Thrilling extra time encounter sees Sarsfields edge Boherlahan in U19A semi-final

Johnny Butler Minibus Services Mid U19 A Hurling Championship Semi-Final

Thurles Sarsfields 3-26

Boherlahan Dualla 1-23  (After extra time)

By Michael Dundon

Sarsfields were too strong in extra time for 14-man Boherlahan Dualla emerging flattering nine points winners after a fine Johnny Butler Minibus Services Mid U19A hurling semi-final at Holycross last week.  They will face Holycross Ballycahill in the final.

There was little between these sides in an absorbing hour’s hurling and while Boherlahan may have been deemed fortunate to take the game to extra time as Dylan Fogarty netted a penalty for them with the last puck of the game to equalise, the loss of Ben Kirby to a second yellow card shortly before the finish left them at a distinct disadvantage for the remainder of the game.

Boherlahan were also unfortunate in that team captain Dylan Fogarty shipped a heavy knock in the first half which impaired his mobility and while he soldiered on very effectively as a “sweeper” in defence and later in attack, one can only speculate what his influence might have been if fully fit.

For all that Sarsfields fully deserved their win which was due in no small measure to the inspirational Keith Loughnane whose scores from play and frees got them over the line. Daniel Rossiter was also key to the win, his “sweeping” performance at the core of the defence stymying a lot of Boherlahan’s attacking initiatives.

The first half reflected how little there was between the teams. Ben Kirby was “on song” from frees for Boherlahan with Keith Loughnane equally accurate for Sarsfields as the sides finished the period tied at 0-10 each. Ronan O’Brien hit three points for Sarsfields from play in the period with Paddy Gahan twice pointing for Boherlahan.

Boherlahan resumed in flying form, with four Kirby points and another from Dylan Fogarty to which Ronan O’Brien and Keith Loughnane responded for Sarsfields, sending them 0-15 to 0-12 clear by the end of the third quarter.

Sarsfields looked in trouble but a defensive mix-up by Boherlahan gave Keither Loughnane the chance to level with a goal and from there to the end it was hectic. With the game going into injury time Sarsfields were ahead 1-17 to 0-18 and then Boherlahan lost Ben Kirby to a second yellow card. 

Bill Fogarty and Keith Loughnane points had Sarsfields a goal clear when Dylan Fogarty, now operating in attack for Boherlahan, was fouled and he “buried” the penalty to send the tie to extra time at 1-19 each.

The extra man was a key factor in extra time and after the sides shared six points, Kieran Rossiter struck for a crucial goal coming to the break to put Sarsfields 2-22 to 1-22 ahead. 

With many players cramping and lots of stoppages, Sarsfields dominated the second half of extra time. Kieran Rossiter had a goal chance well saved by Boherlahan goalie Tommy Breen but the Thurles lads were not to be denied, Michael McCormack netting three minutes from the end for a 3-25 to 1-13 lead. 

Paddy Gahan had a goal chance from a 20m free for Boherlahan which was beaten away and Leelan Donoghue sealed Sarsfields' win with a late point.

A hard-earned win for Sarsfields but one which should bring them on greatly before the final with Holycross-Ballycahill.  There is a lot of talent in their side and no shortage of spirit. Keith Loughnane, Daniel Rossiter, Kieran Rossiter, Euan Murray, Paul Noonan, and Ronan O’Brien were their key men. 

Boherlahan have been making great strides in underage in recent years and are now beginning to see the fruits of that hard work both at under-age and adult levels. They will be justifiably disappointed as losing out here but the outlook is bright for a club with a long and proud history. Dylan Fogarty, Ben Kirby, Charlie Ryan, Eugene O’Dwyer, and Paddy Gahan were the driving forces for them in this contest.

Thurles Sarsfields: James Woodlock; Kieran Purcell, Paul Noonan, Aaron Moore; Bill Fogarty (0-1), Euan Murray (0-1), Evan Nolan; Alex Coppinger (0-1), Keith Loughnane (1-13, 0-7f); Kieran Rossiter (1-2), Ronan O’Brien (0-4), Leelan Donoghue (0-1);  Daniel Rossiter, Tristan Kelly (0-2), Cillian Minogue(0-1).

Subs used: Stephen Dwan for Moore; John Broderick for Donoghue; Michael McCormack (1-0) for Kelly; Eoin Webb for Coppinger; Joe Cornally for O’Brien; Donoghue for Webb; Conor Gleeson for Nolan.

Boherlahan Dualla: Tommy Breen; Tadhg O’Donnell, Eugene O’Dwyer, Brian Gleeson; Conor Kennedy, Charlie Ryan (0-3),Darragh Ryan; Dylan Fogarty (1-5, 1-2f),Robbie Darcy (0-1); Cormac Gleeson (0-1), Patrick Gahan (0-2), Sean Bourke; Ryne Bargary (0-2), Ben Kirby (0-8f),Conor Fogarty.

Subs used: Aaron Toomey (0-1) for Bourke; Diarmuid Coffey for Gleeson; S Bourke for Fogarty; Kieran O’Neill for D Ryan.

Referee: Tom Loughnane (Gortnahoe Glengoole)