James Stephens 1-20
Ballyhale Shamrocks 0-15

Eoin Larkin's 1-11 tally proved devastating as James Stephens overcame Ballyhale Shamrocks at the second time of asking in yesterday's Kilkenny SHC final replay at Nowlan Park.

In the early stages, the winners were on the back foot as David Hoyne, TJ Reid and Henry Shefflin, who had rescued a draw the last day, put the Shamrocks in front before determined Stephens outfit drew level by the 11th minute via Niall Tyrell and the deadly Larkin.

TJ Reid saw a goal chance midway through the half well saved by Derrick Brennan in the Stephens goal, but it didn't stop Ballyhale opening a three-point lead before Larkin turned the game on its head approaching half-time when he shot a fine point and lashed home an injury-time goal which saw 'The Village' lead by 1-7 to 0-9 at the interval.

The game's resumption proved explosive, as heated exchanges between Kilkenny colleagues Jackie Tyrrell and Colin Fennelly saw both sides reduced to 14 men.

The dismissals seemed to work in Ballyhale's favour as two Shefflin frees brought the deficit back to the minimum but Larkin's brace made sure Stephens had their noses well in front heading towards the closings stages when scores from David McCormack, Matthew Ruth, and a sublime point from Tomas Keogh sent The Village towards glory.

James Stephens: D Brennan; T Keogh (0-1), P Larkin, J Comerford; E Sheehy, J Tyrrell, D Cody; N McQuillan, N Tyrrell (0-3); D McCormack (0-2), R Coady, M Ruth (0-2); E McCormack, E Larkin (1-11, 0-8 frees), D Walton. Subs: R Hayes for Coady (46 mins), J McGrath (0-1) for Walton (58 mins).

Ballyhale Shamrocks: R Reid; P Shefflin, A Cummins, G Fennelly; J Holden, E Walsh, B Aylward; J Fitzpatrick, M Fennelly; C Fennelly (0-1), H Shefflin (0-7, 0-4 frees, 0-1 65), TJ Reid (0-2); D Hoyne (0-2), E Reid (0-2), C Walsh (0-1). Subs: A Cuddihy for P Shefflin (31 mins), M Aylward for Walsh (39 mins); P Reid for Hoyne (53 mins).

Referee: E Mansfield (Cloneen). Tweet

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