Thurles Sarsfields outlast Cashel to clinch U21 hurling tournament final spot

County U21A Hurling Tournament Semi Final

Mullinahone 3-24

Borris-Ileigh 2-23 AET

Borris-Ileigh’s bid for a place in the county final of the  county under 21 hurling tournament in aid of the Dillon Quirke Foundation floundered in the first half of extra time of a thriller at the Fethard all-weather facility on Sunday last as CJ Kickhams surged forward to meet Thurles Sarsfields, victors over Cashel King Cormacs in the other semi-final, in the final next week-end.

This competition is not a county championship but it featured the  winners of the four divisional championships, and, given the quality of the two semi-finals last week-end, there will be much clamouring to have the under 21 grade reinstated.

Losers to Moycarkey-Borris in the under 20 final last year, C J Kickhams were slight favourites but played “catch-up” on the Borris lads for much of the first hour. Eddie Ryan was in impeccable form from play and placed balls for Borris who led 0-10 to 0-7 at half-time, late points from Conor Whelan and Mikey O’Shea, both inspirational figures for Mullinahone, keeping the South champions within striking distance.

Kickhams resumed impressively hitting four points in five minutes, to lead but Borris came back well and Dan Ryan’s goal off an Eddie Ryan pass, put them 1-15 to 0-13 clear after 52 minutes. Paddy McCormack flashed over a point immediately afterwards and it looked as though Borris were on course for victory.

Borris got little time to celebrate as Mikey O'Shea scythed through their defence for a Mullinahone goal two minutes later to reduce the lead to 1-16 to 1-13. Borris still kept their opponents at arm’s length until the 59th minute when Eoin O Dwyer’s goal brought Kickhams level. Eddie Ryan looked to have won for Borris with a pointed free in the 61st minute but a minute later Conor Whelan whipped over the leveller for  Mullinahone, sending the game to extra time, Borris 1-20; Mullinahone 2-17.

The resumption saw Mullinahone at their best as they racked up 1-4 without reply in 8 minutes, Pa Hayes getting their goal in the 3rd minute off a Conor Whelan free. Struggling Borris were in big trouble but they rose gallantly to the challenge, Eddie Ryan pointing before Jack Fitzgerald netted in injury time of the half. Borris were back in the game.

Mullinahone carried a 3-21 to 2-21 lead into the second half and it proved more than enough despite the best efforts of Borris to bridge the gap. In fact Mullinahone won the last period 0-3 to 0-2, Eddie Ryan capping a fine individual display with both Borris points.

It was an impressive showing by the south champions who had outstanding performances from Mikey O'Shea leading the attack and  Conor Whelan at the heart of the defence. This duo stood out head and shoulders over all others on the field but they did not want for support with Daire O’Brien, Eoin O Dwyer, Shane Morris, and Cillian White also having big games.

Borris can have no complaints. For quite a while they looked likely winners but the drop in the intensity of their play at the start of extra time cost them dearly and gave Mullinahone the platform to build to their victory. Borris got going again coming to the break but the damage was done. Eddie Ryan was the star of the show for Borris with Mikey Kennedy, Dan Ryan, James Devaney, Kevin Maher, who moved to the attack late on in a bid to bolster the attack.

Mullinahone: Steve Hickey; Sean O’Dwyer, Daire O’Brien, Cillian White; Conor O’Brien, Conor Whelan (0-8, 0-6f), Danny Dunne; James Coady, Rian O’Halloran; Pa Hayes (1-0), Eanna Ryan, Shane Morris (0-3); Josh Rowan, Mikey O’Shea (1-10, 0-2f), Eoin O’Dwyer (1-3).

Subs: Jack Lonergan for Rowan.

Borris-Ileigh: Paidi Stapleton; Harry Gould, Cathal Hogan, Cian Murphy; Mikey Kennedy (0-1), Kevin Maher (0-1), Colm Boyle; Adam Galvin, Dan Ryan (1-1); Sam Patten (0-1), Eddie Ryan (0-15, 0-12f), James Devaney (0-3); Paddy McCormack (0-1), Fintan Holland, Jack Fitzgerald (1-0).

Subs: Archie Devaney for Holland (45), Brian Murray for Galvin (69).

Referee: Donal Horan (Eire Og Annacarty)