Gortnahoe Glengoole lay down title marker with impressive dismissal of Thurles Sarsfields

FBD Insurance Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship - Group 1 - Round 2

Gortnahoe Glengoole 3-23

Thurles Sarsfields 1-18

By Michael Dundon

This eight-point win over Thurles Sarsfields at Templetuohy on Sunday emphatically endorsed Gortnahoe Glengoole’s FBD Insurance Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship credentials and puts them top of group one after two rounds.

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Since their Mid title success a few weeks back, Gortnahoe Glengoole have gained momentum, and while this win was over a Sarsfields side hampered by the demands of the senior squad, the manner in which it was achieved underlined the quality the winners have as they seek to reach the top flight for the first time in decades.

They hit the ground running here – and were 0-8 to 0-3 clear after 13 minutes when Brian Maher surged out of defence to blast home a superb opening goal. Two minutes later Darragh Maher had their second goal to quash any faint hopes Sarsfields had of turning this game around.

The Thurles lads were hanging in – Rory Purcell, Cillian Minogue, and Jack Lanigan each registering 2 points, but at the break, Gortnahoe led 2-13 to 0-9, and were safely on course to a comfortable win.

Sarsfields needed a big second half to turn this about but while they fared better, it never seriously materialised. A Michael O’Brien goal effort was foiled by Gortnahoe goalie Timmy Dunne as the side shared 4 points in as many minutes after resuming. 

Then Jack Lanigan pointed 2 Sarsfields frees, followed by an Aidan Stakelum goal off good work by Mossie McCormack, and another Jack Lanigan pointed free to cut the deficit to 1-14 to 2-15 after 40 minutes.

The threat presented, Gortnahoe responded with points from Ronan Teehan, Adrian Maher and Jack Moore to stifle the Thurles comeback. 

A brace of Jack Lanigan pointed frees again hinted at a Sarsfields rally but just as quickly, Ronan Teehan, Jack Moore and Kyle Hayes had white flags to allay Gortnahoe anxiety. Darragh Maher put the issue well beyond doubt with his second and Gortnahoe’s third goal on the hour mark.

Gortnahoe Glengoole are in a good place right now. Unbeaten at divisional and county level, there is a confidence running through the side that suggests the ultimate prize is a real possibility, and the challenge for them now is to maintain their momentum as the closing stages of the championship approach.

Next up is a third round clash with Sean Treacy’s, a tricky encounter against a side chasing qualification for the knock-out stages after the win over Moyne Templetuohy last week.

As the scoreline indicates, Gortnahoe-Glengoole are rich in attacking players with Keane Hayes, Ronan Teehan, and Darragh Maher leading by example. 

Further back, the influence of Jack Moore, Brian Maher, Fionn Cleary, and Martin Barnaville is immense. Overall, this is a Gortnahoe Glengoole side that is going to take beating this year, having been knocking on the door in recent campaigns.

Sarsfields are the only club in the county competing at this level as well as at senior level, and despite their considerable playing resources, the demands of the senior team take a heavy toll on the second side, with many players again promoted to the senior side for their championship tie at the weekend. 

In such circumstances, it is a considerable achievement to be as competitive at this level. With 1 win from 2 games, their next outing against Moyne-Templetuohy will determine if they qualify for the knock-out stages.

Jack Derby and James Armstrong were the key men in their defence, while Daniel Rossiter and Michael Purcell worked hard at midfield. Jack Lanigan was their top scorer from frees, with Michael O’Brien presenting the biggest threat from play. Mossie McCormack and  Aidan Stakelum also did their bit.

Scorers: Gortnahoe Glengoole: Keane Hayes (0-9, 0-3f), Darragh Maher 2-2, Brian Maher 1-0, Ronan Teehan, Fionn Cleary, Jack Moore all 0-3 each, Adrian Maher 0-2, D Corbett 0-1.

Thurles Sarsfields: Jack Lanigan (0-11, 0-9f), Aidan Stakelum 1-0, Rory Purcell, Cillian Minogue 0-2 each, Aidan Ryan, Daniel Rossiter, Mikey O’Brien 0-1 each.

Gortnahoe Glengoole: Timmy Dunne; Philly Purcell, Davy Nolan, Martin Barnaville; Karl Campion, Brian Maher, Fionn Cleary; Jack Moore, Conor Gleeson; Adrian Maher, Ronan Teehan, Aidan Guilfoyle; Damien Corbett, Darragh Maher, Keane Hayes.

Subs used: Billy Hogan for A Maher (56); Davy Lanigan for Barnaville (57); Liam Hayes for Guilfoyle (59).

Thurles Sarsfields: Kevin Bracken; Seosamh Ryan, Jack O’Mara, Kieran Moloney; Aidan Ryan, James Armstrong, Jack Derby; Daniel Rossiter, Michael Purcell; Rory Purcell, Conor Lanigan, Mossie McCormack; Mikey O’Brien, Jack Lanigan, Cillian Minogue.

Subs used: Paul Noonan for Moloney (21); Aidan Stakelum for Minogue (HT); David Corbett for C Lanigan (HT); Michael Russell for J Lanigan (55).

Referee: Joe Leahy (Moyne Templetuohy)

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