Ballyhale too strong for Birr

Kilkenny champions Ballyhale Shamrocks turned on the style in the second half to defeat Offaly's Birr and claim the Leinster Club SHC at Portlaoise on Sunday.

Henry Shefflin struck early for a goal, following a mix-up between Birr 'keeper Biran Mullins and his defence.

Birr were playing against the breeze in the second half and were unable to cope with the Kilkenny side, conceding 16 points in that  second-period of play.

Birr's Joe Hegarty put a touch of respect to the result before the end with a consolation goal.