O’Loughlin Gaels 0-19
Ballyhale Shamrocks 1-12
A POWERFUL SECOND half performance helped O’Loughlin Gaels shoot their way to the Kilkenny senior hurling title.
A year after they were in the losing dressing-room, the city side stormed back to the big stage and made no mistake as they came from behind to beat Ballyhale Shamrocks in Nowlan Park.
The Shamrocks, favourites for the spoils, took control in the early stages and seemed to be on a course for victory when T.J. Reid weaved his way through the Gaels backs for a sixth minute goal.
Reid contributed 1-3 in the opening half but, with Ballyhale giving away needless frees, the accuracy of Mark Bergin meant O’Loughlin’s were just two points behind at the break.
O’Loughlin’s were quickly back on level terms in the second half, Martin Comerford and Bergin striking the opening scores but two from T.J. Reid and a Patrick Reid point soon had Ballyhale ahead again. It was the last time they would have such an advantage, however, as O’Loughlin’s took over the scoring in the final 20 minutes or so.
Bergin got them going with a free and a 65, then turned provider when setting up Danny Loughnane and Martin Comerford for points as they went 0-15 to 1-11 in front with ten to play.
The Gaels were the dominant force in the closing stages. The Shamrocks drew level when Eoin Reid found room to grab a point but with momentum moving their way O’Loughlin’s surged ahead.
Loughnane, sub Sean Bolger and Paddy Deegan fired over three points in quick succession, helping their side open up a lead that Ballyhale just couldn’t claw back, before Bergin’s tenth free of the game sealed a fourth senior title for the Gaels.
Scorers for O’Loughlin Gaels: Mark Bergin (0-11, 0-10f, 65), Danny Loughnane, Martin Comerford (0-2 each), Paddy Butler, Paddy Deegan, Sammy Johnston, Sean Bolger (0-1 each).
Scorers for Ballyhale Shamrocks: T.J. Reid (1-5, 0-3f), Bob Aylward, Mark Aylward, Henry Shefflin, Colin Fennelly, Eoin Reid, Patrick Reid, Patrick Mullen (0-1 each).
Ballyhale Shamrocks:
1. James Connolly
2. Kevin Mullen
3. Padraig Holden
4. Darren Mullen
5. Richie Reid
6. Joey Holden
7. Bob Aylward
8. Mark Aylward
9. Henry Shefflin
10. Colin Fennelly
11. Eoin Reid
12. T.J. Reid
13. Ronan Corcoran
14. Patrick Reid
15. Patrick Mullen
Subs:
19. Joe Cuddihy for Corcoran (46)
20. David Hoyne for P. Reid (59)
O’Loughlin Gaels
1.Stephen Murphy
2. Anthony Forristal
3. Andy Kearns
4. Eddie Kearns
5. Alan O’Brien
6. Brian Hogan
7. Huw Lawlor
8. Paddy Butler
9. Paddy Deegan
10. Alan Geoghegan
14. Mark Bergin
12. Danny Loughnane
13. Sammy Johnson
11. Mark Kelly
15. Martin Comerford
Subs:
21. Sean Bolger for Johnston, 48 mins.
Referee: Richard Dowling (Kilmacow)
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Aldo’s loves talkin nonsense. Im 100% the next fight will be vs Halloway. Aldo prob holds the record in most pull outs and is p4p the biggest moaner in the UFC
Ariel Helwani tweeted that he fact checked everything Aldo said about UFC208 and the LW title shot in March after the interview and its 100% accurate.
At this stage the way everything is going in the UFC, why not. Probably Ferguson (if Khabib ducked Jose) and then McGregor II. Aldo to be the only man to get knocked out by the same man in 2 different weight class title fights? The interim title, if used properly, could be even better than the unfortunate “Number 1 contender” spot for the fighters, at least you have some guarantee you’ll get a title shot if you’re parading around with a belt.
What is it Conor says? “Losers focus on winners”
I’m fairly sure hundreds of people said that before Conor.
Yes. People have said words before.
Yea Brian, and people said “I’ll be back” before The Terminator did. Just because others have said a term doesn’t mean someone else can’t utter the phrase.
@Brian: Unfortunately Brian, Conor just tells it better. Because everyone can see it happening.
Well David the point wasn’t that nobody else can utter the phrase, the point was it wasn’t Conor who coined it. It was also recently made famous by LeBron James so if anything it’s his before Conors. I know the first comment went over your heard do I expect this one too.
*head
Aldo is now chasing Conor to save face. I never respected him when he was champ as he backed out of too many fights when the opponent was willing & ready. Many got beaten by a replacement never to be heard of again it’s how Pettis got to where is now… http://m.fightland.vice.com/blog/jose-aldo-a-history-of-pulling-out-of-title-fights. Conor should let him waste away after how he has gone on. Spoilt little runt
Think Holloway beat Aldo, and McGregor for that matter. Most improved fighter in the UFC, savage he is.
@Colin Foley: I disagree, I reckon Aldo would have his number. Holloway has looked great against the lower tier but Edgar, Mendes, Aldo and McGregor are at a different level to the fellas he’s beaten. Pettis is a decent enough win but the tough weight cut could’ve had a big impact on Pettis’ performance.
@DL: The lower tier??? Delusional!!! Holloway has basically cleared out that division bar Conor. Holloway would light Aldo up. His striking is on another level to Aldo
Mendes still the best on the ground for me and a match for anyone, would love to see a rematch between a properly prepped Mendes and McGregor
@Breandán Ó hEidhin: Yes, the lower tier. Edgar, Mendes, McGregor and Aldo are the elite of the division and he hasn’t beaten any of them. You’re the delusional one if you think Holloway’s striking is on another level to Aldo’s. Aldo has brilliant jiu jitsu and yet we never see it because of how good his striking is.
Simon basically they’re gunning for a huge Aldo v McGregor fight next year for both belts. Simples.
Such a farcical organisation. How did it make sense to give Also the belt without him having to fight somebody for it? Making it up as they go along