Thurles Sarsfields' win puts an end to Borris-Ileigh's Tipperary title aspirations

FBD Insurance Co SHC Group 4 Round 3

Thurles Sarsfields 2-20 Borris-Ileigh 1-11

Already guaranteed a preliminary quarter-final of the FBD Insurance county senior hurling championship through their Mid final success, Thurles Sarsfields endorsed their knock-out qualification with a comprehensive win over a disappointing Borris-Ileigh at Semple Stadium on Sunday to go through as runners-up in Group 4.

Borris, with three points from two games, needed a result here to get them into the knock-out stages but, despite the tonic of a Dan McCormack goal after five minutes, they never produced their A game, their lack-lustre performance a huge disappointment to their supporters. The defeat ends their campaign for this year after a bright start held out great promise.

Despite the cushion of knowing that they were assured of a preliminary quarter-final spot, Sarsfields left nothing to chance, shrugging off the setback of the early Borris goal, to dictate play all the way through. County under 20 man Darragh Stakelum was in sparkling form with six points from play and with Ronan Maher a tower of strength at centre half-back and Denis Maher also dominant at number three, there was no way through for the Borris attackers.

That McCormack goal put Borris 1-0 to 0-1 ahead and Eddie Ryan’s prompt point, suggested that the North side were on their game but, as it transpired, Borris were blitzed by a Sarsfields barrage that yielded 1-7 in 14 minutes to go 1-8 to 1-2 clear and leave Borris struggling to stay in the game.
A pair of Stephen Cahill points got Sarsfields moving but the crucial score was a Paddy Creedon goal after 13 minutes, set up by Conor Lanigan. Darragh Stakelum (2) and Aidan McCormack (2) contributed to the scoring flourish but Borris’ hopes were raised by a three-point finish to the half from Eddie Ryan (2) and Paddy McCormack, leaving them 1-5 to 1-9 adrift at the break.
With their championship future on the line a huge Borris effort was expected after the break but it never materialised as Sarsfields steadily extended the daylight between them and their rivals. They were 1-17 to 1-8 clear after 51 minutes and looking home and hosed but they really clinched the victory with Seanie Butler’s goal, setup by Paddy Creedon. Referee John McCormack could well have blown time at that stage as the closing minutes ebbed to a low-key conclusion, the sides sharing six points in practice-game fashion.
After the disappointment of a heavy drubbing by Kiladangan in the first round Sarsfields have bounced back to re-establish their title-winning credentials and go through to the knock-out stages with encouraging wins over Clonoulty-Rossmore and now Borris, both of whom would themselves have fancied their chances of lifting the Dan Breen Cup. Once they got over their early nervousness, the Thurles boys were clearly the superior outfit and if they maintain the progress they have been making they will make a bold bid to reclaim the title last held in 2017.
Granted there were errors but the team appears to be gaining momentum. Ronan Maher was once more a stand-out figure at the heart of the defence, masterful in all he did, and never beaten. Denis Maher was also on top of his game as were Michael Purcell and Paul Maher. Stephen Cahill got through a lot of work at midfield but the star of the show was Darragh Stakelum whose six points from play reflects the huge influence he had on the game. Paddy Creedon is getting back to form after an injury-marred earlier season.
After a bright start, Borris’ campaign has come to nought, blighted by a lack of consistency. The encouraging thing for them is the promise being shown by youngsters like Eddie Ryan and Paddy McCormack while the experienced Brendan Maher, Dan McCormack, and Jerry Kelly continue to be the mainstay of the team.
Thurles Sarsfields – Patrick McCormack; Paul Maher, Denis Maher, Stephen Maher; James Armstrong, Ronan Maher (0-2,2fs), Michael Purcell; Stephen Cahill (0-2), Cathal Moloney; Conor Stakelum (0-2), Billy McCarthy, Darragh Stakelum (0-6); Conor Lanigan, Paddy Creedon (1-0), Aidan McCormack (0-6, 6fs).
Subs – Seanie Butler (1-1) for Lanigan (44mins), Tommy Doyle for McCarthy (49 mins), David Corbett for S Maher (52 mins), Cian Stakelum for Creedon (54 mins), Eoin Purcell (0-1) for Cian Stakelum (head injury, 61 mins).
Borris-Ileigh – Jody Harkin; Colm Boyle, Liam Ryan, Seamus Bourke; Brendan Maher (0-1), Jerry Kelly, Ray McCormack; Sean McCormack, Tom Ryan; Eddie Ryan (0-7, 4fs), Dan McCormack (1-1), James Devaney; Kevin Maher, Conor Kenny, Paddy McCormack (0-2).
Subs – Jack Hogan for Devaney (49 mins), Dan Ryan for P McCormack (52 mins); Shane Kenny for S McCormack (54 mins).
Referee – John McCormack (Knockavilla Kickhams).