Ballyhale Shamrocks won their fifth consecutive Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship title, and their 20th overall, with a 1-21 to 2-11 victory over James Stephens on Sunday.
Leading by two points at the break, the Ballyhale dressing room recalled February's heartbreaking All-Ireland final defeat to Ballygunner. Their ambitions took a blow, though not a fatal one, four minutes into the second half when Paddy Mullen was sent off for a wild pull which made contact with an opposition player.
"Today was about winning, going out and performing, and going out and expressing ourselves. It was a fantastic display," an emotional TJ Reid told TG4.
"This team, we've been through highs and lows over the last couple of years. At half-time, we spoke about what happened in Croke Park. We were three or four points up. Ballygunner stayed with us. You saw what happened.
"Today was about getting to the next level. Paddy Mullen got sent off, and that was the time to respond. We did, we took over that field in the last 20 minutes. Those chaps out there are just unbelievable. It's emotional stuff really, unreal.
"We knew [James Stephens] were going to come at us. Obviously, playing with a man down, overlaps are going to happen. Pure workrate; the pure character of that team is unbelievable. To win the county final with 14 men, I don't think it has happened in Kilkenny ever before."
46 nóim
Cumann Shéamuis Stiofáin 1-08
Na Seamróga 0-15Féach ar an ngreim ard ó TJ Reid!
What a catch! What a hurler!
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV @GAA_BEO | #GAABEO | #KilkennyGAA | @VillageGAA | @BallyhaleGAA pic.twitter.com/3X3uFoLblR
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 16, 2022
In his captain's speech Ronan Corcoran recalled those connected with the club who'd died this year.
"It wouldn't be right for me not to mention a few people that died in the parish this year before their time," he said.
"Paul Shefflin, a good friend to a lot of us. Bobby Aylward, a former chairman and player. Patrick Holden, a former chairman and player.
"To Angela Ireland O'Sullivan, who was a big part of the camogie club, and a big supporter of the Shamrocks, we were thinking of ye there today. Hopefully, this will bring something to their families, and make today a slightly happier day."
TJ Reid interview after Ballyhale win five-in-a-row
Comhghairdeas le TJ Reid Laoch na hImeartha inniu agus é tuilte go maith aige👏
Shamrocks are the 2022 Kilkenny hurling champions 2022! 🏆@GAA_BEO #GAABEO #KilkennyGAA @VillageGAA @BallyhaleGAA pic.twitter.com/8ZjMX0ikUj
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 16, 2022
Watch: Outrageous Paul Murphy Point Wins Semi-Final For East Kerry
