Ballyhale Shamrocks
   HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

Ballyhale Shamrocks is a
Gaelic Athletic Association The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA; ga, Cumann Lúthchleas Gael ; CLG) is an Irish international amateur sporting and cultural organisation, focused primarily on promoting indigenous Gaelic games and pastimes, which include the traditional ...
club located in the parish of
Ballyhale Ballyhale () is a village in the south east of Ireland. Located in the south of County Kilkenny, south of the city of Kilkenny and roughly halfway to Waterford city. The sport of hurling is popular in the area, and the local Gaelic Athletic ...
in County Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland. The club was founded in 1972 and is primarily concerned with the game of
hurling Hurling ( ga, iománaíocht, ') is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic Irish origin, played by men. One of Ireland's native Gaelic games, it shares a number of features with Gaelic football, such as the field and goals, the number of p ...
. Ballyhale Shamrocks are the most successful club in the history of the
All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship, known simply as the All-Ireland Club Championship, is an annual Inter county, inter-county hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). It is the highest inter-coun ...
with eight titles.


Hurling


History


Beginnings

Gaelic Games had been played in the parish of Ballyhale long before the Shamrocks club was established. By the early 1970s there were two competing clubs in existence in the parish,
Ballyhale Ballyhale () is a village in the south east of Ireland. Located in the south of County Kilkenny, south of the city of Kilkenny and roughly halfway to Waterford city. The sport of hurling is popular in the area, and the local Gaelic Athletic ...
and
Knocktopher Knocktopher (historically ''Knocktofer'' and ''Knocktover''; ) is a village in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It is situated on the R713 road between the villages of Stoneyford to the north, and Ballyhale to the south. It was formerly situated on ...
, however, they were both facing extinction. A third club, Knockmoylan, had ceased to exist at some time in 1959. Because of the situation facing both clubs they decided to amalgamate in 1972 under the new name of Ballyhale Shamrocks. The club adopted as its logo a three-leaf shamrock with the letters K, B and K, representing the three clubs that had existed in the parish, inserted on each leaf. The Ballyhale Shamrocks colours are green and white. Success for the new Shamrocks club was instant. The club won the
Kilkenny Junior Hurling Championship The J. J. Kavanagh & Sons Premier Junior Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1905 for the third-tier hurling teams in the county of Kilkenny in ...
in 1973 before claiming the
Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling Championship The Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling Championship (known for sponsorship reasons as Michael Lyng Motors Intermediate Hurling Championship and abbreviated to the Kilkenny IHC) is an annual hurling competition organised by the Kilkenny County Board ...
title in 1974, a victory which allowed Ballyhale Shamrocks to play in the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship.


Early successes

Four years after joining the senior grade, Ballyhale Shamrocks reached the final of the county senior championship in 1978. It was a great occasion for a club that was only founded six years earlier. On that occasion the Fenians club, the reigning champions, provided the opposition. After an interesting hour of hurling Ballyhale were the winners by 0–15 to 0–10, allowing them to take their first county title at senior level. This victory also allowed the club to represent Kilkenny in the
Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship The Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship (known for sponsorship reasons as the AIB Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship) is an annual hurling competition organised by the Leinster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association The ...
series of games. The fairytale continued for Ballyhale as they reached the final of that competition where they defeated Dublin champions Crumlin. A 1–13 to 1–6 victory gave Ballyhale Shamrocks their first
Leinster Leinster ( ; ga, Laighin or ) is one of the provinces of Ireland, situated in the southeast and east of Ireland. The province comprises the ancient Kingdoms of Meath, Leinster and Osraige. Following the 12th-century Norman invasion of Ir ...
club title. The subsequent All-Ireland club final saw Ballyhale take on the famous
Blackrock BlackRock, Inc. is an American multi-national investment company based in New York City. Founded in 1988, initially as a risk management and fixed income institutional asset manager, BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, with trill ...
club from Cork. Two first-half
Ray Cummins Maurice Raymond "Ray" Cummins (born 9 November 1948) is an Irish former hurler and Gaelic footballer whose dual league and championship career with the Cork senior teams spanned fifteen years from 1967 to 1982. Born in Ballinlough on the so ...
goals gave ‘the Rockies’ the edge going into the second half and they won the game, only just, by 5–7 to 5–5. In 1979 Ballyhale proved that their county championship victory in 1978 was not a fluke, however, they were put to the pin of their collar by Erin's Own. The county final that year ended in a 0–14 apiece draw, however, Shamrocks made no mistake in the unfinished replay and won the game easily by 3–12 to 1–6. There was no provincial success for the club on that occasion. 1980 saw Ballyhale attempt to capture a third county title in-a-row. Muckalee-Ballyfoyle Rovers stood in their way in the county final, however, for the second consecutive year the game ended in a draw. The replay was more conclusive as the Shamrocks powered to a 3–13 to 1–10 win and a third county title in-a-row. For the second time in three years Ballyhale reached the final of the Leinster club championship, however, on this occasion they faced opposition from the Offaly champions.
Coolderry Coolderry () is a small roadside village in southern County Offaly, Ireland. It is located 8 kilometres north of Roscrea and 11 kilometres south of Birr. The village lies close to the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Places of note include Gloster Hou ...
, however, lost out by 3–10 to 1–8 as the Shamrocks took their second Leinster club title. Ballyhale's successful campaign continued all the way to the All-Ireland final where they played Cork champions St. Finbarr's. On that occasion seven Fennelly brothers lined out against a star-studded Barr's team, captained by
Jimmy Barry-Murphy James Barry-Murphy (born 22 August 1954) is an Irish hurling manager and former hurler, Gaelic footballer and association football player. He was the manager of the senior Cork county hurling team from 2011 to 2015, returning a decade after h ...
. Both teams were evenly matched and the first-half saw the sides level on five occasions. Fourteen minutes into the second-half Ballyhale took a decisive lead when
Liam Fennelly Liam Fennelly (born 1 January 1958 in Piltown, County Kilkenny, Ireland) is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Ballyhale Shamrocks and was a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team from 1981 until 19 ...
scored the crucial goal. Jimmy Barry-Murphy scored a goal for St. Finbarr's with six minutes left, however, it was too little too late. Ballyhale Shamrocks took their first
All-Ireland All-Ireland (sometimes All-Island) refers to all of Ireland, as opposed to the separate jurisdictions of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. "All-Ireland" is most frequently used to refer to sporting teams or events for the entire islan ...
club title. Four-in-a-row proved beyond this great Ballyhale team as they were defeated in the county championship in 1981.


