Disgraceful Scenes As Fan Confronts Ballyhale Stars After Leinster Game

What should have been another statement win for Ballyhale Shamrocks ended in ugly fashion on Sunday afternoon, as tempers boiled over following their Leinster club hurling quarter-final victory over Kilcormac-Killoughey at Nowlan Park.

Henry Shefflin’s side, back under the guidance of their legendary former boss, prevailed 0-25 to 1-18 after a second-half surge inspired by Eoin Cody and Adrian Mullen. But the final whistle was followed by unsavoury scenes as a scuffle broke out involving several players, before it looked as though Mullen was struck amid the chaos.

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Supporter Confronts Ballyhale Players On Pitch After Leinster Club Game

Players and officials quickly intervened as pushing and shoving broke out near the sideline, with Shefflin himself among those attempting to separate players and calm the situation.

Speaking afterwards, the Ballyhale boss didn’t mince his words about the scenes that followed the match.

Unsavoury scenes and I’m disappointed my own club were involved and I’m sure Kilcormac feel the same, so that is very disappointing. It shouldn't be anywhere near our sport and I think there was absolutely no need for it.

It was a disappointing finish to what had been an enthralling battle between two of the most decorated club sides in their respective counties.

This is not the first occasion that such scenes have marred the club game in recent weeks. The recent Wexford senior football final also involved some unsavoury scenes after the final whistle, with RTÉ reporting that a teenager was hospitalised as a result.

Kilcormac-Killoughey had led 1-11 to 0-13 at half-time after Adam Screeney fired home a clinical penalty to lift the Offaly champions. But Ballyhale’s composure and class told in the second half as TJ Reid, Cody and Mullen took charge, landing crucial scores to push the Kilkenny giants clear in the closing stages.

The late melee, however, overshadowed what was otherwise a high-quality contest, with Ballyhale’s experience proving decisive down the stretch.

For Ballyhale, the focus now turns to the Leinster semi-final, but the aftermath in Kilkenny will ensure the talking points extend far beyond the scoreboard.

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