Thomastown produce stunning display to win Kilkenny SHC title

The Thomastown hurling fairytale has continued after they shocked O'Loughlin Gaels in this afternoon's St Canices Credit Union Kilkenny SHC Final.

O'Loughlin's came into the contest as big favourites but they never got going and huge praise must go to their opponents as they sealed only a second ever senior championship success.

It's just over 12 months since Thomastown finally broke the glass ceiling to win at intermediate level and after adding Leinster and All-Ireland crowns, they now have the icing on the cake as the best club side in Kilkenny.

It proved to be a surprisingly one sided affair with John Donnelly putting on an exhibition for the winners as his four points from play helped Thomastown into a 0-9 to 0-4 advantage at the break.

With Robbie Donnelly, Jonjo Farrell and Stephen Donnelly also excelling, the 'Town had O'Loughlins in big trouble and were it not for Stephen Murphy producing a couple of great saves, the margin between the teams at the end could have been much greater.

The loss of Luke Hogan really seemed to hurt O'Loughlin's as that focal point was lost and the fact they scored their last point before the end of the third quarter rather told it's own story.

Mark Bergin and Owen Wall kept the Gaels honest on the scoreboard but too many of their big players failed to fire when they were needed the most.

The celebrations will go long into the week for Thomastown as they replicate Clara's back to back intermediate and senior success from over a decade ago.

Teams and Scorers

Thomastown- Robbie Donnelly 0-8 (6fs); John Donnelly 0-4; Jonjo Farrell, Stephen Donnelly 0-2 each; Rory Connellan, Peter McDonald 0-1 each.

O'Loughlin Gaels: Mark Bergin 0-3 (1f); Owen Wall 0-2; Conor Heary, Jamie Ryan 0-1 each

Thomastown: Paul Barron; Jay Burke, Peter Connellan, Ned Kirwan; Zach Bay Hammond, Eddie Donnelly, Brian Staunton; Peter McDonald, Jonjo Farrell ; Luke Connellan, John Donnelly, Robbie Donnelly; Stephen Donnelly , Colm Treacy, Rory Connellan.

Subs: Thomas O'Hanrahan for Treacy (54), David Prendergast for P Connellan inj (60), Jack Holden for S Donnelly (64).

O'Loughlin Gaels: Stephen Murphy; Tony Forristal, Huw Lawlor, Mikey Butler; David Fogarty, Paddy Deegan, Jordan Molloy; Jamie Ryan, Jack Nolan; Fionan Mackessy, Mark Bergin, Conor Kelly; Sean Bolger; Owen Wall, Conor Heary.

Subs: Paddy Butler for Nolan (35), Sammy Johnstonmfor Bolger (40), Ronan Buckley for Kelly (52).

Referee: David Hughes (Barrow Rangers)