Thurles Sarsfields record a handy win in their first Munster venture to qualify for semi-final

Munster Senior Club Camogie Championship - Preliminary Round

Thurles Sarsfields 0-11 

Clanmaurice 0-0

Thurles Sarsfields began their Munster Senior Club Camogie Championship campaign in impressive fashion with a 0-11 to 0-0 win over Clanmaurice in Ballyheigue, a result driven by the accuracy and leadership of captain Caoimhe Stakelum.

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The Tipperary champions faced atrocious weather conditions, with driving wind and rain making flowing camogie almost impossible, but they adapted far better than their opponents. Stakelum was the standout performer, scoring ten of Sarsfields’ eleven points in a game where defences dominated and clear chances were scarce.

Having only won the Tipperary senior title the previous weekend, Sarsfields carried that momentum into Kerry and took control early. With the wind at their backs in the opening half, they pinned Clanmaurice deep in defence. 

Stakelum punished a series of fouls with unerring accuracy, converting three frees and two 45s, while also clipping over a fine point from play. The only other score of the first half came from Lucy Purcell, who pointed after a clever assist from Karen Kennedy, outstanding once again in midfield.

Clanmaurice, making their debut at senior level after back-to-back All-Ireland intermediate titles, were severely weakened by the absence of their key scorers Patrice Diggin, Jackie Horgan and Amy O’Sullivan, as well as defender Aoife Behan. Without a recognised free-taker, full-back Sara Murphy shouldered extra responsibility but the conditions offered her little hope of success from distance.

At the back, Sarsfields were rock solid. Leanne Coppinger and Niamh McCormack were excellent in the full-back line, while Ciara Cummins, well known from Ireland’s Fittest Family, worked tirelessly around the middle third. They led 0-7 to 0-0 at the break and kept control throughout the second half despite the worsening weather.

Clanmaurice fought bravely, with Murphy and Niamh Leane outstanding in defence, the former making a superb goal-line clearance to deny Laura Loughnane. But they struggled to create scoring opportunities at the other end, and Stakelum added four more points for the visitors, one from play, to close out a commanding victory.

It was far from a spectacle given the conditions, but Thurles Sarsfields will be satisfied with a composed and professional display that sends them into the next round with confidence high.

Scorers: Thurles Sarsfields: C Stakelum (0-10, 0-5f, 0-2 45s), L Purcell 0-1.

Thurles Sarsfields: S Hennessy; Leanna Coppinger, Niamh McCormack, Rebecca O’Meara; Emma Carey, Eimear Kennedy, Marie Creedon; Ciara Cummins, Aoife O’Dwyer; Andrea Loughnane, Lucy Purcell, Sarah Stakelum; Karen Kennedy, Caoimhe Stakelum, Laura Loughnane.

Subs used: Nicola Loughnane for S Stakelum (56); Kate Stakelum for M Creedon (60); Maria Ralph for A Loughnane (60).

Clanmaurice: Aoife Fitzgerald; Rachel McCarthy, Sarah Murphy, Michelle Costello; Elaine Ryall, Niamh Leen, Aine O’Connor; Edel Slattery, Danielle O’Leary; Laura Collins, Caoimhe Spillane, Ann Marie Leen; Julianne O’Keeffe, Kate Lynch, Liz Houlihan

Subs used: Ciara Moloney for J O’Keeffe (HT, inj).

Referee: Joe Mullen (Clare)

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