Thurles Sarsfields get the better of Borris-Ileigh in thrilling Tipperary Minor B camogie final

Thurles Sarsfields 6-15 Borris-Ileigh 5-9

The FBD Insurance Minor B County Camogie Final was an exhilarating contest, filled with thrilling scores and standout performances, as Thurles Sarsfields powered to a 6-15 to 5-9 victory over Borris-Ileigh in Boherlahan.

The win marked back-to-back minor county titles for Thurles Sarsfields, who captured the Minor C crown last year.

Borris-Ileigh made an explosive start, finding the net in the opening minute to take an early lead. However, Thurles responded immediately through Caoimhe Stakelum, who fired in a goal at the other end.

Both teams exchanged early points, with Grace Stapleton keeping Borris-Ileigh in contention, before Lucy Rabbitte struck her side's second goal in the 14th minute to put them 2-3 to 1-3 ahead.

Thurles hit their stride as the first half wore on, thanks to the individual brilliance of Lucy Purcell and Caoimhe Stakelum. They showcased superb skill, with Stakelum delivering a stunning strike off the hurley in the 19th minute to raise another white flag.

By the closing stages of the half, Thurles had extended their lead to eight points. Credit to Borris-Ileigh, though, as they kept battling. They were rewarded with a fine goal from Aoife Fitzgerald after a perfectly timed pass from Grace Stapleton, leaving the half-time scoreline at 3-9 to 3-3 in Thurles’ favour.

Borris-Ileigh started the second half brightly, with Emma Maher - who scored some crucial frees in the second half - landing the opening score. First half substitute Sophie Nolan quickly responded with a goal for Thurles, followed by another Maher free.

Thurles then delivered a key moment when joint captain Ella Moloney, who had surged upfield from her wing back position, scored her side’s fourth goal of the hour. Despite the growing deficit, Borris-Ileigh continued to fight, with Grace Stapleton finding the net 10 minutes into the second half to cut the gap to seven points. Caoimhe and Kate Stakelum both added to Thurles’ tally, while Aoife Fitzgerald and Maher kept the scoreboard ticking over for Borris-Ileigh.

In the 59th minute, Lucy Purcell delivered the decisive blow, firing in her second goal of the game to push Thurles’ lead to 11 points.

Caoimhe Stakelum followed up with a late point, but Borris-Ileigh had one final moment of brilliance as Emma Maher stepped up for a free and drove the ball low and hard into the net with the last puck of the game.

In the end, Thurles Sarsfields’ quality and firepower proved too much, as they were crowned champions on a final scoreline of 6-15 to 5-9.

Caoimhe Stakelum and Lucy Purcell were the standout performers for the winners, as they caused problems for the Borris defence throughout. Thurles had plenty of other key performers, though, with three other goal scorers along with great displays from Kaelinn Rossiter, Sophie Bourke and Leanna Coppinger. 

SEE ALSO: Holycross/Ballycahill complete hurling double

Thurles Sarsfields: Alina Keogh, Laragh Griffin, Leanna Coppinger, Naoise Treacy, Martina Creedon, Sophie Burke, Ella Moloney (1-0), Lucy Purcell (2-4), Kaelinn Rossiter, Kate Stakelum (0-1), Caoimhe Stakelum (1-11, 5 frees, 1 '45), Ava Geoghegan, Eve Cleary, Maria Ralph, Alva Nuvoloni (1-0). Sub: Sophie Nolan (1-0).

Borris-Ileigh: Aisling Boyle, Aoife Ryan, Tara Kennedy, Tara Fitzgerald, Abi Kelly, Eve Maher, Ava Fanning, Aoife Fitzgerald (1-3), Therese Groome, Ava Bevans, Emma Maher (1-4 frees), Lucy Rabbitte (1-0), Amy Maher, Grace Stapleton (2-2), Alesha Fanning.