Borris-Ileigh have returned to the All-Ireland Hurling Club final for the first time since 1987. They certainly didn't have it all their own way in the win over St Thomas this afternoon, but a cracking Brendan Maher point late on sealed the victory.
Borris-Ileigh have been on an incredible journey over the past few months, scaling heights not seen by those in the club for a couple of generations. Their county final triumph was their first in 33 years, and they are now only 60 minutes away from being crowned the best team in the country.
Their supporters have given them a huge push this year. Their parish has gone through some tough times, with two young men tragically passing away within the space of a few months.
Hurling has offered a release of sorts and it was plain to see what this win meant. Speaking after to TG4 the game, Conor Kenny couldn't thank the people of the parish enough for their support.
Comhghairdeas le Conor Kenny laoch na h-imeartha inniu agus é tuillte go maith aige @Borris_GAA @TipperaryGAA pic.twitter.com/kMilBAcyS5
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 5, 2020
Unbelievable. They love the hurling, boy. They got in behind us this year and they're a credit to themselves.
It's been well documented the troubles we've had in the parish this year, but the hurling team kind of gave a lift to everyone. If we can give them a good day out in Croke Park, it means the world to them, so we're just delighted...
If you told me this at the start of the year I wouldn't have believed you to be honest. I would have taken your hand off for a county final, so to get this far is unbelievable.
Not too long ago in a North Tipperary final, Kiladangan beat us by ten points in Nenagh. We've regrouped since then and just taken every game as it comes.
Ballyhale Shamrocks await the Tipperary outfit in the All-Ireland final, a game they will no doubt enter as underdogs. Not that that will matter all that much to them.
I haven't even thought about it (playing Ballyhale) to be honest. I didn't even know they won until you told me there! They're a seasoned team, a serious outfit. They're probably the best club team that's ever played.
But we'll give it a good go, don't worry. We'll go to Croke Park in our thousands and we'll be aiming to put in a good performance.
