Favourites Ballyduff have shown great form all year and delivered another fine performance at Dromakee on Thursday evening last to make it to the County Final on the 16th August where they'll meet Crotta.

Playing with the very strong wind in the first quarter, Ballyduff opened up an early lead with a couple of goals and a series of fine points. Lixnaw steadied the ship and achieved a degree of parity as the half wore on. A couple of shots on goal by Lixnaw were missed or parried and in truth these needed to be scored to give Lixnaw a chance of an upset. The halftime score of 2-10 to 0-4 was probably a fair reflection of the match.

Lixnaw started the second half well with an early point and looked to make use of the conditions. Both sides battled well and fairly and the game was much better balanced. Ballyduff did create a few goal chances but some good saves and tenacious defending kept the goal tally to two. Lixnaw added some good points but were unable to create any clear goal chances. Ballyduff finished the game well and added a few late points and were deserved winners. They have prepared very well all year and it really showed in their performance.

Thanks to Seamus Mulvihill for reffing what was a sporting game well. Lixnaw have a number of fine young hurlers who will be an asset to the Intermediate and Senior ranks next year but in the meantime will look to carve out some success in the remaining 2024 competions.