Ben Stafford’s point in the third minute of injury-time saw St Martin’s pull off a remarkable 0-24 to 2-17 victory over Ballyhale Shamrocks this evening at Croke Park to capture their first Leinster club senior hurling championship title.

There was no shortage of drama at headquarters at the Wexford champions saw their brilliant performance against the Kilkenny kingpins finish with substitute Stafford landing the winner from distance at the death, setting up an All-Ireland semi-final date against Ballygunner in two weeks’ time in the process.

Eoin Cody’s goal eight minutes in had Ballyhale 1-4 to 0-2 in front before the scores of Rory O’Connor, who finished with 0-11, and Jack O’Connor helped trim St Martin’s deficit down to two.

"Eoin Cody loves scoring goals - whether it be Nowlan Park or Croke Park..."
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A couple more from Rory O’Connor would push the men from the Model County ahead just before half-time (0-11 to 1-7) and the same player doubled his team’s advantage early in the restart before Jack O’Connor and Darren Codd raised white flags that made it a four-point game.

Paddy Mullen and TJ Reid pulled back scores at the other end before Ballyhale had their second goal through Niall Shorthall in the 39th minute.

Jack O’Connor squared the sides again a minute later and Rory O’Connor pushed them two ahead prior to Cody and Reid grabbing more points that levelled matters with 10 minutes to go.

A tense finish in the capital saw the teams going point for point, with Richie Reid’s score giving the 12-time champions a 2-17 to 0-22 advantage in the 59th minute before Rory O’Connor levelled for the last time and Stafford found the time and space to send over the winner on a historic evening for St Martin’s at Croker.

"Ben Stafford, number 21!"
A phenomenal late score has won the Leinster title for St Martin's. What an incredible game at Croke Park. Ballyhale are beaten. pic.twitter.com/b78nqhdB9u

— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) December 6, 2025

"Everybody in the stand. Everybody on the field. The people at home. I can't describe it..."
St Martin's Man of the Match Jack O'Connor was a study in emotion after the Wexford champions' incredible Leinster triumph. | #RTEgaa pic.twitter.com/anYe8m6cxf

— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) December 6, 2025

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