Borris exit tamely to improving Sars

GAA: FBD Insurance County Senior Hurling Championship Group 4

Thurles Sarsfields 2-20

Borris-Ileigh 1-11

Report: Michael Dundon at FBD Semple Stadium

Borris-Ileigh bowed tamely out of the County Senior Hurling Championship, suffering a twelve point defeat at the hands of Thurles Sarsfields in round three of group four on Sunday in a game that never lived up to pre-match expectations.

Unbeaten going into the contest, with a win over Kiladangan and a draw with Clonoulty-Rossmore, there were many who predicted great things for the Borris boys, but they still needed something from their clash with Sarsfields to ensure their continued participation. The urgency of their situation was not reflected in their performance, which, apart from a bright opening, lacked energy and conviction.

Sarsfields on the other hand, were guaranteed a preliminary quarter-final game on the strength of their Mid final success, but they showed far more, appetite for the fray, setting aside the concession of an early goal, to take a grip on the game they never relinquished while still looking as though they had another gear in them if required.

When Dan McCormack goaled for Borris after six minutes, followed immediately by an Eddie Ryan point, it looked as though they were up for the contest leading 1-1 to 0-1 but things nose-dived for them thereafter as Sarsfields with Stephen Cahill and Darragh Stakelum leading the charge took over. The Blues had levelled at 0-5 to 1-2 after twelve minutes and then Conor Lanigan set up Paddy Creedon for a goal and a 1-5 to 1-2 lead which quickly extended to 1-8 to 1-2 advantage after 21 minutes.

Sarsfields had scored 1-6 without reply and Borris were in trouble. A strong finish to the half which yielded points from Eddie Ryan (2) and Paddy McCormack gave them encouragement but at the break there was a four points differential, 1-9 to 1-5.

By no means an irretrievable deficit, Borris-Ileigh still needed to lift their game considerably to make up the ground lost but it did not happen. After an early exchange of points, Sars hit six without reply to go 1-15 to 1-6 clear at the three quarter stage. Borris needed something big to ignite their challenge. Points from Paddy McCormack and Brendan Maher were not enough, and the game was put beyond their reach when Seanie Butler signalled his arrival on the pitch with a Thurles point followed by a goal in the 51st minute created by Paddy Creedon.

Trailing 2-17 to 1-8, there was no way back for Borris whose challenge petered out as the clock wound down, a twelve points beating a huge anti-climax to a year which had promised much.

Sarsfields will be glad to have extended their recovery after that early round loss to Kiladangan and while they still have way to go appear to be on course for a serious bid for the top honours. Their defence was really on its game spearhead by a central spine of Denis and Ronan Maher which Borris never threatened. Paul Maher and Michael Purcell also shone while Stephen Cahill was his usual busy self at midfield. Darragh Stakelum had a stormer in attack, his six points from play reflecting his man of the match status while Seanie Butler’s contribution off the bench was again significant.

Borris-Ileigh have some soul-searching to do as they exited at the group stage for the second successive year. The lack of consistency in their play is an issue as they seek to recapture the glory days of their recent county success. They will draw encouragement from the progress of youngsters like Eddie Ryan and Paddy McCormack but delivering big performances on big days is a problem for them. No one doubts the talent in the side – reaching their full potential when it matters, appears to be the problem.

This was a day when few of their squad were at their best. Dan McCormack worked hard all through. Brendan Maher’s influence grew as the game progressed while Eddie Ryan, as always, was their main source of scores. Paddy McCormack’s points underlined his potential. Seamus Bourke and Jerry Kelly also did their bit.

Player of the Match: Darragh Stakelum (Thurles Sarsfields).

Thurles Sarsfields: Patrick McCormack (6); Paul Maher (7), Denis Maher (7), Stephen Maher (6); James Armstrong (6), Ronan Maher (0-2f, 8), Michael Purcell (7); Stephen Cahill (0-2, 7), Cathal Moloney (6); Conor Stakelum (0-2, 6), Billy McCarthy (6), Darragh Stakelum (0-6, 6); Conor Lanigan (6), Paddy Creedon (1-0, 6), Aidan McCormack (0-6f, 6).

Subs: Seanie Butler (1-1, 6) for Lanigan (44); Tommy Doyle (6) for McCarthy (49); David Corbett (6) for S Maher (52); Cian Stakelum (6) for Creedon (54); Eoin Purcell (0-1, 7) for Cian Stakelum (60+1 inj).

Borris-Ileigh: Jody Harkin (6); Colm Boyle (6), Liam Ryan (6), Seamus Bourke (6); Brendan Maher (0-1, 7), Jerry Kelly (7), Ray McCormack (6); Sean McCormack (6), Tom Ryan (6); Eddie Ryan (0-7, 4f, 7), Dan McCormack (1-1, 7), James Devaney (6); Kevin Maher (6), Conor Kenny (6), Paddy McCormack (0-2, 7).

Subs: Jack Hogan (6) for Devaney (49); Dan Ryan (6) for P McCormack (52); Shane Kenny (6) for S McCormack (54).

Referee: John McCormack (Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams)