'Not many lads would even see that'

TJ Reid of Ballyhale Shamrocks with Niall Mullins of James Stephens ©INPHO/James Lawlor

Ballyhale Shamrocks manager Mark Aylward was in awe of TJ Reid's vision after yesterday's Leinster club SHC quarter-final victory over The Harps.

Playing his first game since bringing the curtain down on his glittering 20-year Kilkenny career, Reid scored 1-8 and provided a delicious assist for Darragh Corcoran's first half goal. The seven-time All-Ireland SHC winner lit up Laois Hire O'Moore Park with a delightful over-the-shoulder pass to send Corcoran through for his side's second major.

“Not many lads would even see that," Aylward noted when speaking to the media afterwards.

"Darragh didn’t even have to break stride — it was in his path. That’s just TJ. That’s the calibre he is and everyone knows that.”

Commenting on Reid's Kilkenny retirement, Aylward added: “TJ made his decision and fair play to the man, he’s in great condition.

“Inter-county is a different ball game too. TJ knows his body and personally I’d be hoping he’ll play for the club for four or five years. If he keeps hurling like that, that’s the way we want him.”