Championship dominance

After a brief hiatus Ballyhale Shamrocks were back in the county final again in 1982. Reigning champions county, provincial and All-Ireland champions James Stephens provided the opposition on that occasion, however, they proved no problem for Ballyhale. A 3–10 to 2–4 victory gave the Shamrocks their fourth county championship title. The club was later defeated in the early stages of the provincial championship. 1983 allowed James Stephens a chance to gain revenge on Ballyhale as both sides lined out against each other in the county final again. The result was similar with the Shamrocks having another convincing 2–14 to 1–8 victory. It was an impressive fifth county championship title in six years. Ballyhale later represented the county in the provincial championship and reached the final once again.
Kinnitty Kinnitty () is a village in County Offaly, Ireland. It is located 13 km east of Birr on the R440 and R421 regional roads. Name and location The village derives its name from the myth that the head of an ancient princess is buried beneath ...
, the Offaly champs, were the opponents on that occasion. A close game eventually saw Ballyhale claim the victory with a 3–6 to 0–9 score line. Subsequent victories allowed the Shamrocks to qualify for the All-Ireland final where they lined out against
Gort Gort ( or ) is a town of around 3,000 inhabitants in County Galway in the west of Ireland. Located near the border with County Clare, the town lies between the Burren and the Slieve Aughty and is served by the R458 and R460 regional roads, wh ...
. The game developed into a close affair, however, with just one minute left Gort were ahead by a point. With the game entering the dying seconds a Dermot Fennelly point earned Ballyhale a 1–10 apiece draw and a replay. The second game was a close one as well, however, a first-half
Ger Fennelly Ger Fennelly (born 22 January 1954) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a centre-forward and as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Piltown, County Kilkenny, Fennelly first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of ...
goal gave the Shamrocks the edge. The Kilkenny men hung on to win by 1–10 to 0–7. It was the club's second All-Ireland title. 1984 gave Ballyhale Shamrocks the chance to capture a second three in-a-row inside seven years. All went to plan as the club reached another county final where St. Martin's were the opponents. The final was a huge disappointment for the Fennelly-inspired club as St. Martin's win by seven points. After defeat in 1984 Ballyhale Shamrocks compensated in 1985 with a 4–18 to 3–13 defeat of Glenmore to take another county title. This victory was followed by defeats by
Clara Clara may refer to: Organizations * CLARA, Latin American academic computer network organization * Clara.Net, a European ISP * Consolidated Land and Rail Australia, a property development consortium People * Clara (given name), a feminine giv ...
and Glenmore in the respective county finals of 1986 and 1987. By 1988 Ballyhale Shamrocks were back on top. A 2–15 to 0–4 thrashing of
Thomastown Thomastown (), historically known as Grennan, is a town in County Kilkenny in the province of Leinster in the south-east of Ireland. It is a market town along a stretch of the River Nore which is known for its salmon and trout, with a number o ...
in the county final gave the Shamrocks their seventh county title inside a decade. The club later reached the Leinster final where they were defeated by Buffer's Alley. In 1989 Ballyhale continued their dominance of the championship by reaching the county final again. On that occasion Glenmore provided the opposition and a tense and close game developed. After an exciting hour of hurling Ballyhale emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins with a 2–11 to 1–13 win. It was a remarkable eight county championship title in eleven years. The club had a relatively easy passage, culminating in the capturing of the Leinster title following a 2–11 to 0–7 victory over
Cuala Cuala GAA club (or ''Cuala GAC'', ) is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Dalkey in the south of County Dublin, Ireland. It fields teams in Dublin GAA competitions. Cuala is primarily based in a sports and social centre in Dalkey, a ...
of Dublin. The subsequent All-Ireland club final saw the Shamrocks line out against Ballybrown of Limerick. Ballybrown led by six points before Ger Fennelly's twenty-fourth-minute goal got the Kilkenny men back on track. At the interval the Limerick champs were still four points to the good, however, a second-half surge by Ballyhale gave them a 1–16 to 0–16 victory. It was the club's record-equalling third All-Ireland club title. After surrendering their county title in 1990, Ballyhale Shamrocks were back in 1991. That year the club added a ninth county championship title to their collection following a 3–16 to 1–8 win over St. Martin's. The subsequent Leinster final day the Kilkenny men collapsed against Offaly champions Birr. A 2–14 to 0–3 defeat brought the curtain down on the great Ballyhale team of the 1980s. The club was relegated from the senior ranks in 1995, losing to St. Martin's in the relegation final. The following year they lost at the semi-final stage of the intermediate championship to O' Loughlin's. In 1997, the club returned to the senior ranks with an exciting final victory over Graiguenamanagh on a scoreline of 4–12 to 3–07 and has retained it senior status since then powered by strong underage teams that won the minor Roinn A and U16 Roinn A in 1997 and the Feile in 1998.


Success in the 2000s

After returning to senior ranks, the Shamrocks consolidated their position, they did make a couple of county semi-finals (in 1999 and 2000) but were generally frustrated in their efforts to regain the Tom Walsh trophy. The break-through was partially achieved in 2005, after a successful league campaign the Shamrocks defeated St. Martin's in the championship quarter final and had a slightly flattering win against O'Loughlin's in the semi-final. After a fourteen-year absence they were back in the senior decider against reigning
All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship, known simply as the All-Ireland Club Championship, is an annual Inter county, inter-county hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). It is the highest inter-coun ...
champions, James Stephens. Despite starting very brightly the Shamrocks could not match the experience and class of the city side. They were defeated on a scoreline of 1–18 to 2–12 2006 would prove to be the year when the undoubted potential of the current crop of hurlers would bear fruit, the league title was retained, the Fenians beaten in the final. Victory in the quarter final over Carrickshock in a pulsating game was followed by a semi-final win against another near neighbour, Dunamaggin. This set up the title decider against the champions of 2001 and 2003,
O'Loughlin Gaels O'Loughlin Gaels is a Gaelic Athletic Association club situated in the St. John’s parish of Kilkenny city, County Kilkenny, Ireland. History The club was founded in 1969, replacing the St. John’s Hurling Club that started back in 1887. O ...
, the south Kilkenny club were victorious on a scoreline of 1–21 to 2–11 to take their tenth county championship title. The Shamrocks then regained the provincial championship by defeating Birr in the final to take another Leinster club title. The semi-final against
Toomevara Toomevara, officially Toomyvara (), is a village in County Tipperary, Ireland. The village is at the junction on the R445 where it meets the R499 regional road. The village was bypassed in December 2010 by the M7 Dublin - Limerick motorway. It ...
proved to be an outstanding contest, the
Tipperary Tipperary is the name of: Places *County Tipperary, a county in Ireland **North Tipperary, a former administrative county based in Nenagh **South Tipperary, a former administrative county based in Clonmel *Tipperary (town), County Tipperary's na ...
and Munster champions racing into an early lead that they built up to a twelve-point margin at one stage in the first half. A vital goal by Eoin Reid just before half-time proving very valuable for the Shamrocks in their efforts to keep in touch. The second half saw Toomevara missing several early chances to extend their lead and when the Shamrocks finally got going they scored some incredible points, the vital score was a goal by
James "Cha" Fitzpatrick James "Cha" Fitzpatrick (born 31 January 1985) is an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Knockmoylan, County Kilkenny, Fitzpatrick first played competitive hurling during his schooling at St. Kiera ...
with six minutes to go. The Shamrocks powered through on a scoreline of 2–21 to 3–14. The club had qualified for the All-Ireland final with
Loughrea Loughrea ( ; ) is a town in County Galway, Ireland. The town lies to the north of a range of wooded hills, the Slieve Aughty Mountains, and the lake from which it takes its name. The town's cathedral, St Brendan's, dominates the town's skyline ...
providing the opposition. A new generation of hurlers, including James "Cha" Fitzpatrick, played a key role in that game and powered Ballyhale to their fourth All-Ireland club title. In 2007 Ballyhale Shamrocks continued their winning ways with the club winning a second consecutive county title, before that, the hat-trick was completed in the league, with a comfortable victory over James Stephens. The championship quarter-final against dogged Dunnamaggin was a tight and tricky affair that only swung the Shamrocks way in the last seven minutes, mainly due to terrific individual performances from James "Cha" Fitzpatrick and Eamon Walsh at full-back. In the semi-final against James Stephens all was going according to the Shamrocks plan until a bad foot injury forced James "Cha" Fitzpatrick off and the remainder of the game was a fraught affair where James Stephens had chances to punish the Shamrocks but squandered them. After getting through to the final, the club had an ultimately easy 1–20 to 1–10 victory over St. Martin's, even without the injured
Henry Shefflin Henry Shefflin (born 11 January 1979) is an Irish hurling manager and former player who is the current manager of the Galway senior hurling team. In his playing career he was nicknamed "King Henry" because of his directive style, dominance, c ...
and James "Cha" Fitzpatrick but the game was still up for grabs with ten minutes to go until the Shamrocks produced a scoring burst that killed off St. Martin's. The injuries to the two All-Stars proved detrimental in the Leinster club campaign however, a narrow victory over
Carlow Carlow ( ; ) is the county town of County Carlow, in the south-east of Ireland, from Dublin. At the 2016 census, it had a combined urban and rural population of 24,272. The River Barrow flows through the town and forms the historic bounda ...
champions Mount Leinster Rangers led to another clash with fellow Leinster kingpins Birr. The game was close throughout but the loss of two major players proved too hard to overcome for the Shamrocks and Birr went through to another Leinster club final. In 2008, the Shamrocks have already retained the League title with a very impressive performance against James Stephens in the final on a scoreline of 5–19 to 0–13. They have also overcome the intermediate champions of last year,
Clara Clara may refer to: Organizations * CLARA, Latin American academic computer network organization * Clara.Net, a European ISP * Consolidated Land and Rail Australia, a property development consortium People * Clara (given name), a feminine giv ...
in the championship quarter final on a scoreline of 3–19 to 0–10. The Shamrocks defeated near neighbours, Carrickshock in the championship semi-final on a scoreline of 1–21 to 0–11, setting up a repeat of the 2005 final with old rivals James Stephens. A close game ensued, however, at the full-time whistle Ballyhale were the winners by 2–11 to 0–12. It was their third consecutive county title. This 12th county victory allowed the team to compete in the Leinster club championship and victories over Rathdowney-Errill (
Laois County Laois ( ; gle, Contae Laoise) is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Eastern and Midland Region and in the province of Leinster. It was known as Queen's County from 1556 to 1922. The modern county takes its name from Loígis, a medi ...
) and then Raharney (
Westmeath "Noble above nobility" , image_map = Island of Ireland location map Westmeath.svg , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = Ireland , subdivision_type1 = Province , subdivision_name1 = , subdivis ...
) set up a re-match with defending champions Birr. The game was dominated by the Shamrocks for long spells, with their biggest lead nine points at one stage but a late rally by the Offaly champions briefly threatened but too much had been left to do. This 6th Leinster victory puts the Kilkenny champions in joint 2nd place in titles won. The Club was defeated at the semi-final stage of the 2009 All Ireland club championship by a superior and devastating
Portumna Portumna ( - meaning 'the landing place of the oak') is a market town in the south-east of County Galway, Ireland, on the border with and linked by a bridge to County Tipperary. The town is located to the west of the point where the River Shann ...
teams who went on to capture their third Club All Ireland in five years against De La Salle of Waterford.


