As expected, Ballyhale Shamrocks are through to the Leinster club SHC final following a comfortable win over Westmeath champions Raharney at Cusack Park on Saturday afternoon. The Kilkenny kingpins generously gave up home advantage to make the journey up to the midlands and a large crowd turned out to watch them put on a display of hurling that doesn't be seen too often in Mullingar. In fairness to Raharney, they battled hard throughout and indeed should have been four points up in the first seven minutes, but wayward shooting was to cost them dearly. Eoin Reid and Henry Shefflin were the stars of the first half as they went in leading 0-13 to 0-5, as Ballyhale punished every mistake by the Westmeath side ruthlessly. The second half was a non-event as the Kilkenny side stepped it up a gear and further points from Eoin and TJ Reid, Shefflin and Michael Fennelly lead them to a 0-26 to 0-9 victory. Raharney battled hard throughout, particularly Brendan McKeogh and Niall Flanagan, but the gulf in class was a major difference as Ballyhale go on to the final where they will meet either Birr or St Martin's. Tweet

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