Ugly scenes as fan gets involved in fracas after final whistle

FRACTIOUS scenes at the end of yesterday's Leinster quarterfinal marred what was otherwise a statement win for Ballyhale Shamrocks, the Kilkenny kingpins squeezing the life out of Kilcormac-Killoughey in the third quarter.

- BY KEVIN EGAN

“I'm very disappointed that we were involved in it, and I'm sure Kilcormac-Killoughey feel the exact same way,” said Ballyhale boss Henry Shefflin afterwards, though initially there was little of note in the coming together of players from both panels at the final whistle.

That was until a Kilcormac-Killoughey supporter came onto the field to join the fray.

The unwanted intruder charged in towards Adrian Mullen, before being restrained by Kilcormac-Killoughey fullback Jordan Quinn.

“It was unsavoury, we absolutely don't condone it, and I'm disappointed we were involved because the match was over,” added Shefflin.

Gardaí later confirmed they arrested a man (aged in his 40s) following a public order incident at a Kilkenny sports ground who has since been charged.

While there was plenty of physicality in the game, there were few incidents of note, with perhaps the only contentious swing moment a free against Alex Kavanagh for throwing when it looked as if he had just sent Charlie Mitchell through on goal with a little over two minutes remaining.