Ballyhale Shamrocks have booked their place in yet another Leinster final after a win over Naas at Croke Park last weekend.
It ended 1-16 to 3-21 however it wasn’t all easy sailing for Shamrocks after they were left stunned by the fast start of the Kildare champions.
Pat Hoban had to credit his man between the sticks, Dean Mason for allowing the Shamrocks to stay in the game in the first half. Ultimately, the five-in-a-row county champions turned on the style and secured a provincial final for themselves.
Unfortunately, we won’t be able to enjoy a Kilkenny and Carlow final as Kilmacud Crokes defeated St. Mullins in the second game of the day.
Leinster Club Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final
— Naomh Moling (@NaomhMoling) November 27, 2022
St Mullins 1-12
Kilmacud Crokes 1-24
Full time @Carlow_GAA @SportTG4 @gaaleinster
After the game, Maurice Alyward, who was undefeated in Croker as a manager believed the Carlow county champs only had themselves to blame;
“We didn’t get going and I put a lot of blame on ourselves. If we had of got the penalty, it would have made a big difference, then we missed a goal at the other end. They grew in confidence and were just able to do what they wanted to do really.”
“They had their homework done. In our case, the big men didn’t turn up and in their case, their big men did turn up.”
“I am disappointed for St. Mullins and the supporters. They are better than what they showed. At the same time, though we were lethargic all over the field, we were second to every ball. We have to question something, whether it is the management, the coaches, Croke Park getting to some of the players. The people I expected to give the lead, were probably the slowest.”
“Lost every 50/50 ball and that should not happen. We are a big team.”
Listen back to the full interview which discusses the high tackle on Scoreline extra below:
