Three-in-a-row for Ballygunner, three-in-a-row for Kilmacud Crokes.
O’Loughlin Gaels finally got the better of Na Fianna to continue Kilkenny’s dominance of Leinster club hurling while in Connacht, St Brigid’s bounced back with another big win over Corofin.
Up in Ulster, it was a case of the kings distancing themselves from the rest as, with their win over Slaughtneil, Ruairí Óg Cushendall moved ahead of Dunloy and up to the top of the Ulster hurling roll of honour with 12 titles.
On the biggest club GAA weekend of the year, here is your team of the round.
GAA JOE Team of the weekend
1 Stephen O’Keeffe (Ballygunner)
His sensational save from Ian Galvin complimented his pin-point puck-outs, which kickstarted many a Ballygunner attack.
2 Paddy Burke (Ruairí Óg Cushendall)
Was tasked with the unenviable job of marking Brendan Rogers and fared well.
3 Brian Stack (St Brigid’s)
Led like the brilliant player he is. Kept Gary Sice quiet, and also contributed to the attack himself.
4 Eoin Doyle (Naas)
Never stopped trying on a day when Naas didn’t deserve to lose by as much as they did. Showed great composure in possession throughout.
5 Kevin Burke (Na Fianna)
Hurled up a storm and was very unlucky to give away what proved to be the match-winning free.
6 Paddy Deegan (O’Loughlin Gaels)
This will be remembered as the Paddy Deegan final, on a day when the centre back unbelievably scored 0-5 from play.
7 David Fogarty (O’Loughlin Gaels)
Deegan stole the headlines but Fogarty, who must be on Derek Lyng’s radar, shot two crucial points of his own and displayed energy and tenacity throughout.
8 Eddie Nolan (St Brigid’s)
His hard running was something that Corofin couldn’t deal with.
9 Paddy Leavey (Ballygunner)
A trademark Leavey performance. Rolled up the sleeves and got stuck in, winning the battle of the middle third.
10 Alex Beirne (Naas)
Thundered into the game with three exceptional first half points. Ended on the losing team and with a red card, but there will be brighter days ahead.
11 Shane Horan (Kilmacud Crokes)
Parachuted into the team having become more used to the role of a sub in recent weeks, but he justified Robbie Brennan’s faith with a display full of composure and poise.
12 Ben O’Carroll (St Brigid’s)
Shot 1-7 on a day when he managed the commendable feat of getting the better of Liam Silke.
13 Shane Walsh (Kilmacud Crokes)
Looked back to his best. Threw dummies for days and, all told, was the difference between Kilmacud and Naas.
14 Kevin Mahoney (Ballygunner)
A wrecking ball up front that Clonlara just couldn’t get to grips with.
15 Joseph McLaughlin (Ruairí Óg Cushendall)
The teenager is a sensation in county Antrim and he lived up to the hype with three phenomenal points.
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