TJ Reid says Ballyhale Shamrocks’ All-Ireland club SHC semi-final victory over Ballygunner was a sweet one and “meant a lot” to the parish.

After losing out to the Gunners by a late goal in the previous year’s All-Ireland final, the Kilkenny kingpins dethroned their Waterford counterparts by 1-16 to 0-16 in December to advance back into the Tommy Moore Cup decider where they emerged victorious over Antrim’s Dunloy.

Speaking to GAA.ie, Reid said that the previous final defeat to Ballygunner was a sore one and defeating them meant so much for the entire club.

"Everyone was talking about Ballygunner being the best club team ever," said the Kilkenny marksman. 

"It was a bit disrespectful after what our club Ballyhale Shamrocks has achieved over the last 10 years. Ballygunner beat us in the final a year ago so to get revenge… revenge is sweet when it works out. We won that game.

"You’ve seen the celebrations afterwards. Even talking to other people, that game meant a lot to the parish of Ballyhale. It’s not just us, it’s the club.

"It’s the people, the volunteers, the people who make the sandwiches after training – it hurt them as well that people were speaking so little of Ballyhale Shamrocks and regarding Ballygunner as the favourites… no fault of Ballygunner. The media and the press were highlighting that."

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