Concerns for Borris-Ileigh as Sarsfields impress

GAA: FBD Insurance County Senior Hurling Championship Group 2

Thurles Sarsfields 2-23

Borris-Ileigh 1-14

Report: Michael Dundon at FBD Semple Stadium

Borris-Ileigh’s aspirations for this year’s County Senior Hurling Championship are precariously balanced following this unexpected twelve-point drubbing at the hands of Thurles Sarsfields in the opening round on Saturday evening.

Regarded as one of the plum ties of the opening round, this one-sided affair scarcely raised a murmur in the large gathering as a dominant Sarsfields took control from the start and were out of sight of rivals by half-time at which stage they led 2-13 to 0-6.

It was an outing Borris-Ileigh players and fans will want to forget and to add to their concerns as they face a crucial tie with Templederry in round two, a game both sides must win. Brendan Maher, the team leader, must be considered doubtful having had to withdraw with what appeared to be a hamstring injury after only nineteen minutes. Without him Borris are not nearly as effective, much of what they do being inspired by his work.

By then Sarsfields were 2-9 to 0-4 to the good and coasting but it is to Borris’ credit that they kept plugging away despite their fate being well-decided. Lesser teams would have thrown in the towel, but Borris stuck to their game plan, despite the severe disruption caused by Maher’s withdrawal.

Sarsfields were already quickly moving clear of their rivals when Paddy Creedon bagged their opening goal after eight minutes. Seanie Butler set up the chance as they established a 1-6 to 0-2 lead. In the seventeenth minute a stray puck-out presented Denis Maher with the opportunity to register Sarsfields second green flag. The writing was on the wall for Borris’.

Two minutes later came Brendan Maher’s withdrawal, which prompted the placing of Dan McCormack at the heart of the defence, disrupting the Borris game strategy. At half-time Sarsfields led 2-13 to 0-6 and anything other than a Thurles victory was out of the question.

Borris had a better second half but never threatened to overhaul their rivals who were doing just enough to keep themselves safely clear. A four-point flurry from Borris from the 35th to the 39th minute brought them to 0-13 to 2-16, and hinted at a rally, but three Sarsfields points on the trot dismissed the prospect.

Borris badly needed a goal and James Devaney saw a worthy effort stopped by Sars goalie Patrick McCormack in the 47th minute. The Thurles response was three rapid-fire points to go 2-22 to 0-13 clear entering the closing minutes.

Dan McCormack was now operating in a more attacking role, and he was rewarded with a goal in the 61st minute, followed by a Conor Kenny point, scores that could yet prove very valuable when group placings are being determined on score difference if it comes to it, but which had no bearing on the outcome here.

Thurles Sarsfields have every reason to be happy with their performance. It was an important result which should add momentum to their campaign with Drom & Inch next on the horizon. A leg injury to Ronan Maher after 43 minutes will be a concern as he was a towering figure at the heart of their defence. Denis Maher continues to be a key figure in attack, his strength and height vital. Paddy Creedon and Pa Bourke completed a formidable front line of attack for Sarsfields. Conor and Darragh Stakelum were lively and positive in all they did.

Borris-Ileigh have little time to regroup and the challenge for them now is to put this performance behind them and concentrate on what lies before them. There were too many handling and striking errors, fourteen wides adding to their tale of woe.

They are much better than this, and they will have to be at their best to overcome their neighbours Templederry in round two, to keep their championship hopes alive.

Dan McCormack was a rallying force all through with Conor Kenny causing Sarsfields lots of problems early on before fading from the picture. Sean McCormack and Ray McCormack battled determinedly all the way but there was little threat from an under-performing attack. Kieran Maher when introduced, did very well and should be in the reckoning for ma starting spot next time out.

Player of the Match: Denis Maher (Thurles Sarsfields)

Thurles Sarsfields: Patrick McCormack (6); Paul Maher (6), Ronan Maher (0-2f, 8), Seosamh Ryan (6); Jack Derby (6), James Armstrong (6), David Corbett (6); Conor Stakelum (0-2, 7), Cathal Moloney (6); Seanie Butler (0-1, 6), Aidan McCormack (0-9, 6f) 7), Darragh Stakelum (0-2, 7); Pa Bourke (0-3, 6), Denis Maher (1-3, 9), Paddy Creedon (1-1, 7).

Subs: Kieran Moloney (6) for R Maher (43 inj), Billy McCarthy (6) for C Moloney (51); Eoin Purcell (6) for Butler (55).

Borris-Ileigh: James McCormack (6); Seamus Burke (6), Ciaran Cowan (6), Sean McCormack (6); Liam Ryan (0-1, 6), Brendan Maher (6), Ray McCormack (6); Dan McCormack (1-2, 8), Tommy Ryan (6); Niall Kenny (6), Jerry Kelly (0-1, 6), Kevin Maher (6); James Devaney (0-1, 6) Conor Kenny (0-2, 1f) 7), Eddie Ryan (0-5f, 6).

Subs: Kieran Maher (0-2, 7) for B Maher (19 inj); Paddy Stapleton (6) for Cowan (49).

Referee: Michael Kennedy (Newcastle).