Ballyhale Shamrocks GAA

Infobox GAA club
club gaa = Ballyhale Shamrocks
irish = Seamróga Baile hEil
crest = Ballyhale Shamrocks GAA Crest.jpg
founded = 1972
province = Leinster
county = Kilkenny
nickname = The Shamrocks
colours = Green and white
grounds = Ballyhale
f1=0|f2=0|f3=3
h1=4|h2=5|h3=11
pattern_la= |pattern_b=_whitehorizontal|pattern_ra=
leftarm=27AE7B|body=36AE7B |rightarm=28AE7B|shorts=FFFFFF |socks=28AE7B
|

Ballyhale Shamrocks is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the parish of Ballyhale in County Kilkenny, Ireland. The club was founded in 1972 and is primarily concerned with the game of hurling. Together with Birr from Offaly, Ballyhale Shamrocks are the most successful club in the history of the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship.

Hurling

History

Beginnings

Hurling had been played in the parish of Ballyhale long before the Shamrocks club was established. By the early 1970s there were two competing clubs in existence in the parish, Ballyhale and Knocktopher, however, they were both facing extinction. A third club, Knockmoylan, had ceased to exist at some time in 1959. Because of the situation facing both clubs they decided to amalgamate in 1972 under the new name of Ballyhale Shamrocks. The club adopted as its logo a three-leaf shamrock with the letters K, B and K, representing the three clubs that had existed in the parish, inserted on each leaf. The Ballyhale Shamrocks colours are green and white.

Success for the new Shamrocks club was instant. The club won the county junior title in 1973 before claiming the county intermediate title in 1974, a victory which allowed Ballyhale Shamrocks to play in the county senior championship.

Early successes

Four years after joining the senior grade, Ballyhale Shamrocks reached the final of the county senior championship in 1978. It was a great occasion for a club that was only founded six years earlier. On that occasion the Fenians club, the reigning champions, provided the opposition. After an interesting hour of hurling Ballyhale were the winners by 0-15 to 0-10, allowing them to take their first county title at senior level. This victory also allowed the club to represent Kilkenny in the Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship series of games. The fairytale continued for Ballyhale as they reached the final of that competition where they defeated Dublin champions Crumlin. A 1-13 to 1-6 victory gave Ballyhale Shamrocks their first Leinster club title. The subsequent All-Ireland club final saw Ballyhale take on the famous Blackrock club from Cork. Two first-half Ray Cummins goals gave ‘the Rockies’ the edge going into the second-half and they won the game, only just, by 5-7 to 5-5. [cite book| first=Eoghan| last=Corry| title=The GAA Book of Lists| publisher=Hodder Headline Ireland| year=2005| id= | pages=p. 429]

In 1979 Ballyhale proved that their county championship victory in 1978 was not a fluke, however, they were put to the pin of their collar by Erin’s Own. The county final that year ended in a 0-14 apiece draw, however, Shamrocks made no mistake in the unfinished replay and won the game easily by 3-12 to 1-6. There was no provincial success for the club on that occasion.

1980 saw Ballyhale attempt to capture a third county title in-a-row. Muckalee-Ballyfoyle Rovers stood in their way in the county final, however, for the second consecutive year the game ended in a draw. The replay was more conclusive as the Shamrocks powered to a 3-13 to 1-10 win and a third county title in-a-row. For the second time in three years Ballyhale reached the final of the Leinster club championship, however, on this occasion they faced opposition from the Offaly champions. Coolderry, however, lost out by 3-10 to 1-8 as the Shamrocks took their second Leinster club title. Ballyhale’s successful campaign continued all the way to the All-Ireland final where they played Cork champions St. Finbarr's. On that occasion seven Fennelly brothers lined out against a star-studded Barr’s team, captained by Jimmy Barry-Murphy. Both teams were evenly matched and the first-half saw the sides level on five occasions. Fourteen minutes into the second-half Ballyhale took a decisive lead when Liam Fennelly scored the crucial goal. Jimmy Barry-Murphy scored a goal for St. Finbarr’s with six minutes left, however, it was too little too late. Ballyhale Shamrocks took their first All-Ireland club title. ["The GAA Book of Lists" p. 430]

Four-in-a-row proved beyond this great Ballyhale team as they were defeated in the county championship in 1981.

