There’s another big day of provincial club action in store today in Carlow and Tyrone and we’ll be keeping you updated with the two big games from around the country as they unfold this afternoon.
Ulster club SFC final
Gaoth Dobhair (Donegal) v Scotstown (Monaghan), Healy Park, 2pm
Leinster club SHC final
Ballyboden St Enda’s (Dublin) v Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny), Netwatch Cullen Park, 2pm
Two intriguing contests taking place 165 miles apart this afternoon. Henry Shefflin’s Ballyhale Shamrocks are regulars at this stage of the Leinster club hurling championship and are in search of their ninth title against Ballyboden St Enda’s. Balllyboden are seeking a first ever Leinster championship and have endured a long journey to Carlow.
Kilmacud Crokes took Ballyboden to a replay in the Dublin decider, while Clonkiill and Coolderry also provided stiff tests, the latter producing two periods of extra-time to find a winner in their semi-final two weeks ago.
In Omagh, meanwhile, Donegal’s Gaoth Dobhair are seeking their first ever title at provincial level. The most successful club in Donegal, they face a Scotstown side who have claimed Ulster success four times before and made it to this stage in 2015.
Attached are the @BodenGaa & @BallyhaleGAA Senior Hurling squads ahead of their @AIB_GAA / @GaaLeinster SHC Final here in Carlow @ 2pm! ↓↓ #LSHC #TheToughest #Allianz #Gaa pic.twitter.com/RzTUmrF1F0
— DubMatchTracker (@DubMatchTracker) December 2, 2018
There will be a five minute delay in Carlow between Ballyboden and Ballyhale Shamrocks in order to allow supporters time to get into the ground.
Scotstown 0-1 Gaoth Dobhair 0-1
We’re underway in Omagh. Odhrán Mac Niallais gives Gaoth Dobhair the lead but at the other end Kieran Hughes responds in kind to make it one apiece. A lively start.
There will be a 5 Minute delay to the start of the @AIB_GAA Leinster Senior Hurling Final.
— Leinster GAA (@gaaleinster) December 2, 2018
Ballyhale Shamrocks 0-0 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-0
The anthems are done and dusted now at Netwatch Cullen Park and the game is finally ready to get underway. A lengthy delay due to crowd congestion getting into the ground in Carlow but we’re all set now.
Scotstown 0-2 Gaoth Dobhair 0-2
A super score from Eamonn O Colm from 30 yards gives his side the lead. It’s a wet and dirty day out there and the game is similarly reflected on the pitch — slow and dogged. Orin Heaphey with the reply to tie it up again immediately. Two apiece.
Ballyhale Shamrocks 1-2 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-1
GOAL! Adrian Mullen smacks one in for Ballyhale and they enjoy a three point lead following a frantic start at both ends inside seven minutes.
Scotstown 0-3 Gaoth Dobhair 0-3
Shane Carey with a lovely lofted point from distance which brings Scotstown narrowly back ahead. Eamonn O Colm responds with a long punt into the sky which falls back down to earth between the sticks. Tit-for-tat.
Scotstown 0-4 Gaoth Dobhair 0-4
Close! Gaoth Dobhair almost scramble the ball over Rory Beggan’s goal-line during a moment of drama inside the goalkeeper’s box. A long punt into the area fell onto his crossbar, but the Monaghan side managed to escape. A point at both ends means it’s 0-4 to 0-4.
Scotstown 0-5 Gaoth Dobhair 0-4
Shane Carey is having a flyer out there. He fires another over from close range to take the lead. It’s very tight, but the scores are beginning to flow now despite the tricky conditions.
Ballyhale Shamrocks 1-4 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-4
Three points in quick succession sees Ballyboden cut the deficit to just a goal in Carlow.
Pitch inspection by @ShefflinHenry 👀
— AIB_GAA (@AIB_GAA) December 2, 2018
The highly anticipated @gaaleinster Senior Club Hurling Final between @BallyhaleGAA and @Bodengaa is finally here 💪🏼 #TheToughest pic.twitter.com/X8sdRiQawe
Scotstown 0-5 Gaoth Dobhair 0-5
Now then it’s five a piece and there’s very, very little to separate these sides. Cian O Maolagain fizzes a point over from 25 yards with style and swagger. We’re level again with about two minutes to go before the interval.
Ballyhale Shamrocks 1-4 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-5
TJ Reid swings one over on his right to cut the deficit to two. Ballyboden really rallying here and offering the perfect response to Adrian Mullen’s early goal.
HALF-TIME: SCOTSTOWN 0-5 GAOTH DOBHAIR 0-5
Ballyhale Shamrocks 1-5 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-8
They’re level… again! Niall McMorrow on his right to make it eight apiece as half-time approaches. Shane Durkin had equalised for the Dubliners before TJ Reid popped up with another at the other end. McMorrow’s effort means it’s all square with 23 minutes gone.
Ballyhale Shamrocks 1-7 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-8
Reid with another free and the Kilkenny side regain the lead. Eoin Reed adds another and their advantage is two points with just four minutes of stoppage time to go at Dr Cullen Park.
