Hurling News

Shefflin wants more as Ballyhale maintain All-Ireland hunt

Ballyhale Shamrock manager Henry Shefflin wants more from his team after they claimed their tenth Leinster SHC crown on Sunday with a 1-21 to 0-15 win against St Mullins.

The Kilkenny kingpins were heavy favourites going into the decider at MW Hire O’Moore Park and they duly delivered to claim back-to-back crowns.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though. Carlow club St Mullins were dogged and determined, with Shefflin suitably impressed.

“It was a tough battle to be honest,” the 10-time All-Ireland winner told RTÉ Sport. “In the first half, especially, St Mullins came at us with everything.

“Their positioning, their sweeper, it took us a little bit of time to figure that out as well.

“Obviously the moment after half-time when James Doyle went on a run and skimmed the inside of post, if that had gone in it would have given Mullins a serious lift.

“We went down the other end of the the field and goaled (through Michael Fennelly). That was a major turning point. We looked comfortable enough thereafter.”

Up next for Ballyhale is an All-Ireland semi-final against Ulster champions Slaughtneil in January.

Shefflin’s men will be fancied to come through that but he warned that they have plenty of areas to sharpen up.

“I just think our hurling was off a bit. We weren’t as sharp on the ball, we struggled to get the ball up.

“It could be the conditions and the field was sandy enough underfoot. We try to play quick, fast hurling and I don’t think we got into that flow today.

“I’m delighted, absolutely thrilled. It’s another Leinster title in the bag. We’ll relax and enjoy tonight.”

source: rte.ie

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