Championship dominance

After a brief hiatus Ballyhale Shamrocks were back in the county final again in 1982. Reigning champions county, provincial and All-Ireland champions James Stephens provided the opposition on that occasion, however, they proved no problem for Ballyhale. A 3-10 to 2-4 victory gave the Shamrocks their fourth county championship title. The club was later defeated in the early stages of the provincial championship.

1983 allowed James Stephens a chance to gain revenge on Ballyhale as both sides lined out against each other in the county final again. The result was similar with the Shamrocks having another convincing 2-14 to 1-8 victory. It was an impressive fifth county championship title in six years. Ballyhale later represented the county in the provincial championship and reached the final once again. Kinnitty, the Offaly champs, were the opponents on that occasion. A close game eventually saw Ballyhale claim the victory with a 3-6 to 0-9 score line. Subsequent victories allowed the Shamrocks to qualify for the All-Ireland final where they lined out against Gort. The game developed into a close affair, however, with just one minute left Gort were ahead by a point. With the game entering the dying seconds a Dermot Fennelly point earned Ballyhale a 1-10 apiece draw and a replay. The second game was a close one as well, however, a first-half Ger Fennelly goal gave the Shamrocks the edge. The Kilkenny men hung on to win by 1-10 to 0-7. ["The GAA Book of Lists" p. 431] It was the club’s second All-Ireland title.

1984 gave Ballyhale Shamrocks the chance to capture a second three in-a-row inside seven years. All went to plan as the club reached another county final where St. Martin’s were the opponents. The final was a huge disappointment for the Fennelly-inspired club as St. Martin’s win by seven points.

After defeat in 1984 Ballyhale Shamrocks compensated in 1985 with a 4-18 to 3-13 defeat of Glenmore to take another county title. This victory was followed by defeats by Clara and Glenmore in the respective county finals of 1986 and 1987.

By 1988 Ballyhale Shamrocks were back on top. A 2-15 to 0-4 thrashing of Thomastown in the county final gave the Shamrocks their seventh county title inside a decade. The club later reached the Leinster final where they were defeated by Buffer’s Alley.

In 1989 Ballyhale continued their dominance of the championship by reaching the county final again. On that occasion Glenmore provided the opposition and a tense and close game developed. After an exciting hour of hurling Ballyhale emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins with a 2-11 to 1-13 win. It was a remarkable eight county champioship title in eleven years. The club had a relatively easy passage, culminating in the capturing of the Leinster title following a 2-11 to 0-7 victory over Cuala of Dublin. The subsequent All-Ireland club final saw the Shamrocks line out against Ballybrown of Limerick. Ballybrown led by six points before Ger Fennelly's twenty-fourth minute goal got the Kilkenny men back on track. At the interval the Limerick champs were still four points to the good, however, a second-half surge by Ballyhale gave them a 1-16 to 0-6 victory. ["The GAA Book of Lists" p. 432] It was the club's record-equalling third All-Ireland club title.

After surrendering their county title in 1990, Ballyhale Shamrocks were back in 1991. That year the club added a ninth county championship title to their collection following a 3-16 to 1-8 win over St. Martin's. The subsequent Leinster final daw the Kilkenny men collapse against Offaly champins Birr. A 2-14 to 0-3 defeat brought the curtain down on the great Ballyhale team of the 1980s.