Ballyhale Shamrocks 1-9 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-8
Eoin Reed pops up a point and TJ Reid with another. Ballyhale’s lead stands at four points as Ballyboden make a switch just before half-time — Niall Ryan on in place of Conor Dooley.
HALF-TIME: BALLYHALE SHAMROCKS 1-9 BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S 0-8
Half time in @Carlow_GAA’s Netwatch Dr.Cullen Park. @BallyhaleGAA leading but this game is far from over! @BallyhaleGAA 1-9@Bodengaa 0-8#TheToughest pic.twitter.com/Y0yVjnRtor
— AIB_GAA (@AIB_GAA) December 2, 2018
Scotstown 0-5 Gaoth Dobhair 0-5
Second-half: We’re back underway for the second half in Omagh. It’s been a very tight affair so far, very end-to-end and tit-for-tat. The conditions are really awful and the pitch is soaked in mud, but it’s actually been a very entertaining and absorbing affair on the field of play. Neither side giving an inch and scores being well taken when within shooting range.
Scotstown 0-6 Gaoth Dobhair 0-5
Shane Carey sends a handy free from close range over the bar and Scotstown take the lead for the first time in the second half. It was a sloppy foul by Odhrán Mac Niallais on Frank Caulfield on the edge of the area, with the defender venturing forward to offer some support in attack.
Scotstown 0-7 Gaoth Dobhair 0-5
Two points in quick succession for the Monaghan side now as Conor McCarthy demonstrates some fine composure to slot over from distance. It might be the first time this afternoon either side has been more than a point ahead.
Ballyhale Shamrocks 1-9 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-8
Second-half: We’re back underway in Carlow in the Leinster club hurling final with Ballyhale four points to the good following a frantic opening half.
Scotstown 0-8 Gaoth Dobhair 0-5
Shane Carey with another free and his side are three points ahead now. Gaoth Dobhair yet to register a shot on goal so far in the second half and they will want to be careful this game doesn’t get away from them here. Three quick-fire scores to no reply.
Here’s the highlights from the opening half:
Scotstown (Monaghan) v Gaoth Dobhair (Donegal) Half-Time Highlights pic.twitter.com/5MbLBdHg9H
— The GAA (@officialgaa) December 2, 2018
Scotstown 0-8 Gaoth Dobhair 0-7
Odhrán Mac Niallais provides a response with a fine free on his left peg from 35 yards out right in front of goal. Caoimhín Ó Casaide with another with a nice spin and turn from close range, and there’s only one point in it now.
Scotstown 0-9 Gaoth Dobhair 0-8
Damien McAdrle gets in on the action, but Naoise Ó Baoill responds at the other end. Scores at both ends now and all of a sudden it’s a very open, expansive, free-scoring affair. One point in it with 45 minutes on the clock.
Ballyhale Shamrocks 1-11 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-9
TJ Reid, Paul Doherty and Niall Ryan all with scores in the hurling down in Carlow as the second half kicks into gear, and Ballyhale’s lead currently stands at five points.
Scotstown 0-10 Gaoth Dobhair 0-8
Rory Began gets his first score of the afternoon and the crowd releases a mighty roar. The recently-crowned All-Star travels up the length of the pitch and kicks a lovely measured free between his opposite number Críostóir Mac Suibhne’s posts.
Scotstown 0-10 Gaoth Dobhair 0-9
It’s a one point game… again. Seamus Carroll with a free-kick from kickable distance. He tries again from play a few moments later as momentum begins to swing in the Donegal side’s favour — but from an acute angle he fires wide.
Ballyhale Shamrocks 1-16 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-9
TJ Reid from the 65m line fires over for the Kilkenny champions. There’s a serious distance between the sides now and, in the mud and rain, Henry Shefflin’s men are starting to run away with this now.
Scotstown 0-11 Gaoth Dobhair 0-9
Shane Carey points from the righthand side with precision and Scotstown are two points to the good now. The pitch is beginning to open up now, pockets of space up and down the field of play, and it’s all to play for in these dying stages. Five to go.
Scotstown 0-11 Gaoth Dobhair 0-10
Odhrán Mac Niallais just won’t give in and offers another fine score which keeps his side within touching distance. Gaoth Dobhair are beginning to rally here, throwing men forward in numbers to try and snatch something to bring the sides level. There’s an element of desperation to both sides play in these final exchanges with so much at stake.
Scotstown 0-11 Gaoth Dobhair 0-11
We’re all square! A man mountain out there this afternoon, Odhrán Mac Niallais kicks another trademark punt from distance which hangs in the air before falling between the sticks. What a game. A minute of normal time remaining in Omagh.
Great play and a lovely score from Odhrán Mac Niallais! pic.twitter.com/lZL5v75qFf
— The GAA (@officialgaa) December 2, 2018
Ballyhale Shamrocks 2-18 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-9
GOAL! Adrian Mullen puts the nail in the coffin, burying the ball into the back of the Ballyboden net with his second goal of this final. There’s 15 points in the difference and this is turning into a landslide for the Shamrocks.
