Fourteen-man Sarsfields hold firm to claim Mid Junior A crown

Premier Credit Union Mid Junior A Hurling Final

Thurles Sarsfields 2-22

Moycarkey Borris 3-15

Thurles Sarsfields produced a powerful and composed performance to claim the Premier Credit Union Mid Junior A Hurling title following an entertaining four-point victory over Moycarkey Borris in Templetuohy on Sunday evening.

Sarsfields were made to work hard for their success, particularly as Moycarkey mounted a determined late challenge, but they showed plenty of character to withstand that pressure and get over the line on a 2-22 to 3-15 scoreline.

Ronan O’Dwyer, who came into the starting team in place of Eoin Webb, set the tone for Sarsfields with a superb opening point and continued to impress throughout. O’Dwyer produced a string of fine scores over the course of the contest and his contribution earned him a fully deserved Man of the Match award.

Joint-captain Matthew Kelly was another hugely influential figure for the winners. Kelly kept the scoreboard moving with three excellent points and was also heavily involved in one of the game's crucial moments, with his clever link-up play helping to create a goal for Darragh O’Dwyer.

A well-worked short pass opened up the opportunity and O’Dwyer kept his composure to apply the finish, giving Sarsfields another major boost in their pursuit of the Mid title.

They also had goalkeeper Willie Tierney to thank for an important intervention in the second half. Tierney produced a crucial save at a stage when Moycarkey were attempting to build momentum, helping Sarsfields retain control at a key moment in proceedings.

Sarsfields’ victory was made all the more impressive by the fact that they were forced to play a significant portion of the contest with 14 men. Stephen Dwan was dismissed after receiving two yellow cards in the first half, presenting the eventual winners with a major challenge.

Rather than allowing that setback to derail their challenge, Sarsfields responded with grit and determination. They continued to work hard and maintained their composure as Moycarkey attempted to make their numerical advantage count.

Moycarkey certainly did not allow the game to drift away from them and continued to battle right to the final whistle.

Liam Corcoran made a huge impact after being introduced in the second half, with the No. 17 striking an impressive 2-1 to ignite Moycarkey’s comeback hopes. His contribution gave Moycarkey renewed belief and helped drive their challenge during the closing stages.

Darren Flood was another to impress for Moycarkey, delivering a fine performance and keeping his side in contention with several well-struck scores from placed balls.

Moycarkey’s late surge ensured Sarsfields could never relax, but despite their determination and Corcoran’s significant contribution from the bench, it simply wasn’t to be their day.

Sarsfields held firm when it mattered most to secure a 2-22 to 3-15 victory and add the Premier Credit Union Mid Junior A Hurling title to the club’s honours.

Afterwards, Mid Chairman Martin Bourke and Mid Secretary Mark Dunne presented the cup to joint-captains Matthew Kelly and David Maher.

Moycarkey Borris: Conor Hayes; Dan Hayes, Kevin Moran, Cillian Doran; Rory Ryan, Pat Molloy, Liam O’Meara; Jack Fallon, Chrissy McCullagh; Tom Ryan, Brendan Looby, Diarmuid Maher; Mark Heffernan, Darren Flood, JJ Darmody.

Subs used: John Bergin for T Ryan; Davey O’Donnell for R Ryan; Sean Maher for Maher; Kevin Moran for Flood.

Thurles Sarsfields: Willie Tierney; Stephen Dwan, Rory Dwan, Mickey Stakelum; Aidan Doyle, Aidan Ryan, Conor Stapleton; Matthew Kelly, Bill Darcy; Paddy Stakelum, Padraig Crone, Michael Russell; Ronan O’Dwyer, Aaron Darmody, Mossie McCormack.

Subs used: Darragh O’Dwyer for Paddy Stakelum; Conor Fogarty for Mick Russell; Odhran Fogarty for Aidan Doyle; Kevin Bracken for Mossie McCormack.

Referee: Joe Leahy (Moyne Templetuohy)