Holders Ballyhale Shamrocks cruised into the Kilkenny SHC semi-finals when Henry Shefflin's haul of 1-10 helped them to a 3-19 to 0-10 victory over Clara. Clara were well in contention at half-time when they trailed by just three points, 0-6 to 0-9, but with Shefflin to the fore, Shamrocks killed off their opponents in the second half with goals from Eoin Reid, Brendan Costelloe and Shefflin. Also through to the last-four are O'Loughlin Gaels, James Stephens and Carrickshock. County star Brian Hogan was hugely influential as O'Loughlins defeated Tullaroan by 4-14 to 2-13. Tullaroan twice lost three-point leads to trail by 0-9 to 2-5 at half-time. The result remained in doubt until the last five minutes when Alan Geoghegan's goal swung it for the city side. Donncha Cody - son of Kilkenny manager Brian - scored a vital goal as James Stephens overcame Graigue-Ballycallan 1-17 to 1-10. Stephens were inspired by the fit-against Jackie Tyrrell and laid the foundations for their victory in a dominant first half display. In the other quarter-final, Michael Rice scored 0-4 from play as Carrickshock saw off Fenians by 0-16 to 1-7. The semi-final draws will be made on Monday night. Tweet

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