Sarsfields have little trouble in claiming semi spot with the defeat of a poor Nenagh effort

FBD Insurance Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-final

Thurles Sarsfields 0-29

Nenagh Éire Óg 1-19

By Michael Dundon

Despite a bright start, Nenagh Eire Og were outplayed by Thurles Sarsfields in a low-key FBD Insurance County Senior Hurling quarter-final at Semple Stadium on Sunday, the only blip on the Sars radar being that they left Nenagh in the game almost to the finish.

Nenagh went into this encounter with only one championship win behind them in the campaign, that over Lorrha, whereas Sarsfields won all their group games to be justifiable favourites. However, Nenagh’s record against Sarsfields shows that they have always capable of doing “a number” on their rivals, and on that basis a cracking encounter was anticipated.

It never materialised. There was none of the intensity one expects of knock-out competition as Sarsfields stamped their authority on proceedings after the opening quarter, and apart from an eight minute slump at the start of the last quarter, they were the masters all the way, smoothly pointing themselves out of reach of their rivals with a six point closing flourish.

Nenagh were left to ponder what might have happened had Ben West not been denied a likely goal by a Patrick McCormack save after 15 minutes with the sides tied at 0-7 each, or how they would have fared had they not lost fullback Conor McCarthy to injury after 23 minutes. 

Key incidents certainly, but overall Sarsfields were much better than their opponents, much slicker in their play, much more assured in their approach, and with a far wider range of scoring options.

The early exchanges were balanced as the sides finished the first quarter on equal terms, 0-7 each, despite some erratic Sarsfields shooting which saw them register five wides in the opening ten minutes. Nenagh dangerman Jake Morris was well-policed by Paul Maher of Sarsfields with Tommy Heffernan presenting the biggest scoring threat for the Lower Ormond boys. 

At the other end Sarsfields scores were coming from a variety of marksmen with newcomer Liam McCormack shaping well in attack, while Ronan and Denis Maher put up the shutters in defence.

After 20 minutes the sides were tied at 0-9 each but in the closing minutes of the half, Sarsfields bolted clear, hitting six points to Nenagh’s two for an interval lead of 0-15 to 0-11, a reasonable reflection of the balance of play in the opening period. Stephen Cahill, with three first half points from midfield for Sarsfields, and Sam O’Farrell with three for Nenagh, were others to catch the eye in the period.

Neither side made a decisive break in the early stages of the second half but from the thirty seventh to the 45th minute Sarsfields broke for home with six unanswered points from Liam McCormack(2), Eoin Purcell (2),Paddy Creedon and Darragh Stakelum. 

At 0-23 to 0-14, Sarsfields were coasting but in an eight minute spell, Nenagh changed that. Barry Heffernan and Mikey Heffernan points preceded an Adam Healy goal after 52 minutes followed by another Mikey Heffernan point to leave just three point between them with seven minutes left.

Anxious moments for Sarsfields. If Nenagh were good enough they had the time, but as Pa Bourke whipped over two points and Seanie Butler, another, the Nenagh challenge fizzled out, the Thurles lads having the last three scores also from Michael Purcell, Conor Stakelum and Stephen Cahill to secure their place in the last four.

A comfortable win for Sarsfields fashioned from a smooth display despite sixteen wides, which, combined with the 29-point tally, indicates the opportunities generated by the winners. A higher execution rate percentage will be required to ensure further progress but there was satisfaction in the camp that a tricky hurdle was negotiated with conviction and that progress continues to be made in pursuit of another Dan Breen Cup title. 

Mossie McCormack was ruled out of the starting line-up because of injury but management can be pleased with the quality of the talent coming off the bench, three of whom scored when introduced.

Ronan Maher and Denis Maher were towering figures at the heart of the Sarsfields defence with credit to Paul Maher for his policing of Nenagh’s county start Jake Morris. Stephen Cahill had capital game at midfield crowned by a five point return. Cathal Moloney’s grafting at midfield is admirable while Eoin Purcell, Liam McCormack and Darragh Stakelum were “on their game” in attack.

Nenagh’s disappointment at this performance is understandable but it was in keeping with what had gone before. Conor McCarthy’s injury was a big blow, leaving a huge gap in the defence, where Barry Heffernan and Conor Ryan did most to curb Thurles inroads. 

Tommy Heffernan was Nenagh’s best player with five points from frees, but Sam O Farrell also had a good outing, and Mikey Heffernan, as usual, was generally reliable from placed balls. Overall though, Nenagh fans had little to cheer about as another disappointing campaign came to a conclusion.

Thurles Sarsfields: Patrick McCormack; Paul Maher, Denis Maher, Stephen Maher; James Armstrong, Ronan Maher, Cian Stakelum; Stephen Cahill (0-5), Cathal Moloney (0-1); Conor Stakelum (0-2), Darragh Stakelum (0-3), Aidan McCormack (0-4f);  Eoin Purcell (0-4), Paddy Creedon (0-2), Liam McCormack (0-4).

Subs used: Pa Bourke (0-2f) for Creedon (50); Seanie Butler (0-1) for A McCormack (51); David Corbett for L McCormack (55); Michael Purcell (0-1) for S Maher (57); Kieran Costello for Cian Stakelum (59).

Nenagh Éire Óg: Dermot McTiernan; Mark Carey, Conor McCarthy, Conor Ryan (0-1); Barry Heffernan (0-1), Paddy Murphy, Conor Hennessy; Mason Cawley, James Mackey; Sam O’Farrell (0-3), Tommy Heffernan (0-5), Mikey Heffernan (0-7f); Ben West, Jake Morris (0-2), Josh Keller.

Subs used: Philip McIntyre for McCarthy (23); Adam Healy (1-0) for West (43); Jamie Cottrell for Mackey (46); Cian Crowley for Keller (51).

Referee: Conor Doyle (Silvermines)