Extra time thriller unfolded in Templetuohy as Thurles Sarsfields claimed Mid Hurling title

Premier Credit Union Mid Junior B Hurling Championship Final

Thurles Sarsfields 2-23

Moyne Templetuohy 3-17

After extra time

Thurles Sarsfields survived two late surges by Moyne Templetuohy to claim the Premier Credit Union Mid Junior B Hurling title after a titanic battle at Templetuohy last week. Both sides go forward to represent the division in the county quarter-finals.

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This was a hectic encounter and while Sarsfields, after a slow start, were that shade better than their rivals, Moyne Templetuohy were always within striking distance, twice netting in injury time to send the game to extra time, and threatening to do the same again in extra time when Sarsfields had again built up a six-point lead.

Moyne began with a flourish, going four points clear in as many minutes, but a Cathal McElgun goal off a Lar Corbett pass in the 13th minute put Sarsfields 1-3 to 0-5 ahead as the contest warmed up to championship pitch. Dylan Burke for Sarsfields and Martin Kelly for Moyne were spot on with their free-taking and, with John Maher and Mark Lanigan each pointing twice, Sarsfields led at the break 1-8 to 0-10, Damian Cantwell raising three white flags for the home side in an impressive contribution.

The third quarter saw Sarsfields stamp their authority on the game. Five points on the trot from Dylan Burke (4) and John Maher sent Sarsfields 1-16 to 0-13 clear going into the last quarter and, with the game going into injury time, they were still five ahead and looking certain winners.

In the 62nd minute, Damian Cantwell showed power and determination to break through a few tackles for a goal for Moyne. Willie Tierney countered with a Sarsfields point, but with virtually the last puck of the game, Jack Taylor’s sideline cut went all the way to the Thurles net to tie the game 2-15 to 1-18.

After such a dramatic finish, the momentum seemed to be with Moyne Templetuohy, but in the first half of extra time Sars had points from Aidan Butler, Dylan Burke, and Cian Treacy to Martin Kelly’s sole reply for Moyne, for a 1-22 to 2-16 advantage at the halfway stage.

The second moiety was tense and competitive, with many players under pressure after their efforts. Martin Kelly’s early point for Moyne was followed by a brace of Dylan Burke points for Sarsfields, again going six clear with five minutes to go. Moyne were not done yet. They piled forward, forced two 20-metre frees, went for goal each time but were foiled before, in injury time of extra time, Tomas Hassett netted for them.

Now a one-score game, Moyne tails were up, but with Sarsfields on the back foot and defending desperately, time ran out for the home side and Sarsfields captain Cian Treacy lifted the trophy for the Blues.

It was a right good final, a marvellous advertisement for the grade, and while the honours went Sarsfields’ way, Moyne Templetuohy go into the county quarter-finals with justifiable optimism that they can still claim silverware.

Sarsfields were marginally the better team, and they too will fancy their chances of further success. They have the ideal mixture of young players and seasoned campaigners, headed by former All-Star Lar Corbett, with John Maher and Cian Treacy also lending valuable experience. Dylan Burke’s impeccable free-taking was key to this win, with Bill Darcy, Paddy Stakelum, Ciaran Woodlock, and sub Aidan Butler also contributing well to the win.

Damian Cantwell was the big threat in attack for Moyne Templetuohy, with Martin Kelly’s free-taking also significant. Tomas Hassett, Donnacha Dunne, Mark Ryan, goalie Tony Cantwell, and James Moloney were others to drive on the Moyne Templetuohy challenge.

Scorers: Thurles Sarsfields: D Burke (1-13, 0-11f), C McElgunn 1-0, J Maher 0-3, M Lanigan, W Tierney, C Treacy 0-2 each; A Butler 0-1.

Moyne Templetuohy: M Kelly (0-9, 0-8f), D Cantwell 1-3), J Taylor, T Hassett 1-0 each, M Ryan 0-2, E Ryan, J Bowe, D Campion 0-1 each.

Thurles Sarsfields: Jamie Stapleton; Alex Moloney, James Lloyd, Paddy Carroll; Bill Darcy, Kieran Purcell, Paddy Stakelum; John Maher, Ciaran Woodlock; Cathal McElgunn, Willie Tierney, Mark Lanigan; Cian Treacy, Dylan Burke, Lar Corbett.

Subs used: David Keogh, Urban Nolan, Aidan Butler, Barry McCormack, Aaron Moore.

Moyne Templetuohy: Tony Cantwell; Joe O’Grady,  David Lowe, James Moloney; Brian Fanning, Tomas Hassett, Sean Lyons; Eoin Ryan, Jack Fogarty; Damien Cantwell, Donnacha Dunne,  Diarmuid Campion; Jake Bowe, Martin Kelly, Mark Ryan.

Subs used: Gavin Ryan, Jack Taylor, Adam Jones, Bill Hogan.

Referee: Tom McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney)

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