Graignamanagh see off Shamrocks to land final Kilkenny silverware in 2025

Graignamanagh emerged impressive five-point victors over Shamrocks Ballyhale in an entertaining Under 21 C Hurling Final at Paulstown on the shortest day of the year.

Despite a week of almost continuous rainfall, the new pitch at Paulstown was in exceptionally good condition for this Sunday morning encounter.

The Graignamanagh boys took control in the first half and were always looking like edging their way to ultimate victory.

This was a fourth Graignamanagh win in the various under 21 grades, adding to a B success in 1980, in this same C category in 2008, and a D title in 2022.

John Fitzpatrick opened the scoring for Shamrocks, replied to by Conor Byrne for Graiguenamanagh.

Impressive free taker Niall Shorthall restored Ballyhale’s lead, this one answered by equally effective placed ball star, Steven Kinsella for Graig.

Jake Mullen put Shamrocks 0-3 to 0-2 ahead in the eight minutes but in the next eight minutes the winners outscored Ballyhale, six points to one.

By the interval Graignamanagh led 0-12 to 0-9, they had the bulk of possession, but were also thankful to their goalkeeper Colin Bolger, who made at least two impressive saves.

Also, whereas Ballyhale were reliant on Niall Shortall for scores, the Graignamanagh men had six different first half tally men.

Niall Shortall from a free and TJ Caulfield (Graig) exchanged scores at the start of the new half, as did John Fitzpatrick (BS) and Steven Kinsella. It was now 0-14 to 0-11.

By the 13th minute two pointed Steven Kinsella frees left Graig 0-16 to 0-12 ahead.

Pointed frees from Killian Corcoran and Niall Shorthall reduced the margin to two before Graignamanagh got the games only goal in the 20th minute.

Returning student from Canada, Ted Dunne was fouled in the square and man of the match Ivan Bolger converted the resulting penalty (1-17 to 0-14).

Shamrocks Ballyhale battled to the finish, but Graignanagh held on for a 1-18 to 0-16 victory.

The winners had top performances from goalie Colin Bolger, defenders Owen O’Brien and Cian O’Shea. Further upfield, Ivan Bolger, Conor Byrne and Steven Kinsella were lead performers.

Fourteen of the starting fifteen for Graiguenamanagh will still be eligible to play under 21 for their B championship bid next year.

Shamrocks had class performances by John Fitzpatrick and Niall Shorthall but did not have the strength in depth of their opponents on this occasion.

Teams and Scorers

Graignamanagh: Steven Kinsella 1-7 (0-4 frees, 1-0 pens), Cian O’Shea (0-3, 2 frees), Ivan Bolger (0-3), Conor Byrne (0-2), Nicky Ryan (0-1), Sean O’Grady (0-1), TJ Caulfield (0-1). 

Shamrocks: Niall Shorthall (0-12, 9 frees), John Fitzpatrick (0-2), Killian Corcoran (0-1), Jake Mullen (0-1).

Graignamanagh: Colin Bolger, Gavin Kielthy, Owen O’Brien Padraig Phelan, Stephen Cosgrave, Cian O'Shea, Jack Brown, Ivan Bolger (Captain), Nicky Ryan, Conor Byrne, Steven Kinsella,Sean O'Grady, Conor Hoolan, Ted Dunne, TJ Caulfield.

Substitutes Used - Martin Barron for Conor Holland, Tomas Ryan for TJ Caulfield, Tiernan Byrne for Conor Byrne.

Shamrocks: Tom Cleere, Cian Walsh, Killian Ryan, Michael Kenneally (junior), Sean Shefflin, Killian Corcoran, Larry Cody (JC), Rian Shefflin, Tommy Walsh, Cathal Coogan, John Fitzpatrick, Jack Holden, Jake Mullen, Niall Shortall (JC), Liam Fitzpatrick.

Substitutes Used - Sean O’Mahoney for Liam Fitzpatrick, Aidan Grummell for Sean Shefflin.

Referee: Peter Burke (Emeralds).