Sarsfields spring trap to knockout Golden and clinch first ever Intermediate final place

FBD Insurance Intermediate Football Championship semi-final

Thurles Sarsfields 1-16

Golden Kilfeacle 0-18

By Michael Dundon

Thurles Sarsfields claimed their place in the FBD Insurance County Intermediate Football Final for the first time with a thrilling win over a fancied Golden Kilfeacle in a fiercely fought semi-final at Dundrum on Sunday that had the decent attendance on the edge of their seats to the final whistle.

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The West lads went into the game as favourites, but in a game decided by fine margins, Sarsfields had a slight edge, and their spirited resistance in the closing minutes as Golden chased a levelling point carried the day for them.

This was a cracking game from the very start, with both sides opting for a far more direct attacking approach than is seen in football nowadays. For the spectators, it was exciting stuff as the intensity was maintained throughout. 

Golden had a chance to snatch victory with an injury-time two-pointer free, but it tailed wide, while Sarsfields spurned a chance of a goal seconds previously, the effort also going wide. Fine margins indeed.

From the throw-in, the exchanges were lively. Jack Currivan denied Henry Fogarty a possible Sarsfields goal with a fine save after two minutes, but four Jack Leamy points had Golden 0-4 to 0-2 ahead by the end of the first quarter. 

With Paddy Creedon showing great leadership and twice pointing, Sarsfields were on terms by the 17th minute, but three Golden points on the trot from Eoin Marnane (two) and Eanna Ormond saw the West lads move clear with momentum behind them, 0-8 to 0-5 after 25 minutes.

After 27 minutes, Sarsfields got what proved to be the match-winning score when Aidan Stakelum made the most of an Aidan Ryan pass to test the netting, bringing Sarsfields back on terms. 

Sam Hall’s two-pointer free nudged Golden ahead again, but in keeping with the pattern of the game, Sarsfields gained parity once more before half-time with points from Paddy Creedon and Liam McCormack, 1-7 to 0-10.

It was hugely entertaining stuff between two sides with nothing between them, and so it continued after the break. An early two-pointer from Liam McCormack pushed Sarsfields clear, but Golden surged back to go ahead with points from Sam Hall and Niall Heffernan and a two-point free from goalie Jack Currivan, 0-14 to 1-9, all within six minutes of restarting.

Sarsfields then enjoyed a good ten-minute spell which yielded scores from Kevin Bracken, Kieran Costello, Aidan Ryan and Liam McCormack (two frees) to go 1-15 to 0-16 ahead entering the last quarter, Sam Hall and Jack Leamy points keeping Golden in touch.

A two-point free by Liam McCormack gave Sarsfields the initiative, but Golden kept on their tails, and as injury time approached, the Thurles boys were 1-16 to 0-18 ahead and hanging on. Golden had the chance of taking the lead with a two-point free, but it drifted wide, and Sarsfields had a chance to make things safe, but it too went begging. 

Thurles' euphoria at referee Sean Lonergan’s final whistle led to much back slapping and delighted embraces, while Golden's disappointment at what might have been was understandable.

As a contest, this was a wonderful example of what football can be about. Both sides were honest and positive in their approach, and while retaining possession was still a primary concern, they went forward at every opportunity. 

In Paddy Creedon, Sarsfields had the man of the match, his three points from play and his leadership were vital factors in the Sarsfields win. 

He did not lack assistance, with Michael Cahill, Kevin Bracken, Aidan Ryan, Kieran Costello and the Stakelums wholehearted in all their endeavours, while Liam McCormack’s accuracy from frees and pace was also central to the Sarsfields' effort.

Golden Kilfeacle contributed immensely to the contest and will regret a few wasted chances which could have made all the difference. They had a lot of quality on their side, with Shane O Connell, Eoin Marnane, Niall Heffernan, Jack Leamy and Josh Keane foremost in their bid for a spot in the final.

Sarsfields’ final opponents are not yet known, as the second semi-final between Clonmel Commercials and Rockwell Rovers did not go ahead due to the untimely passing of Tipp football manager Philly Ryan, a leading figure in the Clonmel Commercials club.

Scorers: Thurles Sarsfields: Liam McCormack (0-8, 2x2ptf, 0-4f), Aidan Stakelum 1-0, Paddy Creedon 0-3, Aidan Ryan 0-2, Matthew Kelly, Kieran Costello, Kevin Bracken all 0-1 each.

Golden Kilfeacle: Jack Leamy (0-6, 0-5f), Sam Hall (0-4, 0-2ptf), Jack Currivan (0-2, 1x2ptf), Eoin Marnane 0-2, Eanna Ormond, Ben Currivan, Niall Heffernan, Seanie O Halloran 0-1 each.

Thurles Sarsfields: Lorcan Cummins; Conor Fogarty, Cathal Hayes, Conor Stapleton; Michael Cahill, Henry Fogarty, Darragh Stakelum; Aidan Ryan, Kieran Costello; Kevin Bracken, Paddy Creedon, Aidan Stakelum; Cian Stakelum, Matthew Kelly, Liam McCormack.

Subs used: David Bourke for Kelly (47); James Lloyd for Bracken (59).

Golden Kilfeacle: Jack Currivan; Ciaran Byrne, Aidan O’Connell, Jack Lonergan; Ben Currivan, Shane O’Connell, Cian O’Connell; Eoin Marnane, Niall Heffernan; Eanna Ormond, Jack Leamy, Gavin Dalton; Sam Hall, Josh Keane, Jack Bergin.

Subs used: Aaron Colohan for Bergin (46); Seanie O’Halloran for Marnane (52); Daithi Bargary for Keane (54); Shane Stapleton for Lonergan (55).

Referee: Sean Lonergan (Moyle Rovers)

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