Scotstown 0-11 Gaoth Dobhair 0-11
There will be two minutes of stoppage time to come at Dr Cullen Park. Nothing to separate the sides and the tension is palpable…
FULL-TIME: SCOTSTOWN 0-11 GAOTH DOBHAIR 0-11
Extra time to come in Omagh as it ends all square, 0-11 to 0-11. There was late drama as the Donegal side kicked a late winner, but the referee insists he had already blown his whistle for a free. What a final. More action shortly!
Ballyhale Shamrocks 2-19 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-10
A few moments to go now as Ballyhale romp to a fine victory. Paul Ryan points a consolation free late on for Ballyboden with three minutes left on the clock in Carlow. The Kilkenny champions are on their way to an All-Ireland semi-final.
FULL-TIME: BALLYHALE SHAMROCKS 2-21 BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S 0-11
Ballyhale have secured their ninth Leinster hurling title! A dominant victory for Henry Shefflin’s men in the end against a Ballyboden side which came up short on a disappointing afternoon for the Dubliners. A 16 point win for the Shamrocks, inspired by fine performances from TJ Reid and Colin Fennelly amongst others.
Scotstown 0-11 Gaoth Dobhair 0-11
Extra-time: We’re underway in Healy Park for the first period of extra-time. There was absoutely nothing to separate the two sides following a pulsating 60 minutes, so here we go again.
Scotstown 0-12 Gaoth Dobhair 0-11
It’s advantage Scotstown after three minutes of extra-time. Rory Beggan wanders forward for a 45 off the ground and delivers with a pinpoint kick which sails between the posts despite a threatening wind blowing through Healy Park. It’s the goalkeeper’s second score this afternoon.
Scotstown 0-12 Gaoth Dobhair 0-11
For the second time today there is drama inside the Scotstown box. A dangerous, dipping kick into the penalty area drops short, causing momentary panic. Brendan Boylan remains composed, however, and he leads the ball to safety off his own goal-line. Great defending.
RED CARD! SHANE CAREY IS SENT OFF FOR SCOTSTOWN
Scotstown 0-12 Gaoth Dobhair 0-11
The drama continues as star forward Shane Carey is giving his marching orders by the referee. Attempting a tackle from behind, he seemed to take a swing at his opponent while going for the ball. He seemed to be trying to punch the ball out of his opponent’s hands, however he only succeeded in wrapping his arm around the neck.
Scotstown 0-12 Gaoth Dobhair 0-12
We’re all level again. Substitute Seamus O Baoill fists the ball over the bar as the added minutes in extra-time begin to run out. It was made possible thanks to some industrious work by team-mate Odhrán Mac Niallais running through on goal and dodging challenges. The chance to have a shot at goal was there for O Baoill when he was played through, but he was more than happy to take his point and level proceedings.
HALF-TIME EXTRA-TIME: SCOTSTOWN 0-12 GAOTH DOBHAIR 0-12
Scotstown 0-12 Gaoth Dobhair 0-12
Second-half: We’re back underway for the second half of extra-time. Once again, there’s nothing to separate the sides and it’s all set up for a thrilling finish to this Ulster final. It’s been relatively low scoring, but you could not say this has been a bad game by any stretch of the imagination. End-to-end, fine scores, sending offs — with the conditions taken into account, it’s got it all.
Scotstown 0-12 Gaoth Dobhair 0-13
Gaoth Dobhair are ahead! Off the bench, Shane Ferry with the score which swings this final in his side’s favour. Both teams are emptying the tanks and some men out there are looking like they’re running on empty. It’s very tense altogether.
Scotstown 0-12 Gaoth Dobhair 0-13
Rory Beggan has the chance to level off the ground from more than 40 yards… but his effort comes up short. The Donegal champions are putting all their men behind the ball and simply holding on for dear life here. That Beggan miss could prove crucial for Scotstown here!
Scotstown 0-12 Gaoth Dobhair 0-13
Oh dear what a miss! With Gaoth Dobhair back-peddling, Emmet Caulfield had the chance to pick out a team-mate and have a go at goal to try and level in the last minute. But the half-back decided to have a go at goal himself, only for his effort to lag well wide following a weak effort on his left boot. That could be it with just a handful of seconds to go.
FULL-TIME: SCOTSTOWN 0-12 GAOTH DOBHAIR 0-13
Well, there we have it. Gaoth Dobhair are champions on Ulster for the very first time! In a dogged and dramatic affair on a dirty and wet day in Omagh, the Donegal side managed to come out on top in a tight, tit-for-tat affair which had to go all the way through extra-time to find a winner. Thanks a million for joining us this afternoon, you can read our match report from Healy Park here.
Gaoth Dobhair are Ulster Senior Club Football Champions for 2018! pic.twitter.com/f3stWMsie5
— The GAA (@officialgaa) December 2, 2018
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