2009

The Club has retained the Senior League trophy which was awarded to them by the County Board after their opponents James Stephens refused to fulfil the fixture. The Club have equalled this year the long-standing record of Carrickshock by defeating James Stephens in the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship final by three points on a scoreline of 1–14 to 1–11. They had defeated Graigue-Ballyvallen in the quarter-final and then city side O' Loughlin's in the semi-final. This is a unique achievement for one parish as the previous four-in-a-row was not achieved under 'parish rule' in Kilkenny. The Club has progressed to the final of the
Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship The Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship (known for sponsorship reasons as the AIB Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship) is an annual hurling competition organised by the Leinster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association The ...
against
Tullamore Tullamore (; ) is the county town of County Offaly in Republic of Ireland, Ireland. It is on the Grand Canal (Ireland), Grand Canal, in the middle of the county, and is the fourth most populous town in the Midland Region, Ireland, midlands reg ...
by defeating
Wexford Wexford () is the county town of County Wexford, Ireland. Wexford lies on the south side of Wexford Harbour, the estuary of the River Slaney near the southeastern corner of the island of Ireland. The town is linked to Dublin by the M11/N11 N ...
champions
Oulart the Ballagh Oulart (, formerly ''Ubhallghort'' - ''"the orchard"''), is a small village in the southeastern corner of Ireland. It is situated in County Wexford just off the R741 regional road halfway between the towns of Gorey to the north and Wexford ...
in
Wexford Park Chadwicks Wexford Park is a GAA stadium in Wexford, County Wexford, Republic of Ireland. It is the home of Wexford GAA's Gaelic football and hurling teams. After a recent development the ground has a capacity of about 18,000. It is located in t ...
(that went to extra time) on a scoreline of 2–20 to 1–21 in the quarter-final, and then overcoming Dublin champions Ballyboden St. Enda's on a scoreline of 4–18 to 0–18 in
Nowlan Park UPMC Nowlan Park (; ) is the principal Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Kilkenny, Ireland. Named after James Nowlan (the longest serving President of the GAA), the stadium hosts major hurling matches and is home to the Kilkenny hurling te ...
in the semi-final. The Club retained the Leinster title for the first time in their history with victory over Tullamore, a game moved to Tullamore after weather problems. This 7th title brings the Shamrocks level with Birr in the roll of honour for Leinster club titles. The club have won through to their 6th Club All Ireland final by defeating
Newtownshandrum Newtownshandrum () is a small village in County Cork, Ireland located west of Charleville on the R515 road. The name translates from Irish to mean 'new town of the old ridge'. Historic maps from 1829–1841 and 1897–1913 identify the village ...
on a score of 0–19 to 0–17, in a very tight, hard-fought contest on St. Valentine's Day in Thurles. This result meant a repeat of 2008 semi-final against Galway champions
Portumna Portumna ( - meaning 'the landing place of the oak') is a market town in the south-east of County Galway, Ireland, on the border with and linked by a bridge to County Tipperary. The town is located to the west of the point where the River Shann ...
. The match was played on St. Patrick's Day in Croke Park. Ballyhale won 1–19 to 0–17 with Henry Shefflin hitting 9 points. The team was; J. Connolly; A. Cuddihy, A.Cummins, P. Holden; P.Shefflin, E. Walsh (capt.), B. Aylward; J. "Cha" Fitzpatrick, M. Fennelly; C. Fennelly, H. Shefflin, TJ Reid; E. Reid, P. Reid, D. Hoyne


2010

The Club won the Byrne Cup final, overcoming Mullinavat in the final (final played in Ballyhale) but failed to retain their League title, losing a close encounter 1–18 to 1–17 against James Stephens. They had been attempting to retain the trophy for a sixth year in a row. The Club has qualified for a championship semi-final meeting with O'Loughlin's after defeating Dunamaggin in the quarter final on a scoreline of 1–19 to 0–09. The game was very tight and nervous for the first half and the scoreline of 0–09 (BS) – 0-07 (D) did not do justice to Dunamaggin's challenge. The five-in-a-row championship bid was halted at the semi-final stage, old rivals O' Loughlin's Gaels winning with a late goal after a tense game. The senior team missing the injured Henry Shefflin who had suffered a second serious knee injury in the All Ireland semi-final v Cork.


