Crokes looking forward to duel with Ballyhale

Kilmacud Crokes manager, Ollie Baker, hopes the mettles his side showed in their extra-time victory over Laois' Rathdowney Errill will strengthen them for Sunday's AIB Leinster Club SHC semi-final against Kilkenny's Ballyhale Shamrocks in Parnell Park (2.0).

“Even when things weren’t going our way, we never gave up. When shots were going wide, when we weren’t getting onto the breaks of ball, the lads kept trying and trying and there was a real will there to persevere with what we were trying to do.

“That was the most pleasing aspect of the game against Rathdowney. So that just showed that the desire was there to do well in this competition," says Ollie.

“The last three weeks was just about getting our bodies ready and our minds ready and look, it’s going to be a huge challenge.

“Look, we’re into the third week of November and we’re still hurling. The lads are loving it and delighted to have a chance to get a crack at a team like them.”

The AIB Leinster Club SFC clash of St Vincent's and Westmeath's Garrycastle (4.0) takes place after Crokes v Ballyhale in Parnell Park on Sunday.