It was tense and tight in this afternoon’s county hurling final between those great rivals Ballyhaunis and Tooreen. In the end there was only a point between them, with challengers Tooreen having that precious extra one in their tally, as they reclaimed the TJ Tyrell Cup by 0-15 to 1-11.

Today’s SHC decider, which was played at Ballyhaunis, was on Mayo GAA TV and I had hoped I might get to see it but other commitments – podcast-related, as it happens, but that’s one for another day – intervened. I missed a right old tussle by the sounds of it.

There was never more than a three-point gap between the sides at any stage in today’s game. That lead was enjoyed briefly by Ballyhaunis, after Adrian Phillips scored the only goal of the day, which Ballyhaunis followed up with a point to establish that three-point lead.

By half-time, though, it was all-square and it was level still as injury time approached. It was then that Tooreen captain Shane Boland landed a free to nudge his side back in front and that proved to be the day’s winning score.

More on today’s decider is available in John Melvin’s match report for the Connaught Telegraph – here.

Congrats to Tooreen on a win that sees them claim the Mayo SHC title for the 31st time. They now go forward to the Connacht Intermediate Championship where, in a fortnight’s time, they play Athleague of Roscommon in the quarter-final. That match has been fixed for Dr Hyde Park on Saturday, 27th November, where throw-in will be at 1.30pm. The best of luck to Tooreen then.