2011

The club regained the League title with a six-point victory over old foes, James Stephen's. The senior squad then won through to the County Final after a very tough schedule that paired them against neighbours Carrickshock in the quarter-final, it took a second match to separate the sides after Carrickshock needed a late free (converted by Ritchie Power) after Carrickshock had been in control for large parts of the match. In the replay the Shamrocks performance greatly improved and they finally shook off the challengers. It did not get any easier at the semi-final stage, with the beaten All Ireland club finalists waiting. The Shamrocks hurled well but were nearly unsettled by a late scoring burst from O'Loughlin's. The final matchup was the fourth meeting in six years with James Stephen's. The first day ended in a draw with both sides having to deal with the elements, the game played in a bitterly cold gale with driving rain throughout. The weather conditions for the replay were slightly improved, one of the main turning points in the match was an excellent 'solo' goal by top Village marksman, Eoin Larkin just before half-time. The other major talking point was the dismissal of inter-county colleagues, Colin Fennelly (second yellow) and Jackie Tyrell (red card) for an altercation ten minutes into the second half. The loss of Fennelly seemed to unsettle the Shamrocks more than the loss of Tyrell to James Stephens. The Village took over in the last ten minutes to record a comprehensive eight-point victory.


2012

The senior team were defeated in the final of the Byrne Cup by St. Martin's, conceding two goals in the second half while on top in general play. They were also defeated by Carrickshock in the League Final, a finely balanced game that was basically decided when our rivals scored the only goal of the game with about ten minutes remaining. In this years championship, Erin's Own, Castlecomer were beaten at the quarter-final stage on a scoreline of 3–16 to 1–16. the Club won through to its seventh final in eight years with a fine performance against annual semi-final competitors, O' Loughlin's. The scoreline was 1–17 to 2–10. Their opponents in the final were Dicksboro, who unseated the 2011 champions in a thrilling contest where the result was in doubt up to the final whistle. In the 2012 County final, the club won their 14th title after an interesting match where the Shamrocks controlled from the start but spurned several goal chances and where Henry Shefflin also had two penalties saved. Dicksboro slowly came into the match but needed at least one goal to really put pressure on their opponents. After a goal attempt came back into play off the butt of the upright with seven minutes remaining, they never looked like winning. The Shamrocks saw out the game on a scoreline of 0–16 to 0–12.


Club honours


Hurling

ADULT *
All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship, known simply as the All-Ireland Club Championship, is an annual Inter county, inter-county hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). It is the highest inter-coun ...
s: 8 ** 1981, 1984, 1990, 2007, 2010,
2015 File:2015 Events Collage new.png, From top left, clockwise: Civil service in remembrance of November 2015 Paris attacks; Germanwings Flight 9525 was purposely crashed into the French Alps; the rubble of residences in Kathmandu following the Apri ...
,
2019 File:2019 collage v1.png, From top left, clockwise: Hong Kong protests turn to widespread riots and civil disobedience; House of Representatives votes to adopt articles of impeachment against Donald Trump; CRISPR gene editing first used to experim ...
,
2020 2020 was heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to global Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, social and Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disruption, mass cancellations and postponements of events, COVID- ...
* Beaten finalists ** 1978, 2022 *
Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship The Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship (known for sponsorship reasons as the AIB Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship) is an annual hurling competition organised by the Leinster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association The ...
s: 12 ** 1978, 1980, 1983, 1989, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 * Beaten finalists ** 1988, 1991 * Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championships: 20 ** 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991, 2006, 2007,
2008 File:2008 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: Lehman Brothers went bankrupt following the Subprime mortgage crisis; Cyclone Nargis killed more than 138,000 in Myanmar; A scene from the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing; ...
,
2009 File:2009 Events Collage V2.png, From top left, clockwise: The vertical stabilizer of Air France Flight 447 is pulled out from the Atlantic Ocean; Barack Obama becomes the first African American to become President of the United States; 2009 Iran ...
,
2012 File:2012 Events Collage V3.png, From left, clockwise: The passenger cruise ship Costa Concordia lies capsized after the Costa Concordia disaster; Damage to Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, New Jersey as a result of Hurricane Sandy; People gather ...
,
2014 File:2014 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: Stocking up supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the Western African Ebola virus epidemic; Citizens examining the ruins after the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping; Bundles of wat ...
,
2018 File:2018 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: The 2018 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in PyeongChang, South Korea; Protests erupt following the Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi; March for Our Lives protests take place across the United ...
,
2019 File:2019 collage v1.png, From top left, clockwise: Hong Kong protests turn to widespread riots and civil disobedience; House of Representatives votes to adopt articles of impeachment against Donald Trump; CRISPR gene editing first used to experim ...
,
2020 2020 was heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to global Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, social and Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disruption, mass cancellations and postponements of events, COVID- ...
,
2021 File:2021 collage V2.png, From top left, clockwise: the James Webb Space Telescope was launched in 2021; Protesters in Yangon, Myanmar following the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, coup d'état; A civil demonstration against the October–November 2021 ...
,
2022 File:2022 collage V1.png, Clockwise, from top left: Road junction at Yamato-Saidaiji Station several hours after the assassination of Shinzo Abe; 2022 Sri Lankan protests, Anti-government protest in Sri Lanka in front of the Presidential Secretari ...
* Beaten finalists - 6 ** 1984, 1986, 1987, 2005, 2011,
2016 File:2016 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: Bombed-out buildings in Ankara following the 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt; the impeachment trial of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff; Damaged houses during the 2016 Nagorno-Karabakh ...
*
Kilkenny Senior Hurling League The Kilkenny Senior Hurling League (known for sponsorship reasons as the St. Canice's Credit Union Senior Hurling League) is an annual hurling competition organised by the Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1992 fo ...
s: 8 ** 1992, 2005 (awarded final), 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 (awarded final), 2011, 2016 * Beaten finalists 2 ** 2010, 2012 *Kilkenny Senior League – Shield: 2 ** 2013, 2014 *James McKeogh Memorial Tournament: 1 ** 2010 *Byrne Cup (Senior & Intermediate teams): 4 ** 1989, 1991, 2004, 2010, 2018 *Aylward Cup (Senior & Intermediate teams): 1 ** 2009 *
Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling Championship The Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling Championship (known for sponsorship reasons as Michael Lyng Motors Intermediate Hurling Championship and abbreviated to the Kilkenny IHC) is an annual hurling competition organised by the Kilkenny County Board ...
s: 2 ** 1974, 1997 *
Kilkenny Junior Hurling Championship The J. J. Kavanagh & Sons Premier Junior Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1905 for the third-tier hurling teams in the county of Kilkenny in ...
: 1 ** 1973 *Southern Junior Championships: 2 ** 1973, 1983 *County Final – Sp. Junior A: 2 ** 1982, 2013 *Junior A – League County Final: 1 ** 2008 *Southern – Junior A Championships: 6 ** 1982, 1990, 1992, 1999, 2003, 2013 *Southern – Junior A Leagues: 6 ** 1997, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008 *3rd Team League / Junior B: 1 ** 2017 *Roinn A – U21 Championships: 9 ** 1972, 1973, 1974, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2017, 2018. *Roinn A – Southern U21 Championships: 16 ** 1967, 1970 (as Ballyhale), 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1989, 1990, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2017. *Roinn B – Southern U21 Championship: 1 ** 1998 UNDERAGE *Roinn A – Minor Championships: 5 ** 1965, 1967 (as Ballyhale), 1976, 1997, 2016. * Beaten finalists- 5 ** 1966, 1971 (as Ballyhale), 1999, 2000, 2001 *Roinn A – Minor Leagues: 2 ** 2000, 2002 *Roinn A – Southern Minor Championships: 7 ** 1965, 1966, 1967, 1971 (as Ballyhale), 1976, 1997, 1999 *Roinn B – Minor Championship: 1 ** 1982 *Roinn B – Southern Minor Championships: 4 ** 1982, 1987, 1988, 1994, *Roinn A – U16 Championship: 1 ** 1997 *Roinn B – U16 Championship: 3 ** 1995, 2011, 2016 *Division I – U16 Leagues: 2 ** 1974, 2000 *Division II – U16 League: 1 ** 1995 *Under-15 Roinn C League (13 A Side) ** 2019 *Paddy Grace Féile nGael – U14 final: 1 ** 1998 *Roinn A – U14 Championship: 1 ** 1997 *Roinn B – U14 Championship: 2 ** 1995, 2012 *Roinn B – U14 Shield: 1 ** 2010 *Roinn C – U14 Championship: 1 ** 2008


Football

ADULT *
Kilkenny Senior Football Championship The Kilkenny Senior Football Championship (known for sponsorship reasons as the J. J. Kavanagh & Sons Senior Football Championship and abbreviated to the Kilkenny SFC) is an annual club Gaelic football competition organised by the Kilkenny Cou ...
s: 3 ** 1979, 1980, 1982 ** 1994 (Runner up) *
Kilkenny Intermediate Football Championship The Kilkenny Intermediate Football Championship (also known for sponsorship reasons as the ''JJ Kavanagh & Sons Kilkenny Intermediate Football Championship'') is an annual Gaelic football competition which has been organised by the Kilkenny C ...
: 1 ** 1992 ** 2013 (Runner up) *Intermediate League Final: 2 ** 2003, 2013 *Junior Championships: 5 ** 1975, 1991, 2002, 2008, 2012 *Southern Junior Championships: 3 ** 1975, 1991, 2002 UNDERAGE *Roinn B – Minor Championships: 1 ** 1982 *Roinn A – Southern Minor Championships: 1 ** 1976 *Roinn B – Southern Minor Championships: 2 ** 1982, 1999 *Roinn D – U16 Championship: 1 ** 2005 *Roinn A – U14 Championship: 1 ** 1998


Player honours


All-Ireland medal winners

Senior * Dexter Aylward – 1922 * Jimmy Walsh – 1932, 1933, 1935, 1939 * Bill Walsh – 1947 (sub), 1957 *
Denis Heaslip Denis Heaslip (May 1933 – 25 November 2020) was an Irish hurler who played as a right wing-forward for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Knocktopher, County Kilkenny, Heaslip first arrived on the inter-county scene when he first linked up ...
– 1957, 1963 *
Pat Carroll Patricia Ann Carroll (May 5, 1927 – July 30, 2022) was an American actress and comedian. She was known for voicing Ursula in ''The Little Mermaid'' and for appearances in CBS's ''The Danny Thomas Show'', ABC's '' Laverne & Shirley'', and NB ...
– 1967 (sub) *
Ger Fennelly Ger Fennelly (born 22 January 1954) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a centre-forward and as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Piltown, County Kilkenny, Fennelly first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of ...
– (5) 1974 (sub), 1975 (sub), 1979, 1982, 1983 *
Kevin Fennelly Kevin Fennelly (born 7 April 1955) is an Irish former hurling manager and former player who played for his local club Ballyhale Shamrocks and at senior level for the Kilkenny county hurling team from the late 1970s until the late 1980s. Fenn ...
– (2) 1975, 1979 (both as sub) *
Richie Reid Richard "Richie" Reid (born 1956) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a wing-back for the Kilkenny and Dublin senior teams. Born in Ballyhale, County Kilkenny, Reid first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of nineteen when he ...
– (1) 1979 * Frank Holohan – (2) 1982, 1983 (both as sub) *
Liam Fennelly Liam Fennelly (born 1 January 1958 in Piltown, County Kilkenny, Ireland) is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Ballyhale Shamrocks and was a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team from 1981 until 19 ...
– (3) 1982, 1983, 1992 * Paul Phelan – (2) 1992, 1993 (both as sub) *
Henry Shefflin Henry Shefflin (born 11 January 1979) is an Irish hurling manager and former player who is the current manager of the Galway senior hurling team. In his playing career he was nicknamed "King Henry" because of his directive style, dominance, c ...
– (10) 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014 * Aidan Cummins – (3) 2000, 2002, 2003 (all as sub) *
James "Cha" Fitzpatrick James "Cha" Fitzpatrick (born 31 January 1985) is an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Knockmoylan, County Kilkenny, Fitzpatrick first played competitive hurling during his schooling at St. Kiera ...
– (5) 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 (sub) *
Eoin Reid Eoin Reid (born 27 December 1984) is an Irish hurler who plays for Kilkenny Senior Championship club Ballyhale Shamrocks. He played for the Kilkenny senior hurling team for five years, during which time he usually lined out as a corner-forwar ...
– (4) 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 (all as sub) * Michael Fennelly – (8) 2006 (sub), 2007, 2008 (sub), 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 *
