Experience tells as Shamrocks finish strong to secure a ninth All-Ireland title

Shamrocks wrapped up a third All-Ireland senior club title in four years and a ninth in their history after they outstayed Antrim and Ulster Champions Dunloy at Croke Park.

It was more workmanlike than spectacular for Pat Hoban's men but after the heartbreak of last February's last gasp defeat to Ballygunner, it's an All-Ireland victory that they will cherish hugely.

Shamrocks were rocked with the news that Adrian Mullen was ruled out through injury beforehand and their luck didn't improve with Ronan Molloy netting a second minute goal for Dunloy.

Helped by the massive influence of Eoin Cody, Shamrocks worked their way into the game and the former young hurler of the year helped his side into the lead when he goaled past Ryan Elliott in the Dunloy goal.

That knocked the wind out of the Antrim side's sail a little with the Kilkenny champions taking a 1-9 to 1-7 lead into the break.

Dunloy weren't in the mood for going away though and although Shamrocks extended their lead to three points at one stage of the second half, the Antrim side remained in the fight.

The Shamrocks advantage was down to the minimum by the 50th minute but helped by the introduction of Brian Cody for his first appearance in a year, the winners moved into overdrive as they outscored Dunloy 0-8 to 0-2 in the final ten minutes.

The experience of the likes of Joey Holden, Colin Fennelly and TJ Reid really came to the fore when it mattered most as Shamrocks saw out the game in some style.

Teams and Scorers

Shamrocks- Eoin Cody (1-5), TJ Reid (0-7, four 65's and two frees), Colin Fennelly (0-2), Killian Corcoran, Evan Shefflin, Darragh Corcoran, Ronan Corcoran, Paddy Mullen, Eoin Kenneally, Joey Cuddihy, Brian Cody (0-1 each)

Dunloy- Conal Cunning (0-7, seven frees), Ronan Molloy (1-1), Paul Shiels (0-2), Oran Quinn, Eamon Smyth, Keelan Molloy, Seann Elliott, Nicky McKeague (0-1 each)

Shamrocks- Dean Mason; Killian Corcoran, Joey Holden, Brian Butler; Evan Shefflin, Richie Reid, Darragh Corcoran; Ronan Corcoran, Paddy Mullen; Niall Shortall, TJ Reid, Eoin Cody; Eoin Kenneally, Colin Fennelly, Joey Cuddihy. 

Subs- Brian Cody for Shortall 50 mins, Darren Mullen for K.Corcoran 58 mins.

Dunloy- Ryan Elliott; Phelim Duffin, Ryan McGarry, Oran Quinn; Conor Kinsella, Kevin Molloy, Eamon Smyth; Paul Shiels, Eoin McFerran; Ronan Molloy, Nicky McKeague, Nigel Elliott; Keelan Molloy, Conal Cunning, Seann Elliott.

Subs- Decky Smith for McKeague 45 mins, Chrissy McMahon for N.Elliott 53 mins.

Referee- Johnny Murphy (Limerick)