Thurles Sarsfields hold off Upperchurch fightback to make winning championship start

FBD Insurance County Senior Hurling Championship - Group 1 - Round 1

Thurles Sarsfields 0-28

Upperchurch Drombane 3-13

Thurles Sarsfields survived a spirited second-half surge from Upperchurch Drombane to claim full points in a lively Group 1 encounter of the FBD Insurance County Senior Hurling Championship at Holycross on Saturday evening.

The All-Ireland intermediate champions looked set for another heavy defeat after being soundly beaten by the Thurles men when the sides met in the Mid quarter-final a few weeks ago.

Sarsfields appeared to be cruising when they opened up an 11-point lead entering the final quarter, but two Upperchurch goals in the space of four minutes sparked a remarkable revival that left just a point between the teams with five minutes remaining.

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An upset looked a real possibility, but Sarsfields showed their experience when the pressure came on, firing over six unanswered points to get their championship campaign off to the best possible start in what promises to be a highly competitive Group 1, which also includes Holycross Ballycahill and Kilruane MacDonaghs.

After bowing tamely out of the Mid Championship following defeat to Holycross-Ballycahill in the semi-final, this represented a much-improved display from Sarsfields. Twenty-eight points is an impressive return and the fact they came from 11 different scorers highlights the attacking strength within the side.

However, conceding three goals will certainly provide food for thought as they look ahead to the remaining group games.

For Upperchurch-Drombane, what had been a lacklustre display for long periods was redeemed by their late rally, and they will hope to carry that momentum into round two, where victory will be imperative if they are to remain firmly in the race for a knockout place.

Last year's All-Ireland intermediate success is now history. The challenge now is to remain in the senior ranks and avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

A Paul Shanahan goal after seven minutes gave Upperchurch a 1-1 to 0-2 advantage, and they fought hard to retain it as Sarsfields gradually found their range. After 24 minutes the sides were level at 1-4 to 0-7 before Sarsfields began to take control.

With the Stakelum brothers leading the way, they powered into an interval lead of 0-13 to 1-6, although the advantage was not as significant as it might have been given they had the benefit of the breeze.

Upperchurch looked well placed to spring a surprise, but Sarsfields resumed in dominant fashion. With the minimum of fuss they struck six points in the opening ten minutes of the second half, Upperchurch's only reply coming from a Pat Ryan free.

At the three-quarter stage Sarsfields led 0-21 to 1-7, and the contest appeared to be over. Ciaran Shortt then produced an excellent save to deny Kieran Rossiter a goal and keep Upperchurch's hopes alive.

The gauntlet was thrown down as three Pat Ryan frees in succession lifted the Upperchurch supporters. Gavin Ryan and Aaron Ryan added further points before, in the 50th minute, Gavin Ryan blasted a penalty to the net after Jack Butler had been fouled.

Four minutes later Philip O'Dwyer capitalised on a favourable break to rifle home a third Upperchurch goal, and suddenly there was just a point between the teams at 3-12 to 0-22 with five minutes remaining.

Sarsfields, however, did not panic. Euan Murray steadied the ship before Aidan Stakelum and Conor Stakelum followed with important scores. Two Darragh Stakelum frees, and another point from Denis Maher finally put daylight between the sides as the Thurles men closed out victory. Loughlin Ryan had the final score for Upperchurch when the outcome had already been decided.

This was an important opening-round victory for Thurles Sarsfields, who have every reason to be optimistic about the weeks ahead. While the concession of three goals is an area they will need to address, the confidence gained from this performance should stand to them.

Conor Stakelum was outstanding and, in the absence of the injured Ronan Maher, is adapting to the number six role with ease. His brothers Cian, Aidan and Darragh all made significant contributions, while Euan Murray, Keith Loughnane, Daniel Rossiter and Stephen Maher also impressed.

Upperchurch-Drombane will take plenty of encouragement from their late revival, which demonstrated the character within the side. However, eight of their 15 scores came from placed balls, highlighting a lack of scores from open play that may become a concern as the championship progresses.

Ciaran Shortt excelled in goal with three fine saves, while Mikey Lavery, Dean Carew, Gavin Ryan, Sean Griffin and Philip O'Dwyer battled throughout. Jack Butler also made a positive impact after his introduction.

Scorers: Thurles Sarsfields: Conor Stakelum (0-6, 2f), Darragh Stakelum (0-5, 3f), Aidan McCormack (0-4, 4f), Daniel Rossiter, Kieran Rossiter, Keith Loughnane, Aidan Stakelum, Euan Murray (0-2 each), Eoin Purcell, Paddy Creedon, Denis Maher (0-1 each).

Upperchurch Drombane: Pat Ryan (0-6, 0-5f), Gavin Ryan (1-2, 1-0 pen, 0-2f), Philip O'Dwyer 1-1, Paul Shanahan 1-0, Sean Ryan, Sean Griffin, Aaron Ryan, Loughlin Ryan all 0-1 each.

Thurles Sarsfields: Patrick McCormack; Paul Maher, Stephen Maher, Henry Fogarty; Keith Loughnane, Conor Stakelum, Cian Stakelum; Daniel Rossiter, Euan Murray; Aidan Stakelum, Darragh Stakelum, Eoin Purcell; Aidan McCormack, Paddy Creedon, Kieran Rossiter.

Subs used: Denis Maher for Aidan McCormack (45); James Armstrong for Paul Maher (54); Tommy Maher for Kieran Rossiter (56); Robbie Stapleton for Eoin Purcell (58).

Upperchurch Drombane: Ciaran Shortt; Mikey Lavery, Dean Carew, Luke Shanahan; Niall Grant, Gavin Ryan, Sean Griffin; Aaron Ryan, Keith Ryan; Conor Fahey, Sean Ryan, Philip O'Dwyer; Pat Ryan, Paul Shanahan, Paddy Phelan.

Subs used: Jack Butler for Sean Ryan (40); Toby Corbett for Aaron Ryan (46); Loughlin Ryan for Niall Grant (53).

Referee: Gerry Treacy (Borris-Ileigh)

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