A superb second half display turned a three points interval loss into a three point win as Birr found the form which saw them take Leinster and All-Ireland honours in the past.

Gary Hanniffy was among those who led the charge for the Offaly outfit scoring 1-2 while in what was certainly a team effort, nine Birr players got their names on the scoresheet.

Not even the joint contribution of TJ, Eoin and Patrick Reid, who scored seven points between them was enough to rescue Ballyhale Shamrocks quest to continue their hopes for retain

New kids on the block Ballyboden St. Enda’s continued their impressive run in the Leinster Club Championship by booking a final spot after a well deserved 2-9 to 0-11 win over Camross of Laois in the semi-final at Parnell Park.

The Dublin champions were well in control in this contest and looked like finishing convincing winners after they held a facile seven points lead at half-time.

However Camross staged a strong second half display and made a fine comeback to leave just four points between the sides at the finish.

There were also two keenly contested semi-finals in Munster with Tulla of Clare beating Waterford’s Ballyduff by 2-13 to 0-14.

A strong Tulla defensive display ensured the Clare outfit were dominant in the opening half but still were only able to manage a 0-6 to 0-3 interval lead, however they were a different class on the restart as they finished with five points to spare.

Goals in the final 11 minutes of this game from Brian Lynch and Brian Quinn paved the way for a Banner victory.

Tulla will meet Tipperary’s Loughmore-Castleiney in the final after the Premier County side emerged 1-15 to 1-10 winners at the Gaelic Grounds.

Meanwhile Portumna of Galway romped home to take the Connacht Senior Hurling crown after a facile 6-23 to 0-7 victory over Mayo side Ballina James Stephens.