Minogue masterclass helps Sarsfields to Division 1 league title at Brackens' expense

Horse and Jockey Hotel Mid Junior Hurling League - Division 1 final

Thurles Sarsfields 2-19

JK Brackens 0-10

An impressive Sarsfields side proved far too strong for an understrength JK Brackens fifteen in the Horse and Jockey Mid Junior Hurling League Division 1 final at Toor Field, Thurles, on Thursday evening last.

Sarsfields made all the running, but the scoreline did not reflect the JK Brackens effort, which was spoiled by some poor shooting, with nine first-half wides when aided by the breeze seriously damaging their prospects. Sars goalie Kevin Bracken also made a couple of top-drawer saves to deny them scores that would have kept them on the heels of their rivals.

The Thurles lads, on the other hand, were sharp and positive, with Darragh Minogue an inspiring figure in attack, hitting six points from play and another four from frees. A brace of goals by Aaron Darmody in a three-minute spell early in the first half tipped the scales irrevocably in Sars' favour and left the Templemore lads with a mountain to climb subsequently.

Those goals put Sarsfields 2-1 to 0-3 clear after eleven minutes, and they quickly added further points from Darragh Minogue, Michael Russell and Aaron Darmody. At half-time, Sarsfields were ahead 2-11 to 0-5 and looking home and dried. Darragh Doyle scored three of the Brackens' first-half points, all from frees.

It was going to take a mighty effort from Brackens to rescue this one and, while they battled manfully, they never threatened to reel in the opposition.

Sarsfields were 2-14 to 0-9 ahead at the three-quarter stage and hit the last five points of the game as both sides emptied their benches, with the issue no longer in any doubt.

This was a top-class showing from Sarsfields and, if they can avoid losing players to a higher grade, they will be a force in the junior championship.

Darragh Minogue was the star turn in this win, but goalie Kevin Bracken, team captain David Maher, Aidan Ryan, Rory Dwan, Paddy Stakelum and Aaron Darmody also had big games.

JK Brackens were missing a raft of players but were not fifteen points a poorer side. The first-half goals conceded had them on the back foot and they did not have the firepower to capitalise on the decent share of play they enjoyed.

Martin Delaney, Dean McEnroe, Eoin Fitzpatrick, Brian Roche, Padraic O'Shea and Mikey Delaney were their key men. With a full complement at their disposal, they will have a big say in the destination of championship silverware.

Scorers: Thurles Sarsfields: Darragh Minogue (0-10, 0-4f), Aaron Darmody 2-1, Michael Russell, Aidan Ryan, Matthew Kelly all 0-2 each, Pa Dunne, Darragh O’Dwyer 0-1 each.

JK Brackens: Darragh Doyle 0-4f, Padraic O’Shea 0-2, Eoin Fitzpatrick, Martin Delaney, Joe Bourke, Martin Bergin all 0-1 each.

Thurles Sarsfields: Kevin Bracken; Stephen Dwan, David Maher, Rory Dwan; Aidan Doyle, Bill Darcy, Padraic Crone; Matthew Kelly, Aidan Ryan; Paddy Stakelum, Michael Russell, Mossie McCormack; Darragh Minogue, Aaron Darmody, Pa Dunne.

Subs used: Oran Fogarty, Darragh O’Dwyer, Emmet Fogarty, Mikey Stakelum, Conor Stapleton.

JK Brackens: Cormac Bourke; Jamie Bergin, James Bergin, Niall Moloney; Martin Delaney, Mikey Delaney, Eddie Bergin; Dean McEnroe, James Ryan; Martin Bergin, Darragh Doyle, Eoin Fitzpatrick; Padraic O’Shea, Brian Roche, Joe Bourke.

Subs used: Sean Jordan, Dillon Quinlan, Tommy Martin, Paddy Delaney.

Referee: Sean Everard (Moyne Templetuohy)