O’Loughlin Gaels and Ballyhale Shamrocks will face off in the Kilkenny SHC final for the third time in five seasons.

In yesterday's semi-finals, O'Loughlins edged out Mullinavat by 1-20 to 2-16 to reach their third successive decider, while Ballyhale were also pushed hard by Dicksboro before prevailing on a 0-21 to 1-16 scoreline.

Mullinavat threw down the gauntlet to Brian Hogan's charges with an early goal from a John Walsh penalty, but the 2023 champions replied through Owen Wall and went on to lead by 1-11 to 1-6 at the break.

A Mick Malone major 10 minutes from time reduced the deficit to just two points, but a combined 0-12 from Mark Bergin and Fionan Mackessy got O'Loughlins over the line.

In the other last-four tie, TJ Reid posted 0-10 as Ballyhale overcame the first half dismissal of Paddy Mullen to reach another county final. 

Liam Moore's 25th minute goal ensured Dicksboro of parity at half-time, 1-7 to 0-10, but points from Reid, Adrian Mullen and Eoin Cody saw Henry Shefflin's men home after goalkeeper Dean Mason pulled off a fantastic double save from Cillian Hackett and Cillian Buckley near the end.

Tweet

Most Read Stories