Shamrocks Ballyhale’s reward for overcoming James Stephens in the St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Championship Relegation Semi-Final is a tough quarter-final encounter against Thomastown.
This victory, by a scoreline of 4-19 to 1-19, not only secured their senior status but propelled them into the knockout stages of the championship.
The other quarter-finals, scheduled for the weekend of the 28th and 29th of September, will see some intriguing matchups: O’Loughlin Gaels will face Dicksboro, Tullaroan will go up against Bennetsbridge, and Mullinavat are set to play Erins Own.
After the win in Callan, Shamrocks centre-back Richie Reid spoke to KCLR about the team’s determination and resilience, particularly highlighting the return of key players at a crucial point in the season.
“You see the effort the boys put into it. Colin Fennelly, he did something to his knee—could have been a serious injury, and he could have been gone for the year,” said Reid. “But his work ethic, even abroad, because he wanted to return for the club, has been immense.”
Reid also praised the contributions of other injured players like Adrian Mullen and TJ Reid, who played through the pain barrier to help the team secure the win. “Adrian and TJ were both carrying injuries, but TJ played a full game. It’s huge we got over that, and now we’ll move on again,” he added.
Shamrocks Ballyhale, renowned for their incredible success in recent years, seem to be hitting form at the right time. With key players returning to fitness, they’ll be confident as they face Thomastown in what promises to be a thrilling quarter-final.
The Kilkenny Senior Championship is heating up, and fans can look forward to a weekend of intense action as these top clubs battle for a place in the semi-finals.
