O’Loughlin’s and Shamrocks clash for county glory
BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR
SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE
St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny SHC Final
O’Loughlin Gaels vs Shamrocks Ballyhale
After another campaign of brilliant action on Noreside, the Tom Walsh Cup is up for grabs this Sunday as O’Loughlin Gaels take on Shamrocks Ballyhale in a repeat of the 2023 decider. On that occasion, it was Brian Hogan’s team that prevailed by the bare minimum, thanks to a late, late point from Paddy Deegan. That defeat for the 9-time All-Ireland Club Champions broke their dominance in the county as they sought a sixth straight senior title, but the South Kilkenny side did get the better of Sunday’s opponents in 2021, winning out by 4 points at headquarters.
All indications are that this should be a keenly contested game, with little between the sides and don’t bet against the scoreline being just as tight as it was two seasons ago. Did I hear somebody say a replay? The St John’s Park men are hoping to secure a 6th Tom Walsh Cup while the opposition are seeking to move ahead of Tullaroan with title number 21. The players from both clubs know each other well, as do the managers. Brian Hogan was at the helm for the 2023 victory while his managerial opponent is back in his Parish for a second stint as boss. These warriors played together in the glory days with the black and amber and will be reunited on the sideline for next seasons U20 campaign with the Cats.
O’Loughlin’s come into this year’s final, having lost out to Thomastown in 2024. That result surprised many, outside of the ’Town but you get the sense that the Loughs feel that they didn’t do themselves justice and will want to ensure that they leave all on the UPMC Nowlan Park pitch this weekend. The city side have added the attributes of Kerry native, Fionan Mackessy to their panel and the Ardfert man had contributed much to this talented side. The powerful former Kingdom star has operated in several positions for his adopted club, and I expect him to have a big say on proceedings this Sunday. His ability to nail placed balls from what appears to be a neighboring county is an excellent weapon in their arsenal.
Stephen Murphy is a seasoned and experienced netminder whose restarts will be crucial to providing a platform for those ahead of him. The goalkeeper is also part of the recently announced U20 Cats setup, a nod to how highly he is rated by the hurling heads across Noreside. Some things are certain in life, death and taxes for example, but another thing is the full back line of O’Loughlin’s. Huw Lawlor, flanked by Mikey Butler and Tony Forristal have been through many battles with their club and will be ready for whatever Shamrocks throw at them on Sunday. Aerial battles are always key in hurling and in Huw and TJ, we have two of the best at this wonderful skill. It has been a feature of the Shamrocks play this season, to rain balls into the danger zone towards one of the greatest, but Henry will be acutely aware of the quality of Huw Lawlor in that area. Mikey Butler, while known for being a ‘sticky’ man marker, does like to roam forward when the opportunity presents itself, so it’s down to Eoin Cody and the like to keep the defender busy close to his own goal.
The loss of rising defensive star David Fogarty to the dreaded ligament injury doesn’t appear to have hampered the Loughs too badly, credit to Ronan Buckley for stepping up when called upon. In the middle of the half back line is likely to be Paddy Deegan, and these Shamrocks lads know all too well about his quality at both ends of the field. To Paddy’s left I would imagine will be Jordan Molloy. This fella has been going from strength to strength, representing both his club and county with serious passion, but more importantly, serious quality. Jordan is the kind of player you love to have in your team, but you feel the opposition hate coming up against him! Not only is he defensively sound, but he does also love to rifle over a score or two and will be at the heart of everything the Loughs do on Sunday.
Like Hogan’s half back line, the Shamrocks exude strength and quality in this area. Expect to see the trio of Richie Reid, Evan Shefflin and Darragh Corcoran patrol this zone. Like Deegan and Molloy, Evan and Richie love to shoot from distance and regularly get on the scoresheet. The more defensive of the Reif brothers, Richie is a great reader of the game and loves to be given license to sweep across the pitch, snuffing out danger and getting his team on the front foot. Behind Richie, Evan and Darragh is likely to be a full back line of Joey Holden, Brian Butler and the improving Killian Corcoran. Who will get the task of shackling the dangerous and in form Luke Hogan, could it be Joey?
The engine room battle promises to be a real contest of power and quality. In their semifinal win of the Vegas Boys, it was Eoin O’Shea and Jack Nolan patrolling this area, while Eoin Kenneally and Ronan Corcoran could well be on duty for Shamrocks. As per usual, this area will see many more bodies flood in and out as both sides look to take control of the middle third. Kenneally has been one of his sides most consistent performers this season, getting through mountains of work and linking play well. The return to the island for Ronan Corcoran has been a much-needed boost for Henry’s charges. A hurler with class a great game intelligence, the classy Corcoran will look to put his stamp on the decider.
Adrian Mullen’s return to action has been a blessing for Shamrocks, and his performance in the semifinal win over Dicksboro was pivotal in reaching the Tom Walsh decider, despite playing for much of the game with 14 men. His all-action style and controlled edge will be required if the Páirc Na Seamróg side are to move ahead of The Sash in the roll of honor on Noreside. The chemistry built up at both club and county level between TJ, Adrian Mullen and Eoin Cody is a key component for Shamrocks starting to rediscover that winning feeling. Niall Shortall has been looking lively this season and will want to continue his attacking threat.
Luke Hogan and Owen Wall are great forwards who both have different strings to their bows. Hogan is all about power while Wall is a real speedster. His goal last day out was a perfect example of the danger he poses to defenders. Throw in a pair of Conor’s in Heary and Kelly alongside the vastly experienced Mark Bergin, and the Loughs have plenty to throw at any opponent. Standing in the way of the St John’s Park attack will be Dean Mason. The Fitzgibbon Cup winner is a real steadying influence on this Shamrocks side, and as Adrian Mullen pointed out following their narrow win over the Boro, he brings a certain calm to the south Kilkenny team. Throw in his ability to pull off outstanding saves, like the double miracle from Cillian’s Hackett and Buckley, and you can see his quality.
Perhaps Henry didn’t envisage leading his team out on county final day, but rest assured, the Holden Plant Rentals sponsored side will be determined to taste glory once more, but Brian Hogan’s O’Loughlin’s outfit will ensure nothing is a given come throw in on Sunday. Graigue Ballycallan’s Conor Everard will be the man in charge of the final, his second at this level, having previously taken charge of the 2022 decider. It promises to be a cracker at UPMC Nowlan Park with a big crowd expected. Adh mór to both sides in the 2025 St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny SHC Final.
