We never thought we’d say these blasphemous words but…too much sport, maybe so.
Maybe today was the day. There was the World Cup, there was a county final and there were provincial semi-finals all over the country. And it was hard to keep with it all.
We might as well start in the capital. That was where Ballyhale Shamrocks and Naas contested the Leinster semi-final and though the result was predictable, the story-line didn’t go fully to script.
Naas started like a steam-train, racing into a 1-3 to 0-1 lead after six minutes and the funny thing is that it could have been more. It should been more and it would have been more if it wasn’t for the brilliance of Dean Mason, the Shamrocks number one thwarting Naas with three point-blank saves.
You just knew that Naas would pay for those misses and Adrian Mullen and Darragh Corcoran made sure of it. The pair were Ballyhale’s best as, despite Jack Sheridan’s influence for Naas, the Kilkenny kingpins kicked on like they always do.
Meanwhile, in Galway, there was heartbreak for Loughrea as, for the fifth year in a row, St Thomas’ won the Galway senior hurling championship. Centre back Mark Caulfield was man-of-the-match while Conor Cooney was again influential in this replay win.
In Munster, it was all football and there was a shock of sorts in Semple Stadium as Clonmel Commercials were defeated by Limerick’s Newcastlewest. Kevin Fahey had put the Commercials one point up in injury time but Newcastlewest forced the game to extra-time and then took over. Clonmel were very impressive last time out against Nemo Rangers, so this will be very disappointing for them.
Kerry’s representatives Kerins O’Rahillys defeated Éire Óg Ennis by one in the other semi-final, with Jack Savage (0-4, 0-2 from play) and Tommy Walsh (1-2) the scoring stars.
Elsewhere, in Ulster, Glen were far from impressive but they were victorious against Cargin. Danny Tallon scored the crucial goal, from the penalty spot, as they overcame a brave effort from the Antrim champs.
Danny Tallon scores for Glen in front of the Omagh eye 👀 pic.twitter.com/nqxXCasozE
— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) November 27, 2022
Results
Leinster semi-final
Ballyhale Shamrocks 3-22 Naas 1-16
Galway SHC final
St Thomas’ 1-15 Loughrea 0-17
Man of the Match @StThomassHC Mark Caufield receives his award from @TheBrooks_Group Liam Brady. Thanks to Liam and all @TheBrooks_Group for their excellent support throughout the year 👏 pic.twitter.com/93zLqgAmKB
— Galway GAA Official (@Galway_GAA) November 27, 2022
Munster SFC semi-finals
Newcastlewest 1-16 Clonmel Commercials 1-10
Kerins O’Rahillys 1-9 Éire Óg Ennis 1-8
Ulster SFC semi-final
Glen 1-10 Cargin 0-8
Connacht IHC final
Tooreen 0-22 Killimor 1-15