The club was relegated from the senior ranks in 1995, losing to St. Martin's in the relegation final. The following year they lost at the semi-final stage of the championship to O' Loughlin's. In 1997, the club returned to the senior ranks with a exciting final victory over Graiguenamanagh on a scoreline of 4-12 to 3-07 and has retained it senior status since then.

uccess in the 2000s

After a fifteen year absence Ballyhale Shamrocks were back on top of the Kilkenny hurling world again in 2006. That year the club triumphed over O'Loughlin Gaels by 1-21 to 2-11 to take their tenth county championship title. The Shamrocks later breezed through the provincial championship and defeated Birr to take another Leinster club title. The club later qualified for the All-Ireland final with Loughrea providing the opposition. A new genertaion of hurlers, including James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick, played a key role in that game and powered Ballyhale to their fourth All-Ireland club title. [cite web|url=http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2007/03/19/story28153.asp|title=Ballyhale boss eyes another All-Ireland |publisher=Irish Examiner|date=2007-03-19|accessdate=2008-09-17]

In 2007 Ballyhale Shamrocks continued their winning ways with the club winning a second consecutive county title. The club had a relatively easy 1-20 to 1-10 victory over St. Martin's, even without the injured Henry Shefflin. Shamrocks were later surprisingly defeated in the Leinster club semi-final by Birr. [cite web|url=http://archives.tcm.ie/breakingnews/2007/11/18/story337007.asp|title=Ballyhale Shamrocks in shock defeat |publisher=Irish Examiner|date=2007-11-18|accessdate=2008-09-17]

In 2008, the Shamrocks have already retained the League title with a very impressive performance against James Stephens in the final scoreline on a scoreline of 5-19 to 0-13.

They have also overcome the intermediate champions of last year, Clara in the championship quarter final on a scoreline of 3-19 to 0-10. The Shamorcks now face near neighbours, Carrickshock in the championship semi-final.

Honours

Hurling

Adult

*All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championships: 4 [http://www.kilkennygaa.ie/KK%20GAA%20Bible.pdf]
** 1981, 1984, 1990, 2007
*Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championships: 5
** 1978, 1980, 1983, 1989, 2006
*Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championships: 11
** 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991, 2006, 2007
*Kilkenny Senior Leagues: 5
** 1992, 2005 (awarded final), 2006, 2007, 2008
*Kilkenny All County Senior League - Byrne Cup: 3
** 1989, 1991, 2004
*Kilkenny Intermediate Championships: 2
** 1974, 1997
*Kilkenny Junior Championship: 1
** 1973
*Kilkenny Southern Junior Championships: 2
** 1973, 1983
*Kilkenny Junior A - League County Final: 1
** 2008
*Kilkenny Southern - Junior A Championships: 5
** 1982, 1990, 1992, 1999, 2003
*Kilkenny Southern - Junior A Leagues: 6
** 1997, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008
*Kilkenny Roinn A - U21 Championships: 7
** 1972, 1973, 1974, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
*Kilkenny Roinn A - Southern U21 Championships: 13
** 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1989, 1990, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
*Kilkenny Roinn B - Southern U21 Championship: 1
** 1998

Underage

*Kilkenny Roinn A - Minor Championships: 2
** 1976, 1997
*Kilkenny Roinn A - Minor Leagues: 2
** 2000, 2002
*Kilkenny Roinn A - Southern Minor Championships: 3
** 1976, 1997, 1999
*Kilkenny Roinn B - Minor Championship: 1
** 1982
*Kilkenny Roinn B - Southern Minor Championships: 2
** 1982, 1987, 1988, 1994,
*Kilkenny Roinn A - U16 Championship: 1
** 1997
*Kilkenny Roinn B - U16 Championship: 1
** 1995
*Kilkenny Division I - U16 Leagues: 2
** 1974, 2000
*Kilkenny Division II - U16 League: 1
** 1995
*Paddy Grace Féile nGael - U14 final: 1
** 1998
*Kilkenny Roinn A - U14 Championship: 1
** 1997
*Kilkenny Roinn B - U14 Championship: 1
** 1995
*Kilkenny Roinn C - U14 Championship: 1
** 2008

