Johnny Kelly pointed to Borris-Ileigh’s wastefulness after they came up short in the All-Ireland club final.
Although both sides had eight wides each, Borris dropped a further six efforts short to opposition goalkeeper Dean Mason, something that Ballyhale did just once over the course of the game.
Manager Kelly acknowledged: “At the end of the day it wasn't so much the wide count or the free count, it was those efforts that dropped short or maybe taken from long distance.
“On the flip-side Ballyhale were so efficient, probably had a few wides but really were very clinical on the ball and finished well. It's an area that did cost us.”
Jerry Kelly, who played most of the game at centre-forward, was outstanding, scoring 0-6 from play as well as another from a sideline ball but, until Kevin Maher’s point in the third minute of injury time, no other Borris forward had got on the scoreboard.
Kelly continued: “Jerry has been very good for us all year, a young fella, 20 years of age, very strong. He comes from a great hurling family and a great pedigree, he put in a great shift for us, particularly in the first half.
“We probably needed more at different stages from certain players but to their eternal credit that's their first run out for club players in an All-Ireland final.
“I think the day didn't get to them. They performed heroically and I can't compliment them enough.”
Bragging rights will Michael Fennelly’s, the Offaly manager, when he and Kelly, his coach with the midlanders, link up later this week.
Kelly added: “I mean the mind boggles when you think of what they've achieved.
“All I can really add is my heartfelt congratulations to Michael Fennelly and all the Ballyhale guys.
“It's bitter disappointment for Borris-Ileigh, a small club that's had a meteoric rise in the last two years. I hope that they gave some value for money over the last number of weeks and again today.”
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