Ballinameela have made a quick return to the intermediate ranks as the Western champions recorded a 0-21 to 1-10 victory over Tramore in the curtain raiser at Fraher Field.
Man of the match Brendan Phelan scored eleven points as they secured their first junior title since 2011.
Ballinameela enjoyed a nine point lead after twenty minutes but a goal from Tramore corner forward Shane Relis left just one between them ten minutes into the second half.
The leaders weathered the storm however as Brendan Phelan hit five in a row to put the game to bed.
Captain Rob Shine said that Phelan propelled them to victory in the second half.
Rob told WLR Sport it's great to bounce back following last year's relegation.
He also paid tribute to centre back David Phelan for turning things around after last year's relegation.
Ballinameela Waterford JHC champions 2018 Brendan Phelan man of the match @Ballinameela pic.twitter.com/5FlkkM8v9X
— Tomás McCarthy (@tomasmcc) October 7, 2018
