With Munster, Ulster, Connacht and Galway all ran off, this was a Leinster weekend.
And Kilkenny as is traditionally the case, took centre stage. Ballyhale Shamrocks lifted the senior crown for a tenth time. Tullaroan obliged at the intermediate grade and Conahy won the junior.
As if this wasn’t enough, St Kieran’s College added another All-Ireland to their storied collection, the city school winning the junior title on Saturday. But even though Kilkenny took all the spoils, performers from Wexford and Carlow also stood tall.
In the senior final, Kevin Kehoe was solid under pressure in goals for St Mullin’s. In front of him, Ger Coady battled hard on Colin Fennelly.
Marty Kavanagh was again outstanding, and Jason O’Neill has a bright future ahead of him.
On the run. Running away from the goals.
Marty Kavanagh of @NaomhMoling is the real deal.pic.twitter.com/sRzypDlRJZ
— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) December 1, 2019
For the Shamrocks, Darren Mullen brings ‘tidy corner back’ to new levels. He leaves nothing behind him and has everything under control. In the half back line, Evan Shefflin ruled the skies and dominated the deck. He has some eye for a score.
Brian Cody meanwhile, was their best forward.
In the intermediate grade, Tullaroan had too much for Offaly champs Séir Kieran. Padraig and young Tommy Walsh impressed in defence, while John Walton and Bill Gaffney were threatening from deep.
Shane Walsh ended his day with 2-13 for the Sash.
From the junior, James Bergin made the difference for Conahy with 2-5. While Jack Hobbs kept Ballygarrett alive for large parts in Enniscorty.
Elsewhere, Dara Mason edged a titanic All-Ireland junior schools final for St Kieran’s College. The Ballyhale club man was the best for his school.
