Shamrocks have big double in their sights

Ballyhale Shamrocks will have the serious matter of a double on their minds when they face O'Loughlin Gaels in the Kilkenny senior hurling final on Sunday week.

Shamrocks beat defending champions, Clara by 0-19 to 0-16 in the second semi-final at Nowlan Park today to set up the chance of a league/championship double.

Late points from Colin Fennelly and top scorer T.J. Reid (pictured) got Shamrocks through, although they had to repel a late, late rally by Clara.

The winners opened back by the wind, and after an ordinary opening half, they led by 0-10 to 0-7 at the break with the main scoring contributions coming from Reid (4) andHenry Shefflin (2).

The strength of the wind died at bit after the turn. Clara got level with a point from Conor O'Shea in the 45th minute (0-12 each), and while parity was shared twice subsequently Shmrocks found that b it more at the finish to edge through.

SCORERS: Ballyhale Shaamarocks - T.J. Reid (0-9, four points frees); Colin Fennelly (0-4); Henry Shefflin (0-3, one free); Richie Reid, Eoin Reid, Ronan Corcoran (0-1 each). Clara - Chris Bolger (0-9, seven frees, one 65); Neal Prendergast, Jack Langton, Liam Ryan, Conor O'Shea, Jason Byrne, Ciaran Prendergast (0-1 each); Lester Ryan (0-1, free).