Sarsfields remain perfect in seeing off Moycarkey
Thurles Sarsfields 1-25
Moycarkey/Borris 0-19
Moycarkey/Borris 0-19
Report: Michael Dundon in Holycross
Aidan McCormack turned on the style as Thurles Sarsfields comfortably saw off the challenge of Moycarkey-Borris in round three County Senior Hurling Championship tie on Sunday.
Recently returned from an overseas tour of duty with the army, McCormack was at his best as he shot twelve of Sarsfields points, eight from play, a huge contribution as the fancied Thurles lads completed their group three campaign unbeaten.
Sarsfields are on most people’s short-list as potential champions after being out of the honours for two years, but injuries to former county men Billy McCarthy and Denis Maher will give them concern facing into the quarter-finals. McCarthy lasted only eight minutes before limping off, while Maher was sidelined with a shoulder injury after 39 minutes.
With Moycarkey already reconciled to fighting a relegation battle and Sarsfields qualified for the quarter-finals, this encounter lacked the intensity that normally characterised engagements between the clubs. Moycarkey are building a senior team from very successful minor sides of recent years, and their young squad needs time to grow into the game at this level. Avoiding relegation was always going to be their mission this year given the quality of the sides in their group with three potential county champions to contend with Loughmore, Kilruane and Sarsfields.
Sarsfields stamped their authority on proceedings from the start and by the first water break were 0-7 to 0-1 clear. Moycarkey came more into the picture on resuming but by half-time Sars were 0-14 to 0-7 in front and cruising. Kyle Shelley pointed four Moycarkey frees with Max Hackett also prominent. Aidan McCormack shot eight Sarsfields points, three from frees.
Moycarkey did slightly better in the third quarter cutting the deficit to five points, 0-13 to 0-18 though never really threatening to rein in their rivals.
However, Tommy Doyle’s goal for Sarsfields in the 52nd minute which had Sarsfields 1-20 to 0-14 ahead, put the game to bed.
After two barren years Sarsfields are in the hunt for honours and serious contenders showing quality and hunger. This was not their best display but it was more than enough for the occasion.
Aidan McCormack took top individual honours with an impressive twelve points return, eight from play. Ronan Maher dominated at fullback, while Stephen Cahill, John Maher, Padraic Maher, Michael Gleeson, Denis Maher, Michael Cahill and Pa Bourke also had their moments.
Moycarkey-Borris now face into the relegation struggle. Knowing their fate before the throw-in this was their least competitive display of the campaign, but when the stakes are down, and they are fighting for top-flight survival, they will be a different proposition.
Jack Morrissey and Max Hackett were top performers up front with Pat Molloy hugely influential in defence. John Bergin, Niall Heffernan and Darren Flood did their bit. Subs J J Dermody, Rory Ryan and Jack Fallon all did well when introduced.
MATCH DIGEST
Player of the Match: Aidan McCormack (Thurles Sarsfields)
Thurles Sarsfields: Patrick McCormack (6); Cathal Moloney (6), Ronan Maher (0-2, 8), Michael Cahill (6); Michael Gleeson (6), Padraic Maher (6), Kieran Moloney (6); Tommy Doyle (1-0, 6), Stephen Cahill (0-4, 7); Billy McCarthy (NR), John Maher (0-3, 7), Aidan McCormack (0-12, 5f) 9); Eoin Purcell (6), Pa Bourke (0-3, 7), Denis Maher (0-1, 6).
Subs: Conor Lanigan (6) for McCarthy (8 inj); Stephen Maher (6) for C Moloney (HT); Lar Corbett (6) for Purcell (37); David Corbett (6) for D Maher (39 inj), Conor Stakelum (6) for Bourke (45).
Moycarkey-Borris: Rhys Shelly (6); Kevin Hayes (6), Tom Hayes (0-1, 6), Tom Ryan (6); Kevin O’Reagan (6), Eoghan Hayes (6), Pat Molloy (0-1, 7); Niall Heffernan (6), Kieran Cummins (0-1, 6); Max Hackett (0-3, 7), Jack Morrissey (0-4, 2f) 7), John Bergin (0-1, 6); Kyle Shelly (0-5f, 6), Conor Hayes (6), Darren Flood (6).
Subs: J.J. Dermody (0-1, 6) for C Hayes (HT), Jack Fallon (0-1, 6) for K Shelly (HT); Rory Ryan (6) for O’Reagan (HT).
Referee: Paddy Shelly (Ballingarry)
Player of the Match: Aidan McCormack (Thurles Sarsfields)
Thurles Sarsfields: Patrick McCormack (6); Cathal Moloney (6), Ronan Maher (0-2, 8), Michael Cahill (6); Michael Gleeson (6), Padraic Maher (6), Kieran Moloney (6); Tommy Doyle (1-0, 6), Stephen Cahill (0-4, 7); Billy McCarthy (NR), John Maher (0-3, 7), Aidan McCormack (0-12, 5f) 9); Eoin Purcell (6), Pa Bourke (0-3, 7), Denis Maher (0-1, 6).
Subs: Conor Lanigan (6) for McCarthy (8 inj); Stephen Maher (6) for C Moloney (HT); Lar Corbett (6) for Purcell (37); David Corbett (6) for D Maher (39 inj), Conor Stakelum (6) for Bourke (45).
Moycarkey-Borris: Rhys Shelly (6); Kevin Hayes (6), Tom Hayes (0-1, 6), Tom Ryan (6); Kevin O’Reagan (6), Eoghan Hayes (6), Pat Molloy (0-1, 7); Niall Heffernan (6), Kieran Cummins (0-1, 6); Max Hackett (0-3, 7), Jack Morrissey (0-4, 2f) 7), John Bergin (0-1, 6); Kyle Shelly (0-5f, 6), Conor Hayes (6), Darren Flood (6).
Subs: J.J. Dermody (0-1, 6) for C Hayes (HT), Jack Fallon (0-1, 6) for K Shelly (HT); Rory Ryan (6) for O’Reagan (HT).
Referee: Paddy Shelly (Ballingarry)