Sarsfields scoring threat derails Newport in tier two opener

FBD Insurance Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship – Group 3 - Round 1

Thurles Sarsfields 0-27

Newport 2-14

By Michael Dundon

Beaten in last year’s final after a replay, Thurles Sarsfields got their FBD Insurance county premier intermediate hurling campaign off to a bright start with a seven-point win over Newport in Round 1 of Group 3 at Kilcommon on Saturday evening.

The Thurles boys looked the slicker outfit all through but were pushed hard by a determined Newport side badly hit by the loss of several key players from last year’s crop and by injuries. It was a keen contest all through with both sides enjoying spells with the upper hand but in the final analysis, Sarsfields were much sharper and efficient in front of goal, and that carried the day for them

From the time they went ahead with Tommy Doyle’s long-range point in the 11th minute (0-4 to 0-3), Sarsfields made all the running. The ability of their attack to pick off their points from various distances was key to their interval lead of 0-15 to 0-9, with Keith Loughnane, Rory Purcell, and Michael O’Brien leading by example. Pa Ryan, who landed 4 points, was Newport’s main shooter in a lively half.

A Pa Ryan goal for Newport seven minutes into the second half brought them within a goal of their rivals (1-11 to 0-17). Newport were getting up a head of steam but Sarsfields responded with three points through Rory Purcell and two Tommy Maher frees. 

A Colin Floyd goal in the 10th minute, followed by two Pa Ryan points had it down to a one-point game (0-20 to 2-13) and Newport were now playing with a confidence and verve they had not shown earlier.

The momentum appeared to be swinging Newport’s way but Sarsfields kept their composure to hit the next three points for a 0-23 to 2-13 lead at the start of the last quarter. 

Another Pa Ryan pointed free and kept Newport in the hunt. Still, Sarsfields finished the stronger with points from Harry Fitzgibbon (2), Daniel Rossiter, and Tommy Doyle to secure an important victory in this difficult group that also includes Boherlahan Dualla and Clonakenny.

Having lost several of last year’s squad to the senior side, this was a big win for Sarsfields but tougher tasks lie ahead. There is a lot of experience in the team in the persons of Tommy Doyle, Michael Russell, Aidan Ryan, Michael O’Brien, and Conor Lanigan but younger lads like Keith Loughnane who had to retire injured, Kieran Moloney, Tommy Maher, Jack O’Mara, and Kieran Costello bring energy as well as quality to the side. Rory Purcell too had a big game with five points from play. Pa Bourke made a welcome return to hurling after missing out last year.

Newport are in the process of team building after losing some key men and they could still have a big say in the competition but would need to be better near goal. 

Pa Ryan hit eight of their points from frees and he, with the Floyds, Shane Flanagan and Conor Hickey were foremost for them. The loss through injury of fullback Michael Quigley after 15 minutes was a big blow and they will be hoping he will be ready for round 2.

Thurles Sarsfields: Kevin Bracken; Jack O’Mara, Pa Dunne, Kieran Moloney; Tommy Doyle (0-3), Aidan Ryan, Kieran Costello; Tommy Maher (0-6f), Michael Cahill; Michael Russell (0-1), Harry Fitzgibbon (0-2), Rory Purcell (0-5); Michael O’Brien (0-3), Conor Lanigan (0-2), Keith Loughnane (0-4, 0-1f).

Subs used: Daniel Rossiter (0-1) for P Dunne (15); Pa Bourke for Loughnane (45); Aidan Stakelum for Russell (52).

Newport: Paul Hogan; Conor Hickey, Michael Quigley, Cathal Floyd; Aidan Moloney, Thomas Floyd (0-1), Cian Flanagan; Kealan Floyd (0-1), Brendan Coffey; Jack Delahunty (0-1), Shane Flanagan (0-1), Pa Ryan (1-8, 0-7f); Oran Connors, Colin Floyd (1-0), Jack Ryan (0-1).

Subs used: Conor Floyd (0-1) for Quigley (14); Peter O’Sullivan (0-1) for J Ryan (35); Aaron O’Neill for Delahunty (45).

Referee: Johnny Butler (Upperchurch Drombane)