TJ Reid feared Ballyhale were going to lose yesterday's Leinster club SHC final when Kilcormac/Killoughey were handed the opportunity to score a late winning free.

Fortunately for Ballyhale, Ciaran Slevin's strike from inside his own half dropped short and the Kilkenny champions went on to claim a record eighth provincial title after extra-time.

"We had two weeks there and we trained hard for the two weeks, because we know these boys; they're big and they're strong and they're a physical team," the Ballyhale captain told RTE.

"On the day, we could have lost it. They got a free in the last minute of the game: if that went over, we could have been gone.
"So, we got a second chance, and I suppose in extra-time we kind of pushed on. In the last eight minutes we kind of pushed on; our fitness levels, I suppose, kind of showed a little bit.

 "We're finishing 2014 on a great note."

The Hurler of the Year nominee was delighted that Shamrocks were able to seize the opportunity when it presented itself.

"Our main goal this year was the county final, and we achieved that," he added.

"We spoke strongly about Leinster, and we dug deep and we said we wanted to go the whole way, because the last time we were here was 2009 - that's five years ago.

"So, it's a long time to be back in a Leinster final. So, we wanted to come here today and give it everything, because it could be another five years before we're back here again."

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