Ballyhale Shamrocks joint-manager James McGarry was full of praise for his players after they became the first club to win five All-Ireland hurling titles.

"After last year, we started out at the beginning of the year with two goals in mind - the winning of the Kilkenny title and going on to claim the All-Ireland title," the former Kilkenny goalkeeper revealed.

"These guys put in a huge commitment. They were not prepared to have a repeat of last year against Portumna. I think the players gave their answer today. They wanted to win, there was a hunger and they played some wonderful hurling. They deserved this victory." Tweet

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