Sarsfields quality and containment sees off Moyne Templetuohy in Mid final triumph

Thurles Sarsfields defeated Moyne Templetuohy in the Mid final on Sunday afternoon

Doran Oil Mid Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Final

Thurles Sarsfields 0-18

Moyne Templetuohy 0-11

Thurles Sarsfields raced away from a fancied Moyne Templetuohy in the last quarter to capture the Doran Oil Mid Tipp Premier Intermediate Hurling title at Boherlahan on Sunday.

Moyne Templetuohy, who were experiencing their second successive defeat in the divisional final, were without county panellist Gearoid O'Connor, and he was sorely missed in an underperforming attacking division which got little scope from an impressive Thurles defence, ably led by former Tipp star Michael Cahill.

A big win over Boherlahan Dualla a week previously had many fancying Moyne Templetuohy's chances of the silverware and, though they raised the first flag of the afternoon, a Conor Bowe point inside twenty seconds, they subsequently played second fiddle to the Thurles lads, who picked off their scores confidently.

By the first water break, Sarsfields were ahead 0-5 to 0-2. Cillian Minogue was proving a hot handful for the Moyne defence. On resuming, Sarsfields went 0-7 to 0-3 clear, but then Moyne had their best spell of the game, points from Conor Deegan (2), Tristan Kelly, and Ben Ryan bringing them level after 24 minutes. Things were looking promising for Moyne-Templetuohy, but they failed to sustain the effort.

Jack Lanigan's free-taking is a big asset to Sarsfields, and he landed three before half-time to give his side a 0-10 to 0-8 advantage at the break. By no means a huge lead, it was to prove too much for Moyne Templetuohy, who were still two behind at the second water break, 0-11 to 0-13.

The final quarter saw a dominant Sarsfields stamp their authority on the game. Tommy Doyle, Cillian Minogue, Darragh Minogue, Jack Lanigan, and Philly Hayes all raised white flags for the Thurles lads, who got stronger as the game progressed and never looked like being caught by their rivals.

This was a big win for Sarsfields, who begin a difficult county campaign against South senior champions St Mary's, with Carrick Swans and Killenaule also waiting in the wings. The biggest challenge will be to avoid losing players from this team to senior ranks. Many of the side have senior experience, which will help them challenge for further honours.

In this win, the defence was particularly impressive, with Seosamh Ryan and Michael Cahill backboning the resistance. Cathal Moloney, David Corbett, Jack Lanigan, Philly Hayes, and Liam McCormack all had big games, with Cillian Minogue particularly impressive. Kieran Costello, when introduced, also made a big impression and should press for a starting position next time out.

The loss was a setback for Moyne Templetuohy, who begin their county campaign against Gortnahoe-Glengoole in a group that also includes Sean Treacy's and Silvermines. It is within their capacity to advance from that group, although they will still be without Gearoid O'Connor for that opening game.

Shane Lowe and Ciaran Lloyd were strong at the heart of their defence. Cormac Deegan was their top man in attack. Conor Bowe tried hard to get the attack working. Eanna Guilfoyle and Tom Meade also did their utmost to tip the scales in their favour, but overall a big improvement is required if progress is to be made in the county journey.

Scorers: Thurles Sarsfields: Jack Lanigan (0-6, 0-3f), Cillian Minogue 0-4, Philly Hayes 0-3, Kieran Costello, Rory Purcell, Tommy Doyle, Liam McCormack, Darragh Minogue all 0-1 each.

Moyne Templetuohy: Cormac Deegan (0-6, 0-3f), Eanna Guilfoyle, Tom Meade, Conor Bowe, Tristan Kelly, Ben Ryan all 0-1 each.

Thurles Sarsfields: Michael McCormack; Kieran Moloney, Seosamh Ryan, Fionn Fogarty; Cathal Moloney, Michael Cahill, Michael Purcell; David Corbett, Tommy Doyle; Rory Purcell, Philly Hayes, Jack Lanigan; Cillian Minogue, Conor Lanigan, Liam McCormack.

Subs used: Kieran Costello for C Lanigan (35); Darragh Minogue for R Purcell (47); Harry Fitzgibbon for Doyle (53).

Moyne Templetuohy: Martin Kelly; Danny Moore, Shane Lowe, Kieran Larkin; Eoin Ryan, Ciaran Lloyd, Eanna Guilfoyle; Padraig Gleeson, Cathal Guilfoyle; Tom Meade, Conor Bowe, Cormac Deegan; Finn Jones, Tristan Kelly, Ben Ryan.

Subs used: Ben Moore for E Ryan (HT); Conor Campion for B Ryan (40); Pierce Meade for T Kelly (50); Paul Noonan for C Guilfoyle (56).

Referee: Johnny Butler (Upperchurch Drombane)