'Pele, Michael Jordan, Tiger, Schumacher, and TJ' - High praise for GAA legend after moment of magic
TJ Reid of Ballyhale Shamrocks lifts his son Harper up after the Kilkenny SHC final(Image: ©INPHO/James Lawlor)TJ Reid has a serious career highlights reel and he added another moment of magic in the Kilkenny senior hurling final in UPMC Nowlan Park. The Cats legend was Ballyhale Shamrocks captain as they enjoyed victory over O’Loughlin Gaels at UMPC Nowlan Park.The Shamrocks are now top of the Kilkenny roll of honour with 21 senior hurling titles - despite the fact the club was only founded in 1972. Remarkably it was a 12th title for the skipper, Reid, who shows no signs of slowing down at the age of 37.Man of the match Reid shot 0-11 for Ballyhale at Nowlan Park, including a sublime sideline cut in difficult conditions that had the commentators on Clubber TV purring.Another Kilkenny legend, Tommy Walsh, was on punditry duty and he beamed after watching the sideline cut, “Pele, Michael Jordan, Tiger, Schumacher, and TJ”.Afterwards, Ballyhale boss Henry Shefflin paid tribute to his captain marvel.“He’s just a special man. I’m delighted for him to be captain and to lead us up the steps," said Shefflin. "How he keeps going – I know how he keeps going. He just loves the game and that’s what he does."Just to see some of the things he can do there at his age, and I don’t even know what age he is at this stage because he just keeps going, but I’m just thrilled.”Afterwards, Reid was pictured celebrating with his son Harper on the Nowlan Park pitch, on yet another special day for the Shamrocks.The Kilkenny champions will be among the favourites for Leinster and All-Ireland glory, but they face a tough provincial opener against Offaly's Kilcormac Killoughey.. Duiblin champs Na Fianna are in the other half of the Leinster club SHC draw.