T. J. Reid Thomas Joseph Reid (born 16 November 1987), known as T. J. Reid, is an Irish hurler who plays for Kilkenny Senior Championship club Ballyhale Shamrocks and at inter-county level with the Kilkenny senior hurling team. He usually lines out as a ...
– (7) 2007 (sub), 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 *
Colin Fennelly Colin Fennelly (born 25 August 1989) is an Irish hurler who plays as a forward for Kilkenny Senior Championship club Ballyhale Shamrocks. He is a former captain of the Kilkenny senior hurling team. Fennelly first appeared on the inter-count ...
– (4) 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 * Joey Holden – (2) 2014 (played in drawn game), 2015 *
Richie Reid Richard "Richie" Reid (born 1956) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a wing-back for the Kilkenny and Dublin senior teams. Born in Ballyhale, County Kilkenny, Reid first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of nineteen when he ...
– (2) 2014, 2015 (unused sub) Intermediate * Michael Hoyne – 1973 * Maurice Mason – 1973 * Patrick Holden – 1973 Junior *
Denis Heaslip Denis Heaslip (May 1933 – 25 November 2020) was an Irish hurler who played as a right wing-forward for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Knocktopher, County Kilkenny, Heaslip first arrived on the inter-county scene when he first linked up ...
– 1956 U21 *
Kevin Fennelly Kevin Fennelly (born 7 April 1955) is an Irish former hurling manager and former player who played for his local club Ballyhale Shamrocks and at senior level for the Kilkenny county hurling team from the late 1970s until the late 1980s. Fenn ...
– 1974, 1975 *
Ger Fennelly Ger Fennelly (born 22 January 1954) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a centre-forward and as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Piltown, County Kilkenny, Fennelly first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of ...
– 1974, 1975 *
Sean Reid Sean, also spelled Seán or Séan in Irish English, is a male given name of Irish origin. It comes from the Irish versions of the Biblical Hebrew name ''Yohanan'' (), Seán (anglicized as ''Shaun/ Shawn/ Shon'') and Séan (Ulster variant; angli ...
– 1974 (sub) * Ritchie Reid – 1975 (sub), 1977 *
Brendan Fennelly Brendan Fennelly (1956 – 31 July 2019) was an Irish hurling manager and player. A member of the famous Fennelly hurling dynasty, he enjoyed a successful playing career at club level with Ballyhale Shamrocks and at inter-county level with Ki ...
– 1977 * Tommy Phelan – 1984 * Tommy Shefflin – 1990 * Jimmy Lawlor – 1990 * Brendan Mason – 1990 *
Henry Shefflin Henry Shefflin (born 11 January 1979) is an Irish hurling manager and former player who is the current manager of the Galway senior hurling team. In his playing career he was nicknamed "King Henry" because of his directive style, dominance, c ...
– 1999 * Aidan Cummins – 1999 * Bob Aylward – 1999 *
James "Cha" Fitzpatrick James "Cha" Fitzpatrick (born 31 January 1985) is an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Knockmoylan, County Kilkenny, Fitzpatrick first played competitive hurling during his schooling at St. Kiera ...
– 2004, 2006 * Michael Fennelly – 2004, 2006 * Padraig Holden – 2004 * Keith Nolan – 2004 *
Eoin Reid Eoin Reid (born 27 December 1984) is an Irish hurler who plays for Kilkenny Senior Championship club Ballyhale Shamrocks. He played for the Kilkenny senior hurling team for five years, during which time he usually lined out as a corner-forwar ...
– 2004 * Eamon Walsh- 2006 * Mark Aylward-2006 *
T. J. Reid Thomas Joseph Reid (born 16 November 1987), known as T. J. Reid, is an Irish hurler who plays for Kilkenny Senior Championship club Ballyhale Shamrocks and at inter-county level with the Kilkenny senior hurling team. He usually lines out as a ...
– 2006, 2008 *
Colin Fennelly Colin Fennelly (born 25 August 1989) is an Irish hurler who plays as a forward for Kilkenny Senior Championship club Ballyhale Shamrocks. He is a former captain of the Kilkenny senior hurling team. Fennelly first appeared on the inter-count ...
– 2008 Minor *
Donal Gorey Donald is a masculine given name derived from the Goidelic languages, Gaelic name ''Dòmhnall''.. This comes from the Proto-Celtic language, Proto-Celtic *''Dumno-ualos'' ("world-ruler" or "world-wielder"). The final -''d'' in ''Donald'' is part ...
– 1950 * Maurice Aylward – 1961, 196

