GAA club wrap: Ballyhale on song, Ballyboden advance

HURLING

In Kilkenny, five-in-a-row chasers Ballyhale Shamrocks came out of the blocks fast to swat Glenmore aside on a 3-26 to 0-20 scoreline. TJ Reid scored three points from play and another three from frees.

The champions racked up 2-18 in the first half alone with county star Eoin Cody to the fore while Colin Fennelly made his first appearance of the year after returning from the US.

Brian Cody made a winning start as part of the James Stephens management team as they eased past Lisdowney in the first round. Despite goals from David O'Carroll in each half, The Village were six points up at half-time and ran out 1-25 to 2-14 winners, Tadhg O'Dwyer finding the net for the victors.

Erin’s Own also advanced to the quarter-finals after pulling clear in the second half against Graigue-Ballycallan. There were just three points between the sides at the break but Jamie Hoolahan’s late goal put the icing on the cake for a 1-20 to 0-11 win.

The quarter-final draw has pitted Shamrocks against Clara, Tullaroan v Erin’s Own, Bennetsbridge against James Stephens and Dicksboro versus Mullinavat.

Limerick forward Tom Morrissey scored 1-13 as his Ahane side avoided relegation with a 1-22 all draw against Na Piarsaigh, who had won all of their previous games.

Ex-county star Kevin Downes bagged 1-10 for the city side, who fought back from seven points down and progress straight to the semi-finals after topping Group 1.

Kilmallock also advanced to the last four after a 0-24 to 1-21 draw with Doon, for whom Pat Ryan scored 1-02 from play.

Doon finished third and will face South Liberties or Kildimo-Pallaskenry in a quarter-final. Patrickswell also qualified with a 1-21 to 2-12 win over relegated Adare.

In Laois, last year’s Leinster runners-up