Thurles Sarsfields ease past disappointing Holycross Ballycahill in Templetuohy

Centenary Agri Mid Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final

Thurles Sarsfields 1-22

Holycross-Ballycahill 1-11

Thurles Sarsfields’ place in the Centenary Agri Mid senior hurling final was never under threat as they saw off the challenge of Holycross Ballycahill comfortably at Templetuohy on Saturday evening in a game that fell below expectations.

Recent successes at under-age level suggested that Holycross Ballycahill were primed for a return to big time action at senior level and a place in the final for the first time since 1999 but in a modest contest they were on the backfoot from the very start and scored just four points from play.

The main difference between the sides was the manner in which Sarsfields picked off their scores, and, with eight different marksmen they had a range of options their opponents never matched. The Thurles lads’ pace and first touch was far superior as was their ability to pick out a pass and support the player in possession.

This was evident from the word go as they moved 0-6 to 0-3 clear after 13 minutes. Ewan Bourke recused Holycross with a smart save off Conor Stakelum in the 16th minute but the Sarsfields machine was ticking over nicely, with Aidan McCormack particularly impressive scoring five points, as they reached half-way with a 0-13 to 0-5 advantage. Holycross did not score from play in the period. Darragh Woods had four points, three frees and a sideline cut with goalie Ewan Bourke also pointing a free.

It was going to take a big Holycross improvement to change the pattern in the second half but despite Cathal Barrett’s early point, it never really materialised. Sarsfields extended their advantage to 11 points by the 37th minute but then Holycross had three points without reply from Darragh Woods(2) and Ben Hennessy to cut the lead to eight and hint at a revival.

A false dawn – Conor Lanigan marked his introduction with a 42nd-minute goal after good work by Darragh Stakelum and added a point immediately afterwards to put Sars 1-19 to 0-9 clear.

Holycross battled on and Darragh Woods netted a 20m free for them in the 53rd minute too late to be of any significance.
A divisional final victory guaranteeing a place in the preliminary quarter-finals gives added value to this championship and Sarsfields face into the decider in good shape but the bigger test lies ahead. They have immense potential but this contest did not test them sufficiently to evaluate their current situation so judgement will be reserved for now.

Aidan McCormack was on top of his game in a very productive attack, five of his nine points coming from play. All round they were in control, David Corbett having a fine outing at fullback with Jack Derby and Seosamh Ryan also shining in a defence that had the measure of their opponents man for man. Stephen Cahill and Cian Stakelum were on top at midfield, with Conor Lanigan making a significant contribution when introduced in attack.

Holycross Ballycahill’s focus now turns to the county campaign where they will be hoping for progress as they develop their young side with survival in the top flight their primary aim at this time.

There is an abundance of young talent in the club but patience will be required as they find their feet with the onus on senior stars such as Cathal Barrett, Bryan O’Mara and Mickey Joe Doyle to provide the necessary leadership.

This contest will have given them an indication of the level of performance required to succeed, a target they are well capable of achieving.

That trio, along with Darragh Woods, Ewan Bourke in goal, Jimmy Ryan and Jim Ryan did most to stem the relentless Sarsfields tide.

Thurles Sarsfields: Patrick McCormack; Seosamh Ryan, David Corbett, Stephen Maher; Jack Derby, Ronan Maher (0-2), Michael Purcell; Stephen Cahill (0-2), Cian Stakelum (0-2); Cathal Moloney, Darragh Stakelum (0-1), Tommy Doyle; Eoin Purcell (0-2), Conor Stakelum (0-2), Aidan McCormack (0-10, 0-5f).

Subs used: Conor Lanigan (1-1) for Moloney (41); Paddy Creedon for Doyle (41); Denis Maher for Derby (46).

Holycross Ballycahill: Ewan Bourke (0-1f); Cathal Barrett (0-2), Conor Ryan(H), Jimmy Ryan(H); Mickey Jo Doyle, Bryan O’Mara, Jim Ryan; Eoin Craddock, Shane Ryan; Tadhg Gould, Luke O’Mara, Ben Hennessy (0-1); Darragh Woods (1-7, 1-6f), Joe Caesar, Jack Dwan.

Subs used: Jimmy Lahart for Dwan (25); Aidan Stakelum for Gould (40); Gavin Dunne for S Ryan (40); Liam Doyle for L O’Mara (49).

Referee: Martin Ryan (Moyne Templetuohy)