*
Kevin Fennelly Kevin Fennelly (born 7 April 1955) is an Irish former hurling manager and former player who played for his local club Ballyhale Shamrocks and at senior level for the Kilkenny county hurling team from the late 1970s until the late 1980s. Fenn ...
– 1972, 1973 (sub) *
Ger Fennelly Ger Fennelly (born 22 January 1954) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a centre-forward and as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Piltown, County Kilkenny, Fennelly first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of ...
– 1972 * Seán Fennelly – 1977 * Tommy Shefflin – 1988 * John Shefflin – 1990 * Padraig Holden – 2002 * Keith Nolan – 2002 *
Eoin Reid Eoin Reid (born 27 December 1984) is an Irish hurler who plays for Kilkenny Senior Championship club Ballyhale Shamrocks. He played for the Kilkenny senior hurling team for five years, during which time he usually lined out as a corner-forwar ...
– 2002 *
James "Cha" Fitzpatrick James "Cha" Fitzpatrick (born 31 January 1985) is an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Knockmoylan, County Kilkenny, Fitzpatrick first played competitive hurling during his schooling at St. Kiera ...
– 2002, 2003 * Michael Fennelly – 2003 * Alan Cuddihy – 2008 *
Richard Reid Richard Colvin Reid (born 12 August 1973), also known as the "Shoe Bomber", is the perpetrator of the failed shoe bombing attempt on a transatlantic flight in 2001. Born to a father who was a career criminal, Reid converted to Islam as a young ...
– 2010 * Ronan Corcoran – 2014 * Darren Mullen – 2014


All-Ireland winning captains

Senior *
Ger Fennelly Ger Fennelly (born 22 January 1954) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a centre-forward and as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Piltown, County Kilkenny, Fennelly first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of ...
– 1979 *
Liam Fennelly Liam Fennelly (born 1 January 1958 in Piltown, County Kilkenny, Ireland) is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Ballyhale Shamrocks and was a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team from 1981 until 19 ...
– 1983, 1992, *
Henry Shefflin Henry Shefflin (born 11 January 1979) is an Irish hurling manager and former player who is the current manager of the Galway senior hurling team. In his playing career he was nicknamed "King Henry" because of his directive style, dominance, c ...
– 2007 *
James "Cha" Fitzpatrick James "Cha" Fitzpatrick (born 31 January 1985) is an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Knockmoylan, County Kilkenny, Fitzpatrick first played competitive hurling during his schooling at St. Kiera ...
– 2008 * Michael Fennelly – 2009 * Joseph Holden – 2015 U21 *
Kevin Fennelly Kevin Fennelly (born 7 April 1955) is an Irish former hurling manager and former player who played for his local club Ballyhale Shamrocks and at senior level for the Kilkenny county hurling team from the late 1970s until the late 1980s. Fenn ...
– 1974 *
Ger Fennelly Ger Fennelly (born 22 January 1954) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a centre-forward and as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Piltown, County Kilkenny, Fennelly first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of ...
– 1975 *
James "Cha" Fitzpatrick James "Cha" Fitzpatrick (born 31 January 1985) is an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Knockmoylan, County Kilkenny, Fitzpatrick first played competitive hurling during his schooling at St. Kiera ...
– 2004 * Michael Fennelly – 2006 Minor * Seán Fennelly – 1977


Player of the year

Senior *
Henry Shefflin Henry Shefflin (born 11 January 1979) is an Irish hurling manager and former player who is the current manager of the Galway senior hurling team. In his playing career he was nicknamed "King Henry" because of his directive style, dominance, c ...
– (3) 2002, 2006, 2012 * Michael Fennelly – (1) 2011 * TJ Reid – (1) 2015 Young *
James "Cha" Fitzpatrick James "Cha" Fitzpatrick (born 31 January 1985) is an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Knockmoylan, County Kilkenny, Fitzpatrick first played competitive hurling during his schooling at St. Kiera ...
– 2006 * Adrian Mullen – 2019 * Eoin Cody - 2020, 2021


Man of the match – Senior All-Ireland

*
Henry Shefflin Henry Shefflin (born 11 January 1979) is an Irish hurling manager and former player who is the current manager of the Galway senior hurling team. In his playing career he was nicknamed "King Henry" because of his directive style, dominance, c ...
– (1) 2002 * Michael Fennelly – (1) 2015


All-Stars

* Total = 30 *
Henry Shefflin Henry Shefflin (born 11 January 1979) is an Irish hurling manager and former player who is the current manager of the Galway senior hurling team. In his playing career he was nicknamed "King Henry" because of his directive style, dominance, c ...
– (11) 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 *
T. J. Reid Thomas Joseph Reid (born 16 November 1987), known as T. J. Reid, is an Irish hurler who plays for Kilkenny Senior Championship club Ballyhale Shamrocks and at inter-county level with the Kilkenny senior hurling team. He usually lines out as a ...
– (5) 2012, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020 *
Liam Fennelly Liam Fennelly (born 1 January 1958 in Piltown, County Kilkenny, Ireland) is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Ballyhale Shamrocks and was a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team from 1981 until 19 ...
– (4) 1983, 1985, 1987, 1992 *
James "Cha" Fitzpatrick James "Cha" Fitzpatrick (born 31 January 1985) is an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Knockmoylan, County Kilkenny, Fitzpatrick first played competitive hurling during his schooling at St. Kiera ...
– (3) 2006, 2007, 2008 * Michael Fennelly – (3) 2010, 2011, 2015 *
Colin Fennelly Colin Fennelly (born 25 August 1989) is an Irish hurler who plays as a forward for Kilkenny Senior Championship club Ballyhale Shamrocks. He is a former captain of the Kilkenny senior hurling team. Fennelly first appeared on the inter-count ...
– (2) 2014, 2019 *
Ger Fennelly Ger Fennelly (born 22 January 1954) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a centre-forward and as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Piltown, County Kilkenny, Fennelly first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of ...
– (1) 1983 * Joseph Holden – (1) 2015


Senior panel


Management team – 2020


Notable hurlers


Managerial history


References


External links


Official


Club website


Unofficial


Ballyhale ShamrocksKilkenny GAA Bible


Positions held

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ballyhale Shamrocks Gaa Gaelic games clubs in County Kilkenny Hurling clubs in County Kilkenny