TJ Reid returned with 1-6 to help fire his beloved Ballyhale Shamrocks into a fourth successive AIB Leinster club senior hurling final at the weekend.
The Kilkenny kingpins saw off Naas by a scoreline of 3-22 to 1-16, although it was not plain sailing.
Well done to our Senior team on reaching the @gaaleinster final next Sunday. Hard luck to @SHNaas15 who were outstanding and left the field to a standing ovation from their fans which was fully deserved. I am sure we will cross paths again in the future #club #50years
— Shamrocks (@BallyhaleGAA) November 27, 2022
The Kildare side stormed out of the blocks, developing a lead of 1-04 to 0-01 after the opening 10 minutes.
Even more remarkable, was the number of opportunities squandered by the outsiders - who had a shot at goal on three occasions before finally hitting the net.
Goals from Reid, who returned just days after the birth of his first child, Joey Cuddihy and Eoin Cody turned a difficult affair into one that reads like a comfortable day at the office.
Naas can be extremely proud of their efforts and certainly made the most of the day, with the hugely impressive Jack Sheridan delivering 0-12 overall.
They won the AIB All-Ireland intermediate title last February, which promoted them back to the senior ranks in Leinster for the first time since 2002.
??????
From the AIB Leinster GAA Senior Club Hurling Championship Semi Final
And it's Shamrocks Ballyhale who come out on top over a spirited Naas side at Croke Park
Naas 1-16
Shamrocks 3-22#LeinsterClub22 | @SHNaas15 @BallyhaleGAA pic.twitter.com/5Pl26ZSFWZ— Leinster GAA (@gaaleinster) November 27, 2022
To the credit of the Kilkenny champions, they kept their nerve and calmly went about their business.
Ballyhale started the second half extremely strong, with Ronan Corcoran, Reid and Paddy Mullen stretching their lead.
A 60-second period in the third quarter of the game saw the net burst twice, effectively ending the competition.
The Shamrocks return to Croke Park next Sunday to face Kilmacud Crokes, with Pat Hoban determined in his search for All-Ireland glory.
