth of the ground. Ballyhale were led to victory courtesy of the Reid brothers. TJ, Eoin and Patrick put in super displays and their ability to score in difficult situations proved decisive. Eoin and Paddy’s goals put Ballyhale in the driving seat. Henry had a relatively quiet game, he was held firmly by the strength of Jackie Tyrrell who never allowed Shefflin to shine as he only scored one point from play and at times showed his frustration. However the day belonged to the men from Ballyhale, and while at times the score could have gone either way, their skill and strength won out resulting in a five point lead. The Kilkenny senior team wil, for another year, be led by a Ballyhale man.

It was deja-vu all over again. Similar to the county senior final, Ballyhale Shamrocks were effortlessly cruising to victory as they led the Laois senior champions 1-13 to 1-3 at the interval.

An unofficial bank holiday Monday was declared in south Kilkenny as Ballyhale Shamrocks strolled to regaining their Leinster senior title over Birr who only got going at a late stage.

Mervue B look likely to hit the Christmas break flying high atop the First Division table following a 4-2 dismantling of Corrib Rangers B yesterday morning.

First Division table-toppers Mervue United B finished their 2008 campaign with a relatively comfortable victory over Third Division side Naomh Bricain to advance to the fourth round of the Michael Byrne Cup on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon in Fahy’s Field.

This year’s All-Ireland hurling club final on St Patrick’s Day will feature reigning champions Portumna of Galway and Waterford's De La Salle after they saw off the challenges of Ballyhale Shamrocks and Cushendall respectively in the semi-finals last weekend. The men from the west were particularly impressive when beating Kilkenny champions at a well attended game in Thurles.

EVELYN WAUGH said you should always give positive reviews to your friends, as it is terribly rude to give a bad review to a book you have not actually read.

The senior club hurling semi-final between Ballyhale Shamrocks and O’Loughlin Gaels last weekend left the ‘Gaels men disappointed as the Shamrocks pushed forward into the final against James Stephens.