Football

Adult

*Kilkenny Senior Football Championships: 3
** 1979, 1980, 1982
*Kilkenny Intermediate Championship: 1
** 1992
*Kilkenny Intermediate League Final: 1
** 2003
*Kilkenny Junior Championships: 4
** 1975, 1991, 2002, 2008
*Kilkenny Southern Junior Championships: 3
** 1975, 1991, 2002

Underage

*Kilkenny Roinn B - Minor Championships: 1
** 1982
*Kilkenny Roinn A - Southern Minor Championships: 1
** 1976
*Kilkenny Roinn B - Southern Minor Championships: 2
** 1982, 1999
*Kilkenny Roinn D - U16 Championship: 1
** 2005
*Kilkenny Roinn A - U14 Championship: 1
** 1998

All-Stars

* Henry Shefflin - 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

* James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick - 2006, 2007

* Liam Fennelly - 1983, 1985, 1987, 1992

* Ger Fennelly - 1983

All-Ireland winning captains

enior

* Jimmy Walsh (Carrickshock) - 1932, 1939
* Ger Fennelly - 1979
* Liam Fennelly - 1983, 1992,
* Henry Shefflin - 2007
* James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick - 2008

U21

* Kevin Fennelly - 1974
* Ger Fennelly - 1975
* James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick - 2004
* Michael Fennelly - 2006

Minor

* Sean Fennelly - 1977

All-Ireland medal winners

enior

* Dexter Aylward - 1922
* Jimmy Walsh - 1932, 1933, 1935, 1939
* Bill Walsh - 1947, 1957
* Denis Heaslip - 1957, 1963
* Pat Carroll - 1967 (sub)
* Frank Cummins - 1967 (sub), 1969, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1979, 1982, 1983
* Ger Fennelly - 1974 (sub), 1975 (sub), 1979, 1982, 1983
* Kevin Fennelly - 1975, 1979
* Ritchie Reid - 1979
* Frank Holohan - 1982, 1983
* Liam Fennelly - 1982, 1983, 1992
* Paul Phelan - 1992, 1993
* Henry Shefflin - 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008
* Aidan Cummins - 2000, 2002, 2003
* James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick - 2006, 2007, 2008
* Eoin Reid - 2006, 2007, 2008
* T. J. Reid - 2008
* Michael Fennelly - 2007, 2008

Junior

* Denis Heaslip - 1956

U21

* Kevin Fennelly - 1974
* Ger Fennelly - 1974, 1975
* Ritchie Reid - 1977
* Brendan Fennelly - 1977
* Tommy Phelan - 1984
* Tommy Shefflin - 1990
* Jimmy Lawlor - 1990
* Henry Shefflin - 1999
* Aidan Cummins - 1999
* Bob Aylward - 1999
* James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick - 2004, 2006
* Michael Fennelly - 2004, 2006
* Padraig Holden - 2004
* Keith Nolan - 2004
* Eoin Reid - 2004
* T. J. Reid - 2006, 2008
* Colin Fennelly - 2008

Minor

* Maurice Aylward - 1961, 1962 [http://www.kilkennygaa.ie]
* Kevin Fennelly - 1972
* Ger Fennelly - 1972
* Sean Fennelly - 1977
* Tommy Shefflin - 1988
* John Shefflin - 1990
* Padraig Holden - 2002
* Keith Nolan - 2002
* Eoin Reid - 2002
* James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick - 2002, 2003
* Michael Fennelly - 2003
* Alan Cuddihy - 2008

Current Hurling Squad

Famous Hurlers

External links

* [http://www.kilkennycats.com/clubs/cgi-bin/cginews.pl?record=41/ Ballyhale Shamrocks]
* [http://http://www.kilkennygaa.ie/KK%20GAA%20Bible.pdf Kilkenny GAA Bible]

References