Ballyhale Shamrocks survived an huge second half comeback from Kilmacud Crokes to win the Leinster Senior Hurling final 2-22 to 2-19.
Both sides had history going into the clash. For Ballyhale, they were aiming for their fourth Leinster hurling title in a row, while Kilmacud Crokes were in their first Leinster final, as they chased a historic double alongside their footballers.
In an absolutely thrilling contest in Croke Park, it was the experience from Ballyhale in vital moments that made the difference, who must have had last season's All-Ireland final defeat at the back of their minds when Kilmacud were in touching distance of them.
It was the Kilkenny champions who started the stronger of the two sides, with TJ Reid and Fergal Whitely putting over the best of the scores.
Ballyhale took control of the game halfway through the first half and had their first goal through man of the match Colin Fennelly, who reacted first from a fantastic save as they opened up an 11 point lead at the interval, with the game looking over as a contest.
24 nóim@KCrokesGAAClub 0-03@BallyhaleGAA 1-09
Cúl dos na Seamróga! - Colin Fennelly a críochnaíonn é! 👌
Colin Fennelly is first to react to a good save to find the net!#GAABEO #TheToughest @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @gaaleinster | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/963lt59L4K— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 4, 2022
Whatever was said inside the Kilmacud Crokes dressing room, it worked wonders as they came flying out of the blocks in the the second half.
Caólan Conway's goal in the 34th minute kick started their comeback as they looked like a new team after the interval, with Ballyhale having no answer to their response.
The Dublin champions were within one point of Ballyhale at one stage in the came, as they scored their second goal through Alex Considine, who was denied just moments before. During this 14 minute period, Kilmacud Crokes scored an incredible 2-8 to Ballyhale's 0-2.
46 nóim@KCrokesGAAClub 1-19@BallyhaleGAA 2-15
Níl ach pointe idir na foirne anois! - Cúl den scoth ó Alex Considine!
Kilmacud Crokes are back in the match! 🤯#GAABEO #TheToughest @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @gaaleinster | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/0neFBKm8u9— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 4, 2022
In a thrilling contest, Ballyhale were handed a lifeline as Eoin Kenneally's long ball somehow went past everyone and dropped into the Kilmacud net.
48 nóim@KCrokesGAAClub 2-15@BallyhaleGAA 2-20
Tá Cúl eile againn! - Cúl géillte ag Na Crócaigh tar éis botún ón cúlbáire! 😮
Eoin Kenneally's long ball drops into the back of the net...#GAABEO #TheToughest @GAA_BEO | @gaaleinster | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/lBKTqHApGA— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 4, 2022
While both sides exchanged scores in an end-to-end finale to the game, it was Ballyhale who once again ran out as champions of Leinster, as they aim for their third All-Ireland title in five years.
SEE ALSO: Ballygunner Look Unstoppable As They March Past Ballylea To Win Munster Hurling Title
