Ballyhale Shamrocks have been dealt some good news ahead of their Kilkenny senior hurling final against Bennetsbridge on Sunday.
Henry Shefflin’s charges go into this weekend’s final carrying a few knocks, and their hopes of winning their first crown since 2014 were dealt a huge blow when rising star Adrian Mullen was given a straight red card in their semi final win over Erin’s Own.
However, according the Kilkenny People, the wing forward has been cleared to play at the final hour.
Mullen would be regarded as one of the most gifted young hurlers in the county and the news of his inclusion will come as a huge boost to Shefflin and Ballyhale Shamrocks as they seek their 15th title this weekend.
Their opponents on Sunday are Bennetsbridge, a side seeking their first senior win since 1971. The club was playing in the junior championship as little as six years ago.
They have been riding on the crest of a wave the past number of years having gone unbeaten in club championship between 2014 & 2016 when they lifted Kilkenny, Leinster and All-Ireland junior and intermediate titles in the space of two years.
Bennetsbridge will be lead by former county man Sean Morrissey who notched 2-05 from play in their semi final win over Clara. They also boast current Kilkenny senior players, Rob Lennon, Enda Morrissey and Liam Blanchfield. No doubt their confidence will be riding high heading into the final.
Ballyhale of course boast serious hurling pedigree with Henry Shefllin running the line, and TJ Reid pulling the strings.
Shefflin will be hoping that the added sparkle of Adrian Mullen alongside the genius of Reid can see the former All-Ireland champions over the line this weekend.
Ballyhale are currently 4/7 favourites with Paddy Power going into the final, with Bennetsbridge priced at 13/8. One suspects though that a draw at 8/1 is the bet the make.
